The PLM Operations Manager is responsible for driving the operational excellence, stability, and scalability of the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) platform. This role ensures PLM processes, data, and system capabilities are aligned with business priorities—enabling product teams, supply chain, and manufacturing to operate efficiently and make decisions with confidence across the product lifecycle.
Value to the DepartmentThis role strengthens PLM execution by establishing clear operating discipline, governance, and transparency across the organization through:
- Driving execution consistency and reliability by standardizing PLM operating rhythms, intake, and delivery practices to reduce friction, rework, and cycle time.
- Enforcing data and process governance to ensure PLM data quality, standards adherence, and controlled change—enabling downstream teams (sourcing, planning, manufacturing) to operate with confidence.
- Providing a clear execution bridge between business stakeholders, product teams, and IT by translating needs into well-governed, actionable PLM capabilities and workflows.
- Improving communication and accountability through standardized reporting, dashboards, and forums that make progress, risks, and decisions visible and measurable.
- Own PLM execution cadence including sprint planning, reviews, retrospectives, and quarterly planning support.
- Manage PLM intake processes and ensure consistent backlog hygiene using Jira and related delivery tools.
- Coordinate execution and dependencies across multiple PLM platforms, TPMs, teams, and workstreams.
- Track vendor execution against SOWs, milestones, SLAs, and deliverables; surface risks early.
- Maintain visibility into PLM operational budgets, forecasts, and actuals.
- Own PLM operational communications, newsletter, dashboards, and Confluence documentation as the system of record.
- Apply AI-assisted tools to improve intake triage, backlog quality, and execution visibility.
- Leverage delivery data from Jira, vendors, and financial systems to identify risks and bottlenecks.
- Use generative AI to support status reporting, documentation summarization, and operational insights.
- Partner with PLM Data and Platform teams to ensure operational data is AI-ready and well-governed.
- Continuously evaluate tools and methods that reduce manual operational overhead.
- 7–12 years of experience in technology operations, delivery management, or program operations.
- Strong hands-on experience with Jira, Confluence, and Agile or Kanban delivery models.
- Experience coordinating multiple concurrent initiatives across internal teams and external vendors.
- Working knowledge of PLM, CAD, PDM, or engineering systems and related business processes.
- Demonstrated experience using data, metrics, and dashboards to drive execution improvements.
- Familiarity with AI-assisted tools, automation platforms, or analytics for operational workflows.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Operations Management, Business, or a related field.
- Master’s degree (MBA or MS) preferred but not required.
- Agile, SAFe, PMP, or equivalent delivery, operations, or program management certifications are a plus.
- Predictable and transparent PLM execution cadence across teams and vendors.
- High-quality intake and backlog hygiene with reduced execution friction.
- Clear operational visibility through dashboards and AI-assisted insights.
PAY
Below is a summary of compensation elements for this role at the company if based in the following locations:
California Base Pay Range: ($105,000 - $145,000 )
BENEFITS
As a full-time, regular teammate, you are eligible for the following benefits, beginning the first of the month following your start date.
Benefits include:
Competitive pay with annual performance-based reviews for continued growth and recognition
Comprehensive healthcare plan options, including PPO, EPO, HDHP, and HMO (acupuncture and physical therapy included)
Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer HSA contributions when enrolled in the High-Deductible Healthcare Plan (HDHP)
Dental and Vision plans
401(k) Company Matching up to $5,000 annually with immediate 100% vesting and administrative fees paid for by the company
Company-paid Life, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Employee Assistance Program that provides access to individualized mental well-being care
Generous Vacation, Sick, Paid Holidays, and Volunteer Time Off
14 weeks of 100% paid leave for birthing parents and 8 weeks of 100% paid leave for non-birthing parents, plus a Specialized bike for your new baby
Up to $9,000 annually in Career Development & Degree Assistance
Up to $250 annually in Fitness & Wellness Reimbursement
Industry Pro-Deal Discounts and Perks
For additional information on benefits and perks, please visit: https://benefits.specialized.com.
We want to increase representation of all races, genders, and body types in the cycling industry and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where all people thrive. We encourage everyone – especially those from marginalized groups – to apply to our job postings and help us earn the position as the rider’s brand of choice. We are always looking for creative, innovative, and passionate people who are eager to contribute to our mission of pedaling the planet forward. Regardless of your qualifications, if you are ready to make a difference, please apply and let us know how you can make an impact at Specialized!
See what we are up to on LinkedIn, Instagram.
Skills Required
- 7-12 years experience in technology operations, delivery management, or program operations
- Hands-on experience with Jira and Confluence
- Experience with Agile or Kanban delivery models
- Experience coordinating multiple concurrent initiatives across internal teams and external vendors
- Working knowledge of PLM, CAD, PDM, or engineering systems and related business processes
- Demonstrated use of data, metrics, and dashboards to drive execution improvements
- Familiarity with AI-assisted tools, generative AI, automation platforms, or analytics for operational workflows
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Operations Management, Business, or related field
- Master's degree (MBA or MS)
- Agile, SAFe, PMP, or equivalent delivery/operations/program management certifications
Specialized Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Specialized and has not been reviewed or approved by Specialized.
-
Retirement Support — A 401(k) with Fidelity offers up to $5,000 in annual employer matching with immediate vesting, and the company covers plan administrative fees for active employees. This provides strong retirement support within the total package.
-
Parental & Family Support — Published materials describe 6–8 weeks at 100% pay for birthing recovery and 8 weeks of fully paid parental bonding, alongside fertility benefits and adoption assistance. Some materials indicate certain roles or locations may offer even longer fully paid leave.
-
Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Cycling‑centric perks include substantial gear discounts, race entry fee support, on‑site fitness options, healthy on‑site meals, an employee bike service center, and a dog‑friendly HQ. These benefits can meaningfully enhance day‑to‑day experience for those who value the cycling culture.
Specialized Insights
What We Do
Founded on the principle of performance and fueled by innovation, our focus on the rider and their needs is our constant. From seasoned pros and weekend warriors, to kids and commuters—if you ride, we’re for you. The passion we have for sharing our love of bikes with the world can be seen in those who choose to work here. Headquartered in Morgan Hill, CA, the passionate and creative teammates at Specialized have designed and manufactured the world's most innovative bikes and gear since 1974. Are you ready to join our team and help pedal the planet forward?
