Business and People Operations Manager

About OptiGrid:OptiGrid is an energy technology company accelerating fleet electrification with battery-integrated DC fast charging solutions. Our modular solution combines charging, energy storage, and grid management to eliminate costly infrastructure upgrades and cut deployment timelines from years to weeks. We are a multi-site hardware company operating across Kansas City, Longmont, and Newark. As we scale production and expand our footprint, operational consistency and cross-site alignment are critical to our success. If you want to make a real impact helping fleets go electric, we'd love to hear from you. Position Overview:The Business Operations & People Manager will serve as the operational integrator across OptiGrid’s three facilities in Kansas City, KS; Longmont, CO; and Newark, CA.This senior-level, hands-on role is responsible for building and running the core operational and people systems that support OptiGrid’s growth. This role owns cross-site business operations and acts as a key partner to leadership on hiring, organizational effectiveness, and employee experience. The ideal candidate ensures that each OptiGrid office reflects the professionalism, organization, and culture expected of a scaling infrastructure company. This position blends business operations, people operations, and workplace leadership, ensuring that OptiGrid can attract, onboard, develop, and retain talent while operating efficiently across locations. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable improving processes, supporting leaders, and rolling up their sleeves to solve day-to-day challenges. This role is responsible for not only aligning and standardizing business processes but also leading human resource initiatives such as talent acquisition, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, and compliance with employment laws. This position is critical to improving cross-site communication, reducing operational silos, and creating consistent employee experiences across all offices. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in human resources and business operations, adept at developing and implementing HR policies, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and serving as a trusted advisor to both leadership and staff. In addition to coordinating cross-site processes and workplace experiences, this leader will oversee HR functions, partner with local leaders to resolve employee-related issues and ensure company values are reflected in every aspect of the employee experience. As OptiGrid scales, this role will have increasing responsibility for strategic workforce planning, change management, and continuous improvement of both operational and HR practices. Key Responsibilities:Business & Operational LeadershipOwn and scale core business operations across OptiGrid sites, ensuring consistency, clarity, and accountabilityDesign and implement operational processes, standards, and documentation that enable execution at scalePartner with functional leaders to improve cross-team workflows, decision-making, and executionSupport operational planning, budgeting coordination, vendor management, and internal controlsIdentify operational gaps or risks and proactively implement solutionsPeople Operations & Hiring EnablementCollaborate with leadership to facilitate recruitment activities, including role definition, process development, onboarding, and workforce planning.Oversee and continuously enhance onboarding practices and new employee experiences.Provide support for performance management initiatives, goal alignment, and management development.Assist in executing scalable people processes designed to foster accountability, transparency, and engagement.Act as a dependable resource for managers on operational matters related to personnel.Cross-Site Operations & Workplace ManagementServe as the operational point of contact across all OptiGrid facilitiesDrive consistency in workplace standards, communication practices, and internal processesIdentify gaps or misalignments between locations and coordinate resolutionsPartner with leadership to improve cross-site communication and reduce silosSupport operational planning, readiness, and execution trackingOversee day-to-day workplace operations across locations, including facilities, vendors, safety, and employee experienceEnsure each site is well-supported, compliant, and aligned with OptiGrid standardsAct as the primary point of coordination for site-level operational needs and improvementsSupport office expansions, relocations, and space planning as the company growsHR & People InitiativesCollaborate with leadership teams on human resources initiatives, including onboarding, performance management, employee engagement, and culture developmentOversee and establish a standardized onboarding process across all organizational locationsAssist in designing and implementing scalable people-related processes that promote growth and accountabilityAct as a point of contact for managers and employees regarding operational and workplace personnel mattersCoordinate with external HR partners or internal stakeholders as appropriateFacilities & Workplace StandardsEnsure each facility meets OptiGrid’s standards for professionalism, safety, and functionalityCoordinate leases, vendors, maintenance, utilities, and service providersOversee facility transitions and expansions, including office moves and build-outsPartner with local facility managers where applicable to ensure alignmentManage vendor onboarding, contracts, renewals, and service qualityOperational Coordination & Leadership SupportSupport operations leadership with scheduling, initiative tracking, and follow-up coordinationTrack action items and cross-functional operational commitmentsAssist with internal reporting and operational readiness initiativesHelp drive clarity and visibility around operational priorities across sitesQualifications:7+ years of experience in business operations, HR operations, or a related leadership roleDemonstrated experience managing operations across multiple sites or locationsProven experience supporting hiring and scaling teams in a growing organizationStrong understanding of HR processes and employee lifecycle support (onboarding, performance, engagement)Strong organizational and process development skillsAbility to identify gaps and proactively implement improvementsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to work independently and manage priorities across time zonesProficiency with Microsoft Office and operational tracking toolsPreferred Skills:Experience in a fast-growth, startup, manufacturing or hardware environmentExperience scaling internal processes across multiple locationsProven ability to coordinate cross-functional stakeholdersComfortable evolving from coordination to ownership as the company scalesProven ability to coordinate day-to-day office and operational activities with attention to detail and follow-through.Why Join OpriGrid?Make an Impact: Help accelerate fleet electrification and reduce carbon emissions by enabling faster, more affordable EV charging infrastructure deployment. Work With Great People: Join a collaborative team that values diverse perspectives. We solve hard problems together and celebrate wins as a team. Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision insurance, and PTO.