Business Operations Manager

Updated on 11/30/2023

51-200 employees

Develops electrochemical process for low-carbon cement production

Company Overview

Sublime Systems stands out as a leader in the cement industry by pioneering a low-carbon cement production process that replaces the traditional, fossil-fuel-intensive thermal calciner process with an electrochemical one, utilizing renewable electricity and operating at ambient temperatures. This groundbreaking approach, developed in Yet-Ming Chiang's lab at MIT, eliminates the energy and fossil fuel-intensive kiln stage, which is typically the most environmentally taxing part of cement manufacturing. Sublime's commitment to sustainable practices, technical advancement, and industry leadership makes it a compelling workplace for those seeking to make a significant impact in reducing carbon emissions.

Real Estate

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$40M

Founded

2020

Headquarters

Somerville, Massachusetts

Growth & Insights

Headcount

6 month growth

↑ 33%

1 year growth

↑ 73%

2 year growth

↑ 373%

Locations

Cambridge, MA, USA

Experience Level

Entry

Junior

Mid

Senior

Expert

Desired Skills

Management

Communications

CategoriesNew

Operations & Logistics

Requirements

Bachelors or 3-5 years of experience in a commercial/business/operations role at a high-growth company
People management and/or cross-functional leadership experience preferred
Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and the ability to execute effectively with limited guidance
Highly versatile, embracing new challenges and adapting seamlessly
Proven track record of success and increasing responsibility, including operational and construction scheduling and budget management in a rapidly growing environment
Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, CRMs, and project management tools
Excellent oral and written communication abilities; able to quickly collect, integrate, and execute on feedback from many sources, and communicate thoroughly, efficiently, and effectively across a dynamic team
Exceptionally organized and technologically proficient, with demonstrated ability to design new work systems for organizational efficiency
A high tolerance for ambiguity, positive attitude, and bias for action
Experience developing frameworks to facilitate strategic discussions and decision-making
Preferred experience in planning and delivering lab or manufacturing construction projects

Responsibilities

Oversee strategic business and operational processes that will enable Sublime Systems to scale effectively and efficiently
Collaborate with R&D, engineering, operations, and business development teams to proactively identify bottlenecks to company progress and work with stakeholders to identify areas for improvement, drive decisions and ensure appropriate resourcing of critical efforts
Partner closely with Operations team lead on high-priority operational projects critical to Sublime’s strategy and long-term growth, including CRM optimization and function buildout
Assist in developing strategic plans that enable Operations to support the rapid expansion, such as expanding Sublime’s facilities operations and lab management functions
Develop and maintain internal operational documentation, training materials, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and team objectives and key results (team OKRs) to track the effectiveness of operational initiatives and provide data-driven recommendations for process improvements
Exercise your organized and detail-oriented project-management skills to enable rapid progress and consistent execution of key initiatives and operations processes
Employ strong critical thinking skills to prioritize, structure, and execute on long-duration, multi-threaded projects aimed at improving operational efficiency
Oversee vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and procurement processes as needed to ensure cost-effective and high-quality partnerships
Assist in Operational budget planning and management, tracking expenses, and identifying opportunities for cost savings
Support and mentor team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and excellence within the operations team

Desired Qualifications

Highly mission-oriented and motivated to address climate change
Excitement and ability to work in a multicultural team; in addition, excellent interpersonal skills that allow you to work with founders, team members and partners of diverse backgrounds
Relentless attention to detail, yet capable of keeping the ‘big picture’ in mind
Experience developing frameworks to facilitate strategic discussions and decision-making
Able to manage competing priorities/operating independently in a fast-paced environment
Entrepreneurial and unafraid to tackle complex problems with imperfect information
Highly capable of anticipating the needs of others
Emotional intelligence, flexible work style, and excellent diplomatic skills across all levels of the organization
Ability to give and receive feedback and constructive criticism

Background & Overview

Sublime Systems is a technology company commercializing affordable, ultra-low-carbon cement. Sublime’s breakthrough replaces the industry’s legacy fossil fuel-fired kilns with an electrochemical system that operates at ambient temperature, eliminating the use of fossil fuel and the need for limestone, resulting in low-carbon, low-embodied energy cement. This technology has the potential to drive gigaton-scale CO2 reductions in an industry responsible for 8 percent of global emissions. Sublime is backed by mission-aligned investors, including The Engine, Prime Impact Fund, Energy Impact Partners, and Lowercarbon Capital. We are building a diverse and collaborative team of folks who are "amped about cement" (pun intended), who share our values (excellence, creativity, and teamwork), and our motivation to create a better world.

Position Overview

Sublime Systems is seeking a dynamic Business Operations Manager to drive operational efficiency initiatives within our rapidly growing team. The Business Operations Manager will play a crucial role in overseeing and optimizing various operational processes across multiple domains, including facilities, IT, finance, and more. In this role, you will be instrumental in the development and execution of strategic plans for Sublime Systems’ facilities and resources, pivotal to our rapid growth trajectory. Reporting directly to the Operations Team Lead, you’ll collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, supporting strategic initiatives and embracing diverse responsibilities within the company.

This role is ideal for a self-starter, problem-solver, doer with a blend of strategy, execution, and people management experience. It’s important to note that this position requires a substantial in-person presence at our Somerville, MA headquarters, and only candidates based in Boston will be considered.

Responsibilities include:

Oversee strategic business and operational processes that will enable Sublime Systems to scale effectively and efficiently
Collaborate with R&D, engineering, operations, and business development teams to proactively identify bottlenecks to company progress and work with stakeholders to identify areas for improvement, drive decisions and ensure appropriate resourcing of critical efforts
Partner closely with Operations team lead on high-priority operational projects critical to Sublime’s strategy and long-term growth, including CRM optimization and function buildout
Assist in developing strategic plans that enable Operations to support the rapid expansion, such as expanding Sublime’s facilities operations and lab management functions
Develop and maintain internal operational documentation, training materials, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and team objectives and key results (team OKRs) to track the effectiveness of operational initiatives and provide data-driven recommendations for process improvements
Exercise your organized and detail-oriented project-management skills to enable rapid progress and consistent execution of key initiatives and operations processes
Employ strong critical thinking skills to prioritize, structure, and execute on long-duration, multi-threaded projects aimed at improving operational efficiency
Oversee vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and procurement processes as needed to ensure cost-effective and high-quality partnerships
Assist in Operational budget planning and management, tracking expenses, and identifying opportunities for cost savings
Support and mentor team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and excellence within the operations team

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

Requirements include:

Bachelors or 3-5 years of experience in a commercial/business/operations role at a high-growth company
People management and/or cross-functional leadership experience preferred
Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and the ability to execute effectively with limited guidance.
Highly versatile, embracing new challenges and adapting seamlessly
Proven track record of success and increasing responsibility, including operational and construction scheduling and budget management in a rapidly growing environment.
Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, CRMs, and project management tools
Excellent oral and written communication abilities; able to quickly collect, integrate, and execute on feedback from many sources, and communicate thoroughly, efficiently, and effectively across a dynamic team
Exceptionally organized and technologically proficient, with demonstrated ability to design new work systems for organizational efficiency
A high tolerance for ambiguity, positive attitude, and bias for action
Experience developing frameworks to facilitate strategic discussions and decision-making
Preferred experience in planning and delivering lab or manufacturing construction projects

Desired characteristics:

Highly mission-oriented and motivated to address climate change.
Excitement and ability to work in a multicultural team; in addition, excellent interpersonal skills that allow you to work with founders, team members and partners of diverse backgrounds
Relentless attention to detail, yet capable of keeping the ‘big picture’ in mind
Experience developing frameworks to facilitate strategic discussions and decision-making
Able to manage competing priorities/operating independently in a fast-paced environment
Entrepreneurial and unafraid to tackle complex problems with imperfect information
Highly capable of anticipating the needs of others
Emotional intelligence, flexible work style, and excellent diplomatic skills across all levels of the organization
Ability to give and receive feedback and constructive criticism

Sublime Systems is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Research suggests that qualified people from historically marginalized groups may self-select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Your Right to Work

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.