Complex Operations Manager Jobs in Lexington, MA

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking an experienced and strategic Operations Manager to help advance its mission of promoting health, wellness, and equity across the Commonwealth within the Bureau of Community Health and Prevention. This role offers the opportunity to work at the center of public health operations, supporting programs that directly impact communities while helping to strengthen systems that ensure equitable opportunities for good health. The Operations Manager serves as an essential connector between strategy and execution, translating bureau priorities into effective, well-coordinated operational practices that support both immediate needs and long-term goals.

 In this role, you will guide the development and implementation of operational policies, oversee administrative and technology functions, and lead efforts to modernize processes across the bureau. This includes shaping standard operating procedures, improving internal workflows, and driving quality improvement initiatives that incorporate staff feedback and data-driven decision making. The position also plays a key role in strengthening communication across teams, managing complex administrative functions, and advocating for resources that enable staff to do their best work. With a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, this role is well suited for someone who enjoys solving complex challenges, building structure where it is needed, and contributing to a mission-driven organization committed to advancing public health and equity.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Provide leadership and oversight of bureau-wide administrative operations, ensuring alignment with departmental and Commonwealth policies while promoting efficient and consistent practices.
• Partner with bureau leadership to assess operational needs, allocate administrative resources effectively, and optimize workflow across functions.
• Oversee key administrative processes including travel authorizations and reimbursements, car rental coordination, print services, and alternative work schedule implementation.
• Establish and maintain bureau protocols for public records requests, privacy compliance, and records retention, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison with Facilities to address workspace needs, equipment, environmental conditions, and overall office operations across multiple locations.
• Act as the central point of contact for information technology matters, coordinating with internal stakeholders to assess needs, prioritize initiatives, and support system improvements.
• Manage the lifecycle of bureau technology assets, including deployment, tracking, and compliance with departmental policies.
• Collaborate on IT financial processes, including monitoring and managing chargebacks in coordination with fiscal operations.
• Represent the bureau in department-wide committees and working groups, advocating for operational and technology-related priorities.
• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of standard operating procedures across key functional areas, ensuring consistency and continuous improvement.
• Design and implement quality improvement frameworks, incorporating staff feedback, data analysis, and structured methodologies such as Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles.
• Support bureau-wide planning and preparedness efforts, including continuity of operations planning, and serve as a member of the Administration and Finance leadership team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience managing administrative or operational functions within a complex organization, preferably in government, healthcare, or public health settings.
• Strong background in developing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process improvement initiatives.
• Experience leading or supporting quality improvement efforts using structured methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA).
• Capacity to coordinate information technology needs, including working with IT teams to assess system requirements, manage assets, and support implementation of technology solutions.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, regulations, and compliance requirements related to privacy, public records, and records retention.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including leadership, program staff, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze operational challenges, identify solutions, and implement changes that improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate operational concepts for non-operational audiences and build strong working relationships.
• Commitment to advancing equity and inclusion, with experience integrating equity principles into operational practices and decision-making.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.

About the Department of Public Health:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth.

We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.

DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.

More information can be found at: MA Department of Public Health

Pre-Hire Process:

A tax & background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Human Resources Division prior to the candidate being hired.

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, professional internship, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required experience.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) 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.