Service Operations Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Life Space Digital is redefining premium real estate experiences through an elevated network of high-quality digital screens installed in elevators, lobbies, and select high-traffic environments. We operate at the intersection of real estate, technology, and media—bringing a sophisticated, modern content layer to Class A and top-tier properties nationwide.

Our platform is built for quality, reliability, and scale, delivering a premium experience that enhances property value, connects brands with affluent urban audiences, and sets a new standard in the U.S. DOOH market.

Backed by experienced leadership and significant long-term investment, Life Space Digital is expanding rapidly across major U.S. cities. We are building a team of operators, technologists, and creators committed to precision, performance, and operational excellence as we lead the next chapter of premium digital out-of-home media.

The Operations Manager will lead operational planning and execution at Life Space Digital, scaling the business efficiently, reliably, and with discipline. This role is responsible for building a high-performing team that delivers exceptional outcomes with rigorous cost control. You will design and implement the systems and processes that power our nationwide screen deployment and maintenance network — driving vendor negotiations that reset cost and performance benchmarks, while maintaining hands-on quality oversight.

Responsibilities span hardware logistics, installation and service operations, warehousing and 3PL coordination, field performance, and vendor management. The Operations Manager owns the department's annual budget, sets performance targets, controls costs, and ensures operational execution supports both company growth and margin goals. The role demands sharp commercial judgment and the ability to negotiate, challenge, and optimize vendor pricing and scopes across all markets — achieving breakthrough lows in cost-per-installation and service delivery.

From day one, you will take ownership of an early-stage operations function already in motion — strengthening installation workflows, market-level oversight, vendor alignment, quality controls, and the foundational processes of our operating model. This is a builder role with direct accountability: accelerating installation velocity, improving reliability, and driving measurable cost and quality improvements in real time.

This role partners closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams — Business Development, Content, and Product — to translate strategic priorities into mature operating systems, service models, and long-term organizational capability. The ideal candidate executes quickly, thinks clearly, adapts readily, and grows from tactical operator into strategic architect as the company scales.

What you’ll do:

• Design and implement the operational infrastructure required to support nationwide screen rollout, maintenance, logistics, and inventory management.

• Oversee and scale core verticals: hardware logistics, installation and service operations, warehousing and 3PL relationships, field execution, and vendor performance.

• Build and lead a team capable of high-stakes negotiation and cost optimization, with the right structure and capabilities to drive down installation costs and enforce quality standards across all markets.

• Recruit, train, and manage a high-performing operations team, including in-house staff and external partners.

• Develop SOPs, workflows, and performance standards that promote accuracy, accountability, and consistent execution nationally.

• Own the operations budget — forecasting, cost control, and targeted reduction of cost-per-install and cost-per-service metrics.

• Collaborate with Business Development to align operational timelines, installation readiness, and service planning with signed property partnerships.

• Partner with Product and Content teams to ensure hardware, firmware, and system requirements are operationally deployable and meet creative and technical specifications.

• Identify, onboard, and manage installation, service, warehousing, and logistics vendors; establish and enforce SLAs that ensure quality, responsiveness, and accountability.

• Implement tracking systems for installation quality, cost-per-installation, screen uptime, service turnaround times, and vendor performance — ensuring transparency and continuous improvement across markets.

• Build executive dashboards and reporting structures that give leadership clear visibility into progress, risk, cost trends, installation velocity, and optimization opportunities.

• Drive continuous improvement across installation workflows, vendor management, logistics, and communication to support speed, quality, and cost efficiency.

• Stay current on industry trends, regulatory considerations, and emerging technologies that may affect operational scale, cost position, or performance.

Who you are:

• 5–10 years of operations experience in high-growth, multi-market environments, with exposure to field execution, installation workflows, service operations, logistics, or vendor management.

• Bilingual fluency in English and Mandarin is preferred; candidates without native Mandarin may be considered if they demonstrate market relevant experience

• Proven experience in vendor negotiation, cost optimization, quality enforcement, and disciplined operational execution across multiple markets.

• Experience working with 3PLs, warehousing networks, installation partners, or service vendors, with a track record of holding external partners accountable to SLAs, pricing, and quality standards.

• Demonstrated ability to reduce operational unit costs, supported by reporting mechanisms that track trends and drive improvement.

• Strong financial acumen, including experience managing departmental budgets, modeling costs, navigating trade-offs, and enforcing commercial discipline.

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience coordinating, training, or managing distributed and cross-functional teams.

• Hands-on operator with a systems mindset — comfortable working at ground level when needed, and scaling to process-driven oversight as the organization grows.

• Clear, confident communicator who collaborates effectively with Business Development, Product, Content, and executive leadership.

• Familiarity with project management and logistics tools; experience implementing operational software or workflow systems is a plus.

• Bachelor's degree required.

• Competitive compensation with a performance-based structure tied to operational quality, cost efficiency, and installation velocity.

• The opportunity to shape the operating model, vendor ecosystem, cost structure, and field execution standards for a national network of premium screens.

• A central operating role with direct influence over unit economics, vendor strategy, installation practices, and the systems that will define Life Space Digital's long-term margin profile.

• The mandate and resources to build an operations function from the ground up — including teams, workflows, processes, and performance frameworks across multiple U.S. markets.

• A mission-driven environment where speed, quality, and cost discipline are valued equally, and where operational excellence directly fuels company growth.

• A fast-paced, collaborative culture rooted in execution, accountability, and cross-functional alignment across Real Estate, Product, Content, and Field Operations.

• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company contribution; and benefits designed to support sustainable, long-term performance.

Life Space Digital offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including:

• Healthcare: Medical coverage to keep you and your family healthy (employer covered premiums up to 100%)

• Dental: Comprehensive dental plan

• Vision: Vision coverage for eye care and eyewear

• Talkspace Therapy Package: Access to mental health support

• Commuter Benefits: Assistance for in-office employees’ commuting costs

• Short-Term Disability: Financial protection in case of temporary disability

• 401(k): Retirement savings plan with company match

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous leave for vacation, personal time, and holidays

The base pay range for this position is $80,000-$100,000 + bonus. Base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, candidate location, and experience.