Business Operations Associate

Business Operations Associate

Summary Description

Dynamics produces software and hardware products across a number of industries.
As a Business Operations Associate in our engineering-focused firm, you will be the "connective tissue" between our technical teams and commercial objectives. This is a versatile, builder-operator role designed for a high-initiative individual who thrives on variety. You will be responsible for executing diverse tasks ranging from deep-dive market research and lead generation to complex financial analysis and vendor selection. Your primary goal is to optimize day-to-day business functions, ensuring that our technical innovations translate into scalable commercial success.
Key Performance Indicators
• Lead-to-Opportunity Conversion Rate: The percentage of research-driven leads that turn into qualified sales meetings.
• Pipeline Contribution: The total dollar value of new business opportunities identified or initiated through your research and outreach.
• CRM Accuracy & Hygiene: Ensuring 100% of lead and vendor data is captured and up-to-date, reducing technical team "re-work" in finding information.
• Cost Savings (Procurement): The percentage of costs reduced through rigorous vendor analysis and negotiation (e.g., "Achieved a 10% reduction in raw material costs through new vendor sourcing").
• Analysis Accuracy & Lead Time: The speed at which you turn a raw data request (like a cost-to-price study) into a decision-ready report for leadership.
• Model Reliability: Zero or near-zero errors in financial or operational models that impact pricing or project bidding.
• Project Completion Rate: The percentage of "special projects" (e.g., setting up a new marketing tool or auditing a workflow) completed on schedule.
• Administrative Load Reduction: A qualitative or quantitative measure of how much time you save the engineering leads by taking over non-technical tasks (e.g., "Reduced Senior Engineer time spent on BD by 5 hours/week").
• Process Documentation: Number of standard operating procedures (SOPs) created or updated to make the business side of the engineering firm more repeatable.
• Market Insight Adoption: Number of recommendations from your market research reports that are actually implemented into the product roadmap or sales strategy.

Professional Qualifications
• Role is an in-house role in Pittsburgh, PA
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Finance, or a related field. A background or strong interest in engineering is highly preferred to facilitate communication with technical teams.
• Experience: 1–3 years of experience in business operations, consulting, or a technical support role.
• Business Acumen: Demonstrated ability to understand complex business models and translate data into actionable strategic insights.
• Adaptability: Proven track record of managing multiple, shifting priorities in a fast-paced or ambiguous environment.
Primary Skills
• Analytical Thinking: Proficiency in analyzing operational data, identifying bottlenecks, and proposing data-driven solutions.
• Lead Generation & BD: Ability to conduct market research, manage a sales funnel, and identify new business segments or partnership opportunities.
• Financial Literacy: Competence in cost-benefit analysis, deal-level profitability tracking, and basic financial reporting.
• Project Management: Skills in planning and executing cross-functional initiatives from "zero to one".
• Communication: Exceptional ability to bridge the gap between non-technical stakeholders and engineering teams.
Secondary Skills
• Documentation and specification writing
• Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (data crunching, dashboards) and familiarity with CRM systems like Salesforce.
• Market Intelligence: Ability to use research tools to perform competitive analysis and identify industry trends.
• Process Optimization: Familiarity with Lean methodologies or process modeling to improve internal workflows.
• Vendor Management: Experience in evaluating vendors, managing RFP (Request for Proposal) responses, and negotiating purchase agreements.