Manager, Torch Development

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.

The Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games will be hosted in Los Angeles, California in 2028, returning to the United States for the first time in over 30 years. 2028 will be the first time LA hosts the Paralympic Games, creating an opportunity to expand awareness, understanding and inclusion of people with disabilities.

LA28, the organizers for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, is on a mission to create an unparalleled Games experience for athletes, fans, partners, our community and our people. Our vision is to collectively create what’s next through sport, community and the power of our differences.

The 2028 Olympics and Paralympics will represent LA and leverage the strength of our community’s creativity as we collectively work to design a Games that we all want to be a part of. We do this by focusing on people and by inviting everyone into the story of the LA28 Games.

The LA28 organizing committee is an independent, non-profit organization that is privately funded and governed by a board of directors. 

Values and Behaviors:

• Optimism – Embody a positive, enthusiastic, and solution-oriented attitude in everything we do; challenge the status quo, inspire and support one another to achieve our best; have our eyes on the future and believe we can make a meaningful impact
• Integrity – We communicate openly and honestly, listen, and respectfully value multiple perspectives; we do what we say and are accountable for everything we do; we do the right thing, always. Even when it isn’t easy
• Excellence – We hold ourselves to the highest standard and expectations; we live our values and truths and persevere through challenges; we are continuous learners and adapt and pivot with speed to meet changing needs
• Inclusion – We seek to represent, include, empower and level the playing field; our work reflects the communities we serve and the world in which we live; we leverage our platforms to bring awareness to issues relevant to who we are
• Co-Creation – We are authors of a shared story. Everyone contributes their unique voice to our shared mission; we share pride in our accomplishments and ownership of our shortcomings
• Boldness – We embrace creativity, courage and outside-the-box thinking; we are unafraid to take risks, explore unconventional solutions, and learn from the process; we are innovators, disruptors, and challengers of the status quo

Manager, Torch Development

The Torch Relays (RLY) functional area is responsible for the planning & execution of LA28’s Olympic & Paralympic Torch Relays. The relays are key national engagement & promotional tools, creating an inclusive and accessible Games experience for people of all backgrounds and abilities and developing a sense of excitement and anticipation across the country leading up to the Olympic & Paralympic Opening Ceremonies.   

The torch is the primary mechanism for carrying the Olympic & Paralympic flames across the country and a star of the relays in its own right. To support the entirety of the journey, additional flame devices (lanterns, mini-cauldrons, adaptive devices, etc.) are also needed. Together, this system of devices represents key elements of the LA28 brand vision. 

The Manager of Torch Development will be responsible for bridging creative & technical teams to manage the end-to-end process of developing, testing & producing the system of flame devices. This role will report to the Head of Torch Relays. 

We are seeking a highly effective program manager with a technical background to lead a wide-ranging team of experts, driving coordination & ultimate functionality of deliverables, while keeping the program on time & on budget. The ideal candidate has significant experience managing complex cross-functional programs for physical product development.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage external suppliers, serving as POC to ensure collaboration and coordination across design, engineering, manufacturing & any other third-party teams
  • Oversee all project planning and execution, setting clear roles & responsibilities and ensuring there are no gaps in workflow 
  • Lead regular meetings with suppliers, tracking progress  
  • Anticipate and mitigate risks, while ensuring supplier accountability 
  • Champion inclusive design practices 
  • Ensure timely and efficient delivery of components and finished goods 
• Manage coordination with internal cross-functional teams 
  • Develop & implement ways of working 
  • Lead regular cross-functional check-ins & progress recaps to leadership
  • Liaise between internal & external teams, ensuring clear & proactive communication 
• Own overall production execution, upholding high quality standards & LA28 vision 
  • Facilitate and oversee physical product engineering & technical development of all devices 
  • Coordinate integration of accessibility requirements into design specifications, testing protocols & engineering decisions 
  • Ensure third party compliance & product quality control 
• Own IOC/IPC and internal milestones, ensuring timely completion 
  • Timeline, track & manage milestones and dependencies in Smartsheet  
  • Identify, monitor, and escalate critical risks, constraints and project issues 
• Manage production budget, ensuring efficient use of resources  
• Ensure all activities comply with all protocols, regulations & contractual obligations 
• Manage project documents, maintaining a repository for future organizing committees 

Background & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial or Product Engineering or equivalent work experience  
• 5+ years of experience in production, production planning or new product development within consumer products or industrial design firm 
• Project management certification a plus 

Position Requirements:

• Track record of successfully managing large-scale, multi-faceted production programs from conception to execution 
• Deep understanding of manufacturing & procurement processes, including logistical, technical, and regulatory considerations  
• Proven experience in working with global suppliers and manufacturers for non-turnkey production processes 
• Knowledgeable about global & domestic compliance practices, as well as ISO9001 quality management standards 
• Proficient in design and engineering tools for physical product development, such as 3D modeling and prototyping software 
• Ability to interpret and coordinate technical drawings, renderings and specifications across creative and engineering teams 
• Understanding of ergonomics, user safety and material durability 
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities & initiative to proactively resolve issues 
• Ability to adapt to unknown situations and propose innovative solutions 
• Proficiency in budget management, with an ability to assess financial risks related to supply and production decisions 
• Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills 
• Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities, with a keen eye for detail 
• Experience integrating inclusive design principles into product development and collaborating with subject matter experts and end users with disabilities

Expectations:

• Working in an open office environment, on-site 4-5 days per week 
• Willingness to travel and work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends 
  • 2028: expectation to be on the road for a portion of the Torch Relays 

Submission Requirements:

• Resume
• Cover letter (optional, but strongly recommended)

The annual base salary range for this position is $85,000.00 - $105,000.00. The pay scale provided is the range that LA28 reasonably expects to pay as starting base compensation for this role. All LA28 compensation remains subject to final determination based on individual candidate qualifications, experience, or other reasonable criteria consistent with LA28’s operational business needs and applicable law.

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.

LA28 is committed to operating fair and unbiased recruitment procedures allowing all applicants an equal opportunity for employment, free from discrimination on the basis of religion, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, color, ethnic or national origin, or any other classification as may be protected by applicable law. We strive to build a team that is diverse, inclusive and encourages qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities to apply. We will consider all qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with local law. We assess applications based on relevant skills, education, and experience a candidate can add to our team.