Sr. Manager of Business Operations

Newlab Detroit channels the raw energy of a city that built the automobile, and now leads the charge to redefine mobility, manufacturing, and the industrial economy from the ground up.

Anchored at Michigan Central and surrounded by one of the country’s most storied industrial communities, we unite entrepreneurs, engineers, and enterprise partners to test, pilot, and scale critical technologies. Detroit’s role today isn’t just about moving people, it’s about re-industrializing the economy that will move the world forward.

Newlab is hiring an operator with a track record of bringing critical projects to completion to serve as the primary driver of operational leverage for Newlab Detroit. This role will manage the P&L, build process and internal/external reporting to run the business, and connect the dots across people, partners, and programs. This role requires someone extremely diligent and organized who is comfortable context switching, leading without direct authority, and working across a diverse set of stakeholders. 

The primary metrics of success for this role are: (1) consistent and reliable reporting, (2) budget accuracy, and (3) increased velocity for the Newlab and Michigan Central teams. This role reports to the Global VP of Operations and will work closely with the Managing Director of Newlab Detroit. This role is expected to be on-site 5 days per week with reasonable flexibility for remote work. 

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIE

Operational Leadership 

• Serve as the Managing Director’s lead operator and thought partner
• Drive operational rigor and accountability across functions  
• Ensure tight internal reporting, dashboards, and decision-support systems across functions
• Create and refine operational systems to support scaling the location, its programs, and partnerships
• Ensure timely, accurate reporting across KPIs, financials, and strategic priorities
• Elevate how work gets done: improve workflows, increase leverage, reduce friction
• Spot risks, connect signals, and solve problems before they escalate

P&L Management & Business Performance

• Manage the full Detroit P&L with an eye toward both growth and cost discipline
• Lead budget planning, tracking, and reporting; manage spend across multiple teams and initiatives and understand every number 
• Own business modeling, forecasting, and reporting - partnering closely with our Global Finance and Biz Ops teams
• Structure and drive planning processes and business performance reviews

Internal and External Engagement

• Be a visible and trusted leader on-site, with a pulse on the business and the team
• Collaborate with Newlab Global, Michigan Central, and other Newlab locations to ensure alignment and knowledge-sharing
• Lead and influence cross-functional teams without direct reporting lines, earning trust through clarity, consistency, and delivery

WHO YOU ARE 

• 4 to 8 years in management consulting, investment banking, or senior finance or strategy/ops roles within a high-growth startup
• Experience managing or influencing a P&L; confident and efficient in financial modeling, planning, and reporting
• A systems thinker who brings clarity to complexity and builds things that scale
• Equally comfortable leading strategic planning and rolling up sleeves to execute or manually get something done 
• Proven project leader who operates with urgency, integrity, and high standards
• Confident and composed communicator who can distill complexity, manage up, and push for accountability across teams and functions 
• Proven ability to navigate complex stakeholder dynamics with professionalism, persistence, and clarity - especially in high-pressure, high-expectation environments
• Comfortable balancing diplomacy with rigor - able to build trust with partners 
• Brings follow-through and resilience when facing ambiguity, conflicting priorities, or delayed responses from collaborators

Critical tech and Detroit startup ecosystem knowledge or interest is a plus

COMPENSATION

• Salary Range: $125,000 - $150,000 commensurate with experience
• Annual bonus eligibility
• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Flexible PTO + in-person perks at Newlab Detroit