Operations Coordinator

About Bright Endeavors & New MomsBright Endeavors is a social enterprise of New Moms, a nonprofit organization rooted in the belief that every young family has the potential to thrive. Through paid job training and holistic support, we partner with young moms as they build strong foundations for their families. Every candle we pour lights the path forward for a brighter future.Position SummaryThe Operations Coordinator helps to ensure the smooth and efficient execution of our candle manufacturing operations. This role works closely with the Operations Manager and collaborates daily with Training and Production Assistants to meet production and quality goals while supporting the success of program participants.The Operations Coordinator plays an important role in maintaining a productive manufacturing environment while modeling the standards and values of the Bright Endeavors job training program. This position blends hands-on production leadership, quality assurance, and collaboration with program staff to ensure participants gain meaningful work experience while meeting operational goals.This position is located at Bright Endeavors in the East Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago.Location: Bright Endeavors (627 N Albany Ave) Schedule: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, M-F 8:30am-4:30pmStarting Salary: $49,000-$50,000 DOQWhat a Day Might Look LikeYour day will likely begin on the production floor, checking the day's manufacturing schedule and preparing materials for candle pouring. You'll work alongside Production Assistants and participants, ensuring recipes, temperatures, and processes are followed to maintain quality and consistency.Throughout the day, you may move between supervising production tasks, tracking inventory and raw material usage in the Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system, and troubleshooting any issues that arise on the production line.You might collaborate with the workforce development team to support a participant who is learning a new skill, or celebrate a milestone achievement on the production floor. Later, you could help facilitate a brief post-shift reflection or team-building activity that reinforces the job training experience.No two days are exactly the same, but each day combines hands-on production leadership, coaching, and mission-driven impact.Key ResponsibilitiesLead daily candle production including pouring, finishing, and quality control while ensuring adherence to recipes, equipment standards, and safety proceduresSupervise Production Assistants and maintain an efficient manufacturing pace to meet daily and weekly production goalsTrack production activity, inventory usage, and performance using the Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systemEnsure product quality standards are met and escalate operational issues as neededMonitor and report scrap, damage, and production outcomesCross-train across manufacturing, warehouse, and quality operations, eventually specializing in a key functionProvide coaching, feedback, and support to Production AssistantsPartner with workforce development staff to address performance challenges and remove barriers to successFacilitate post-shift learning, reflection, and team-building activities that support the job training programProvide de-escalation support when needed to maintain a safe and supportive environmentYou'll Thrive in This Role If You Are:Energized by hands-on work in a fast-paced production environmentHighly organized and attentive to quality, safety, and process consistencyComfortable leading and coaching others while working alongside themA strong communicator who can collaborate across teamsCalm and thoughtful when navigating challenges or conflictPassionate about social enterprise, workforce development, and creating opportunities for young familiesSomeone who enjoys improving systems and keeping operations running smoothlyQualificationsBachelor's degree OR High school diploma or equivalent with five (5) years of related experience requiredExperience working in manufacturing, production, or warehouse operationsExperience using MRP or inventory management systems preferredExperience in social enterprise or workforce development environments preferredStrong decision-making and problem-solving skillsAbility to work effectively in a physically active, fast-paced environmentStrong interpersonal, communication, and conflict management skillsExperience coaching or supporting young adults preferredFamiliarity with Microsoft Office and cloud-based communication tools preferredOther RequirementsValid driver's license, safe driving record, and insurance; Daily access to a reliable vehicleAbility to work occasional evenings and weekends as neededWork Environment: This position requires the ability to stand or sit for up to eight hours, walk up and down stairs, and lift or move items up to 50-60 pounds (or perform these tasks with reasonable accommodation). The production environment may include varying noise levels and temperature conditions typical of a manufacturing setting.Benefits & Perks: We care about the well-being of our team and are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:Medical insurance with generous employer contributionDental and vision insuranceFlexible Spending Account (FSA)Short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance - 100% employer-paidEmployee Assistance Program (EAP) for free counseling and resourcesGenerous paid time off, as well as 15 paid holidays and half days on Fridays during thesummer403b retirement plan with employer matchPre-tax transportation benefitsProfessional development supportFree spiritual direction services

Created: 2026-04-13