OPERATIONS MANAGER
Knoxville, TN
Portfolio Company: Perseus Materials /
Full-Time /
On-site
Roadrunner Venture Studios is partnering with a cutting-edge startup revolutionizing working to build bigger, simpler. Directly fabricating large components on-site minimizes transport and assembly labor, forever simplifying construction and supply chains. But realizing that future requires new materials that are strong, low-cost, and can be manufactured with unprecedented speed and reliability.
Our partner, established in 2022, is a start-up out of Stanford University that uses proprietary resin chemistry for on-site manufacturing of oversize high-performance FRPs for buildings, bridges, wind turbines, and other applications in infrastructure and energy. They work closely with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and have support from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and ARPA-e.
Mission:
In this pivotal role, you will own the systems, processes, and infrastructure that keep the company running — from IT and cybersecurity to budgets, dashboards, and day-to-day operations — ensuring the team can move fast, stay secure, and focus on building.
Who You Are:
We’re looking for a builder — someone who thrives in the gray space between IT, finance, HR and operations and makes things work before anyone asks how. This role is for a hands-on operator who loves systems, spreadsheets, and solving problems in real time. You’ll keep the company running smoothly, securely, and efficiently while helping the team move fast and stay focused.
What You’ll Do:
IT & Security
- Set up and maintain laptops, networks, and cloud systems that are both secure and simple to use.
- Implement tight cybersecurity practices to safeguard data and prevent downtime.
- Manage software tools, user permissions, and integrations across the team.
- Build clear digital workflows in SharePoint and other collaboration tools that keep everyone aligned.
Finance & Logistics
- Handle invoicing, payments, and accounting ops (QuickBooks, Rho, etc.) end-to-end.
- Submit and track grants and funding paperwork, ensuring documentation is complete and compliant.
- Own payroll, budget tracking, and financial reporting — making sure numbers are right and visible.
- Simplify repetitive tasks through automation and smarter systems.
Program & Project Management
- Keep projects moving — update dashboards, track deliverables, and chase blockers until they’re gone.
- Manage bonus and incentive payouts, ensuring everything ties back to results.
- Create dashboards and visuals that give the team real-time visibility into progress.
Growth & Scale
- Help decide where we grow next — gather data, model scenarios, and turn it into a clear decision framework.
- Build structured onboarding materials so new hires can plug in and move fast.
- Work with leadership and external partners to produce marketing and brand materials that reflect our story.
Culture & Execution
- Model a culture of ownership, urgency, and accountability.
- Build the systems that make great execution easy — and then improve them constantly.
- Pitch in wherever needed — you’re the person who makes sure things actually get done.
What You Bring:
- A track record of getting things built, fixed, or figured out — especially in fast-paced or technical environments.
- Strong math and analytical instincts; you’re fluent in spreadsheets and decision models.
- Expert-level Excel / Google Sheets skills (pivots, lookups, nested formulas, data dashboards).
- Technical confidence — you can troubleshoot systems, manage security settings, and streamline tools.
- Familiarity with QuickBooks, Rho, SharePoint, Monday.com, or similar platforms.
- Obsessed with clarity, organization, and seeing projects through to the end.
- Comfortable wearing multiple hats — and swapping them quickly.
Roadrunner Venture Studios is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that proudly pursues and hires a diverse workforce. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws or prohibited by Company policy. We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.
