Design Business Operation Manager

• Own day‑to‑day operations for the GM China Design
• Coordinate cross‑studio activities with Global studios
• Lead annual budget planning and monthly forecasting for GM China Design Operations (OPEX, CAPEX, travel, events, suppliers, models, and equipment)
• Track and report actuals vs. forecast
• highlight risks/opportunities and propose mitigation actions
• Partner with Finance, Purchasing, and Global Design Operations to ensure spending aligns with global guidelines and local policies
• Manage end‑to‑end procurement for studio needs: models, digital/fabrication services, immersive tech, UX suppliers, events, and facilities‑related items
• Drive request for information & quotation/scope of work with Purchasing and Finance
• ensure GM confidentiality, compliance, and appropriate approvals
• Monitor supplier performance, timing, and invoicing
• resolve issues with internal stakeholders and vendors
• Act as primary operations interface to Facilities, Security, IT, and Corporate Services for GM China Design
• Ensure studio infrastructure (VR, photobooth, milling, HMDs, AV/VC, Wacom, printers/plotters, etc.) is maintained, upgraded, and aligned with global standards
• Support safety, security, and business continuity (visitor management, access, asset tracking, audits, drills, and compliance actions)
• Implement and maintain Global Design Operations standards, policies, and processes within GM China Design
• Support audits and compliance reviews
• Develop simple, repeatable processes and templates (checklists, workflows, trackers) for reviews, events, and recurring operations
• Support leadership on headcount planning, hiring coordination, onboarding, and basic workforce analytics for GM China Design Operations
• Partner with HR and leadership to coordinate engagement activities, all‑people meetings, training, and communications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Engineering, or Design/business Management (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of experience in operations / business management / program management /Finance ideally in automotive, design, R&D, or technology environments
• Strong skills in budgeting & forecasting, and data‑driven decision making
• Proven experience coordinating across multiple stakeholders and cultures
• comfortable working with senior leaders
• Fluency in English (written and spoken)
• Ability to be predictive and proactive in an ever evolving, high-tempo work environment that is dependent on collaboration, decisiveness, and a high degree of innovative thinking
• Exceptional team building, mentoring and interpersonal skills
• Ability to develop creative and innovative solutions to complex problems where effects of decisions are critical and have strong influence on future state products
• High level of facilitation skills to drive meetings to accomplish required objectives
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent skill, experience or training

5 plus years of experience in operation & finance management