Operations Manager - Compliance & Project Management, Black Spectacles, IL, US

About Black Spectacles 

Are you a process-driven operations professional who thrives on structure, security, and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes?

At Black Spectacles, we’re proud to be the leader in our space—with the strongest brand, a thriving business, and an incredible opportunity for continued growth. As an entrepreneurial company, we’re ambitious in our plans to support the architecture community, fostering an environment where excellence, innovation, and collaboration thrive.

We believe that operational success comes from discipline, documentation, and a proactive approach to compliance, security, and IT oversight—and at Black Spectacles, you’ll have the opportunity to put those into action every day.

We’re seeking an Operations Manager – Compliance & Project Management to bring structure, discipline, and accountability across Black Spectacles operations. In this role, you’ll oversee compliance initiatives, vendor/IT systems, and cybersecurity readiness, while managing planning cycles, Summits, and process documentation with strong project management discipline.

At Black Spectacles, you’ll benefit from:

• A team that lives and celebrates our values daily.
• Regular opportunities to see and feel the impact of your work.
• A fully remote work environment, complemented by semi-annual company trips to build connections.

Black Spectacles has been recognized by Great Place to Work and Built In as a great place to work, by the American Institute of Architects for the national impact we’re having on the profession of architecture, and by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in the country.

Our Ideal Teammate

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is motivated by contributing to a mission-driven company that supports the architecture and design community.
• Brings project management discipline to operations and compliance work, ensuring initiatives are delivered on time and with measurable outcomes.
• Thrives in a hands-on role balancing compliance, operational processes, and IT/security oversight. 
• Takes ownership and accountability for their work.
• Encourages calculated risks and shares ideas in a safe, supportive environment.
• Takes a world-class approach to their responsibilities and values collaboration.
• Lives our values of excellence, innovation, and taking care of our people.

Role Overview

As Operations Manager – Compliance & Project Management, you’ll be responsible for ensuring Black Spectacles’ operations are secure, compliant, and well-structured. You will oversee IT systems and the full lifecycle of equipment, drive compliance initiatives, manage contracts and insurance, and support structured planning cycles.

This is a hands-on, high-ownership role where you’ll collaborate closely with leadership, finance, engineering, and other departments, while holding outside vendors and agencies accountable for delivering on expectations.

We offer a competitive base salary of $80,000 to $100,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Responsibilities

IT & Equipment Management

• Oversee the lifecycle of company-issued laptops and devices (purchasing, shipping, set-up, secure offboarding/disposal).
• Manage SaaS tools, software installs/updates, and system access across the organization.
• Oversee outside agencies/vendors as needed for equipment and IT support.

Compliance & Security

• Manage IT policies, cybersecurity training, and readiness for external audits (e.g., SOC2).
• Ensure strong internal controls and defense systems are in place.
• Maintain organized systems for contracts, renewals, and compliance documentation.

Strategic Planning & Operating Rhythm

• Own planning and execution of semi-annual company Summits, including scheduling, bookings, logistics, and budgeting.
• Support planning cycles, Rocks/KPIs, and quarterly/annual strategy sessions.
• Use Bloom Growth (or similar software) to track execution and progress.
• Enforce process documentation standards and maintain one clear operating manual for the company.