Operations Lead

About Kiso

Kiso is an AI/ML services firm in San Francisco. We build production AI applications, decision engines, and forecasting systems for clients ranging from early-stage startups to some of the largest companies in the world. We're profitable and growing quickly.

About the role

We're hiring an operations lead to be the backbone of Kiso as we scale. You'll report directly to the founders and work across every function. You will build the systems, processes, and cross-functional muscle that let our teams do their best work. This role is a strong fit if you thrive in ambiguity, move fast without sacrificing quality, and get energy from building things from scratch.

What you'll own

Scope spans six core areas. You'll own some and support others as we build a team around you:

• Core Operations - Own the end-to-end operational engine: employee onboarding and off-boarding, payroll coordination, office and workspace management, and the internal tooling and processes that keep the business running.

• Talent & Recruiting - Run Kiso's recruiting motion from top of funnel to signed offer. Coordinate interview loops, build scalable hiring processes, manage recruiting syncs, and partner with leadership on headcount planning and employer branding.

• Finance & Compliance - Manage AP/AR cycles, support budgeting and forecasting, and keep Kiso compliant with relevant regulatory requirements.

• Culture, Events, & Community - Plan and produce company offsites (2-3 per year), team-building programming, and external community events that amplify Kiso’s brand and deepen relationships across our network.

• Brand, Design, & Marketing - Partner with our team to evolve Kiso's visual identity and market presence. This includes conference and recruiting materials, digital campaigns, and brand consistency across every touchpoint.

• Strategic Initiatives & Business Development - Identify growth opportunities, lead special projects, develop new partnership channels, and shape how the business grows.

What we're looking for

• A high-agency generalist who thrives in ambiguity and can build systems from scratch

• Exceptional written and verbal communication; you make complex things clear and get people rowing in the same direction

• Strong judgment on when to systematize versus when to just get something done

• Comfort working directly with founders and senior leaders

Preferred qualifications

These are not hard requirements, but any of the following will set you apart:

• Professional experience in one or more of the following environments

  • Management or strategy consulting

  • High-growth startups

  • Fast-paced digital or creative services firms

• Prior operations, chief of staff, or GTM experience

• A track record of driving large-scale, cross-functional projects to measurable outcomes

• Direct experience partnering with C-suite or founder-level executives

This is an in-person role, based out of our office in San Francisco. We offer competitive compensation, performance bonus, and company benefits.

The base salary range for this role is $105,000-$240,000 with level and title set based on experience. We also offer a generous performance-based bonus and an array of company benefits.

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