Director of Operations

Location: Gig Harbor, WA (On-site is a non-negotiable) Reports to: Head of Operations Compensation: $120k/yr + medical/dental/vision, matching 401(k), paid vacation, and more Role Type: Full-time, Exempt Travel: Up to 25% (fulfillment centers, distribution partners, vendor sites) A Note from Our Founder Before You Dive In Farmgirl Flowers started in my apartment almost 16 years ago with a stack of burlap, a few buckets, and a belief that flowers could be more honest, more beautiful, and more meaningful than what was out there. We’ve grown a lot since then — but we’ve never stopped caring deeply about how we do things. Operations is the heartbeat of this company. Every bouquet we ship, every stem we source, every truck that rolls out the distribution center doors — it all runs through this team. And we’re stepping into a genuinely exciting new chapter. As we build our Farm Quarters here in Gig Harbor, WA, we’re not just growing flowers — we’re shaping what Farmgirl looks and feels like for the next decade and beyond. We’re looking for a Director of Operations who is as comfortable in a spreadsheet as they are on a production floor — someone with real strategic vision who also knows no job is too small. This role touches everything from transportation and inventory to fulfillment partners and the day-to-day operations of our farm and facilities. It’s a big job, with a hand in just about every department at Farmgirl. If you’re the type that likes to put blinders on and tackle issues one at a time from a neatly made to-do list, this is likely not the role for you. The immediacy of perishability, coupled with our ever-growing logistics network, means real-time prioritization, delegation, adaptability, and a sense of urgency are not just nice-to-haves — they’re essential. We’re much less interested in someone who has only operated inside highly specialized corporate structures, and much more interested in someone who has built, run, fixed, scaled, or held together messy, fast-moving businesses where resourcefulness mattered just as much as experience. The best fit for this role is probably someone who’s worn a lot of hats before — whether at a startup, founder-led company, family business, or another environment where figuring it out in real time was part of the job description. If love solving hard problems, building things that actually work, and doing it all with a team that lives in the details — we’d love to hear from you. — Christina About the Role We’re looking for a strategic, agile, solutions-driven Director of Operations to help shape the next era of Farmgirl Flowers as we continue scaling nationally. This role drives business growth in partnership with just about every department here at Farmgirl. In a given week you might transition from forecasting supply for our global network of dropshippers, to managing outbound transportation spend, partnering with our Facilities Team on projects at the Farm Quarters, resolving billing and inventory discrepancies for month-end, and a hundred other things in between. While every day — and week — may look different, your north stars are: increasing efficiencies across our North and South American distribution channels expanding and strengthening our distribution network as we continue to scale developing scalable production strategies for our fulfillment partners ensuring all inventory — perishable and nonperishable — is properly accounted for, handled correctly, aligned with design standards, and delivered on time keeping the day-to-day operations of the Farm Quarters running smoothly and safely building strong, highly accountable teams and operational systems that can grow with the company as we scale The ideal candidate approaches operational problems with both intellectual curiosity and a real sense of urgency. They can move easily between strategic planning and jumping directly into execution, and they understand that context changes the lens with which you prioritize on any given day. A level 1 problem on a Monday can absolutely become a level 10 by Friday, and the right fit for this role will know when to let fires burn for a minute — and when to put them out immediately. We’re not looking for someone to simply maintain systems. We’re looking for someone excited to improve, rebuild, scale, and sometimes completely rethink them. And while great experience absolutely matters, we tend to find the best fit for this role is someone who has operated in fast-moving, resource-constrained environments before — startups, founder-led companies, family businesses, operationally complex businesses, or places where figuring it out in real time was just part of the job. Someone who’s comfortable wearing a lot of hats, making decisions without perfect information, and jumping between strategy and execution constantly throughout the day will likely thrive here. We cannot stress enough that this is a deeply hands-on leadership role. We’re a small team with very little room for redundancy, so every role and every responsibility matters here. Deeply. The right person for this role knows how to create clarity in fast-moving situations, communicate directly and calmly under pressure, and build strong teams without creating unnecessary process or bureaucracy just for the sake of it. You’ll report to the Head of Operations and partner closely with Product, Fulfillment, Customer Support, and Finance to help keep the business running efficiently— especially through our four peak seasons: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day. Transportation Optimize outbound transportation spend through contract negotiation, vendor management, and expansion of our transportation partner network when appropriate. Partner with Fulfillment and Product teams to manage inbound freight and parcel transportation costs for both perishable and nonperishable materials. Create and maintain reporting around delivery status, carrier performance, transportation costs, and network efficiencies across all production and fulfillment partners. Forecast and communicate outbound production volumes from all partners in collaboration with Operations, Product, and Sales & Operations stakeholders. Lead operational planning and transportation execution during Farmgirl’s peak holiday seasons, ensuring network capacity and performance can support business demand. Inventory Management Develop and maintain systems and procedures for the accurate accounting, reporting, and handling of all inventory, including perishable and nonperishable production materials. Set and enforce quality control standards for all materials, ensuring inventory that fails to meet standards is properly documented, communicated, and credited. Identify inventory and operational inefficiencies and implement scalable systems and process improvements across the business. Customer Support Partner with the Operations Manager to establish KPIs related to customer satisfaction, support quality, refunds, redeliveries, and resolution times. Develop and maintain reporting that gives Support team members timely visibility into delayed or lost parcels, transportation disruptions, and widespread operational issues impacting customers. Collaborate cross-functionally to proactively reduce operational issues that negatively affect the customer experience. Product + Distribution Partner with our Product Team to develop scalable production strategies and operational efficiencies for our farm and fulfillment partners through regular on-site visits, training, and ongoing operational check-ins. Monitor margins for all finished bouquets and plants, ensuring production remains operationally efficient and meets margin expectations. Drive cost savings through strategic SKU duplication, expansion of our dropshipper network, and optimized packaging solutions. Make thoughtful, high-impact operational decisions quickly in fast-moving and time-sensitive situations where priorities may shift rapidly. Facility & Farm Oversight Oversee day-to-day operations and long-term planning for Farmgirl’s 25-acre farm and Gig Harbor campus, including our office, warehouse, and Farm Quarters. Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive safety training programs for all on-site team members, ensuring compliance with OSHA requirements and Farmgirl’s own safety standards. Serve as the primary point of contact for facilities-related vendors, contractors, and service providers, managing bids, contracts, and ongoing relationships. Partner with the Farm team on agricultural operations that support our growing flower program, ensuring facilities infrastructure supports both farm productivity and team safety. Team Leadership & Operations Management Lead, mentor, and develop operational team members and managers across multiple functions, facilities, and partner networks. Build systems of accountability, communication, and prioritization that help teams execute effectively in fast-moving environments. Partner cross-functionally with Product, Fulfillment, Finance, Customer Support, and Leadership to align operational decisions with broader company goals. Help build operational structure, processes, and teams that can scale with the company while still maintaining Farmgirl’s scrappy, collaborative culture. Create clarity in ambiguous or high-pressure situations, helping teams stay focused, aligned, and moving forward during rapidly changing priorities. A Few Things to Know This role is fully on-site in Gig Harbor, WA. The nature of operations — and of Farmgirl — means presence matters. A lot of the real work happens in person, on the floor, and on the Farm. We will not consider remote or hybrid structures for this position, so please do not try to convince us. We will, however, consider relocation for the right candidate. Peak floral holidays are all-hands-on-deck for everyone. Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas require long hours, time in production facilities, and — when necessary — overnight and weekend work. This is a shared commitment across the company. This role can work in a warehouse or farm environment. Appropriate attire to help promote a safe workplace is non-negotiable. This includes non-skid, closed-toe shoes, jackets and other cold weather protection for transitions into refrigerated spaces. This position may also make use of warehouse equipment including pallet jacks and forklifts. Occasionally lifting 50 lbs and standing for extended shifts is part of the job. Who You Are Experienced in operations management, with 5+ years in leading cross-functional teams and delivering measurable results. Equally comfortable thinking strategically and rolling up your sleeves. You can set the vision, build the system, and do the work when needed — without treating any of it as beneath you. Experienced with perishable or e-commerce inventory management. A proven negotiator with a track record of securing vendor contracts that result in real cost savings. Strong analytical skills and comfort with data — you build reports, track KPIs, and use numbers to make better decisions. Experienced overseeing facilities, physical infrastructure, or safety programs — or genuinely excited to grow into that responsibility. A candid and direct communicator, in writing and in person, with both internal teams and external partners. Organized and process-oriented. You assess what exists, identify what’s missing, and build or refine procedures that actually stick. Decisive under pressure, with the confidence to make critical calls and the accountability to stand behind them. Aware that formal education is not the bar here — what matters is that you have the experience and judgment to be successful in this role, however you got there. Why Farmgirl This is a chance to help run a company that people genuinely love. Farmgirl Flowers has never followed the traditional playbook. We’ve built this company by being creative, resourceful, and customer-obsessed — often with far fewer resources than many larger competitors. Operations is where that spirit lives and breathes every day. This role offers real ownership, real impact, and the opportunity to build something that matters — alongside a passionate, down-to-earth team that cares deeply about doing things right. We care about the work. We also care about being good humans while doing it. No big egos. No endless layers. Just smart, thoughtful people building something special together — on a beautiful piece of land, with flowers. Benefits Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, and vision insurance. Basic life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment coverage are also available for employees. Employees can enroll in our Flexible Spending Accounts program and the company’s 401(k) plan, which includes a company match. Fringe benefits are available for this role. Lastly, this role is subject to our paid time off/sick policy and will receive ten (10) paid holidays throughout the calendar year. The Legal Stuff Equal Opportunity Employer: Farmgirl Flowers is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their individual backgrounds and characteristics. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment. This commitment extends to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, transfer, compensation, and termination. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree to the company's commitment to equal employment opportunities. Essential Job Functions and Accommodations: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Specific tasks and duties may vary based on business needs. Farmgirl Flowers is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of employment, including the application process. Fair Chance Hiring: Farmgirl Flowers will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if we are concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. #J-18808-Ljbffr