Operations Manager | Denver, CO | $50k - $150k

Highland was founded to challenge the toxic norms of the hair industry, creating high-performance, science-backed products that prioritize health and sustainability. Join us in redefining hair care without compromise — for people and the planet. Greater Denver Area · Hybrid (3–4 days on-site, relocation package available) About Us Highland is a fast-growing, natural and high-performance haircare company that exists to create products and experiences that improve our customers lives. We reach our customers predominantly through Shopify and Amazon, though we have a presence in prestige salons, barbershops and boutiques. Our formulas and operations are built around ingredient integrity, sustainability, and long-term customer trust. After several years of scrappy, founder-led growth, we’re entering a systems-building phase to manage scale, maintain quality, and continue industry disruption for good. The Role We’re looking for an Operations Manager to join our operations team, directly reporting to the founders and gradually own day-to-day operations across supply chain, inventory, and fulfillment. You’ll work directly with the CEO, taking over much of the daily ops load while building the systems and processes that will support our next stage of growth. This is a great role for someone with 2–5 years of CPG operations experience who is excited to get creative, learn quickly, and invent structure where it doesn’t yet fully exist. What You’ll Own Inventory planning and purchasing for finished goods across all channels (Shopify, Amazon, and international Shopify/3PL), including maintaining healthy stock levels and minimizing stockouts or excess inventory. Ownership and day-to-day management of our demand forecasting and inventory planning tools, turning data into clear purchase recommendations and action plans. Coordination with manufacturers to ensure production timelines align with demand, including monitoring that raw materials and packaging are well stocked to support finished goods POs. Raw materials, packaging, and component planning (packaging, shipping materials, cartons, ingredients etc.) in partnership with our suppliers, balancing cost, quality and lead times. 3PL and logistics management, including planning and directing bulk shipments to Amazon and international warehouses, and troubleshooting shipping or fulfillment issues. Day-to-day Shopify operations support (SKU & BOM management, inventory syncs, ops-related product setups, and coordination with finance/marketing around launches and promos). Supplier relationship management: nurturing relationships with manufacturers, 3PLs, and packaging suppliers, (and opening new relationships, if necessary) including negotiating terms and helping evaluate performance. Operational eco and health initiatives: assisting in tracking ingredient supply chain data, supporting efforts toward certifications (e.g., EWG, B Corp, other clean/eco standards), and working to align operations with our sustainability goals. Reporting on key operations metrics over time (e.g., inventory health, fulfillment performance, key stock risks), with the goal of fully owning a lightweight ops dashboard as you grow into the role. How You’ll Work Collaborate directly with the CEO, fractional CFO, and others to execute and refine inventory and demand planning using our existing custom tooling and systems. Partner closely with marketing on launch calendars, promos, and new product introductions to ensure inventory and logistics are ready to support growth. Work with finance on COGS visibility/COGS reduction opportunities, cash-aware purchasing decisions, and understanding the working-capital impact of inventory buys. Proactively identify operational bottlenecks, design scrappy solutions, and then turn the best ones into repeatable processes and SOPs. What We’re Looking For 2–5 years of experience in operations at a CPG brand or closely related environment, ideally with exposure to DTC and/or Amazon. Hands-on experience with inventory planning, purchasing, working with 3PLs or logistics partners, and building/maintaining API connections for retail entry. Strong technical skills and AI forward: able to use existing and emerging tools to build automations, workflows and solutions that make the company operationally smarter and more automated. Experience creating lightweight dashboards or reports for non-technical stakeholders using spreadsheets. Prior experience in beauty, personal care, or broader CPG with 3PL and Amazon FBA operations exposure Bonus: experience with eco/clean certifications, sustainability initiatives, or ingredient/packaging transparency programs. You’ll Thrive Here If You Enjoy fast-paced, problem-solving environments where you’re often building the system, not just working inside one. Are creative and adaptive in how you find solutions, comfortable rolling up your sleeves and figuring things out without a playbook. Can move fluidly between big-picture thinking and detail work. Communicate clearly and directly, and are comfortable working closely with founders while owning your department. Compensation & Location ✅ Competitive Salary + Performance-Based Bonuses | $50k - $150k ✅ Hybrid role in Denver ✅ Equity Participation ✅ Unlimited PTO – We trust you to take the time you need to rest, recharge, and perform at your best. ✅ 401(k) Matching ✅ Monthly Wellness Stipend ✅ A Team That Embraces Creativity, Initiative & Humility #J-18808-Ljbffr