Operations Lead

The Role We’re hiring an Operations Lead to build the operational backbone for a growing hardware business. This hands‑on builder role involves creating simple, repeatable workflows across procurement, inventory, fulfillment, deployment coordination, and RMAs, while running the day‑to‑day cadence that keeps projects moving. Location: New York, NY Job Type: Full‑time Experience: 5‑10 years Remote work policy: On‑site Visa sponsorship: No Preferred Time Zone: ET What You’ll Own Hardware operations (sourcing → readiness) Manage purchasing and supplier coordination for hardware and accessories (lead times, POs, delivery schedules). Maintain basic BOM/SKU structure and ensure hardware configurations are consistent and documented. Establish incoming checks and lightweight QA gates to reduce field failures. Coordinate packaging/kitting requirements so deployments arrive “install‑ready.” Inventory, logistics, and fulfillment Own inventory tracking: stock levels, reorder points, spares strategy, and clean recordkeeping. Run fulfillment workflows: shipping, labeling, kitting, tracking, and delivery confirmation. Coordinate with a 3PL (or build a simple internal process) and drive high fulfillment accuracy. Deployment operations (with partners) Operationalize deployments with system integrators: scheduling, site readiness checklists, install handoffs, and go‑live validation. Build a standardized deployment pipeline: intake → provisioning → ship → install → validate → steady state. Create clear escalation paths and “definition of done” for successful installs. RMA and field reliability loop Build a practical RMA workflow: triage, replacement, return shipping, tracking, and root‑cause feedback. Track failure patterns and partner with engineering/product to reduce repeat issues. Operating cadence and cross‑functional coordination Build simple ops reporting: inventory health, shipment status, deployment status, RMAs, and key blockers. Run weekly cadence with internal stakeholders and partners to keep deployments and escalations moving. Improve unit economics through fewer fulfillment mistakes, fewer repeat shipments, and better spares planning. What Success Looks Like First 30–60 days Clear visibility into inventory, shipments, deployment pipeline, and RMAs (even if tooling is lightweight). Documented SOPs for fulfillment, deployment handoffs, and RMA handling. Consistent operating cadence with partners and internal teams. By 90–180 days Predictable “ship‑to‑install” motion with fewer surprises and faster cycle times. Low fulfillment error rate and a working spares/RMA process. Field feedback loop that measurably reduces repeat operational issues. Requirements 5–10 years in operations roles covering some mix of hardware logistics, fulfillment, inventory, deployments, or customer delivery. Proven ability to build lightweight processes from scratch (SOPs, checklists, vendor coordination, dashboards). Strong vendor/partner coordination skills; comfortable holding people accountable with clarity and tact. High ownership and responsiveness—able to handle urgent issues while improving the system over time. Comfortable in a startup environment: ambiguity, speed, and doing the work yourself when needed. Nice to Have Experience with connected devices, networking equipment, or field‑deployed hardware. Familiarity with 3PLs, shipping tools, and basic inventory systems. Experience supporting multi‑site rollouts through partners (SIs/MSPs). How You’ll Be Measured Fulfillment accuracy and on‑time shipment rate. Deployment cycle time (intake → live) and install “success rate.” Inventory health (stockouts, spares readiness, excess). RMA rate, turnaround time, and repeat failure reduction. Operational visibility: clean reporting, fewer surprises, faster resolutions. Logistics Location: On‑site in New York. Travel: Occasional travel to customer sites as needed. Reports to: Founder. #J-18808-Ljbffr