Director of Operations

About Us:

Guardian Agriculture develops large multicopters for applying agricultural chemicals to high-value crops. Our systems radically improve precision and safety relative to existing plane- and helicopter-based crop spraying solutions, while reducing chemical use, reducing impact on pollinating insects, and minimizing opportunities for organisms to acquire chemical resistance.

Guardian is a small, multi-disciplinary team of talented engineers, technicians, and operators who are passionate about making an impact by connecting technology to solve critical customer needs. We value collaboration, candor, thoughtful design, and a growth mindset as we scale the organization and build an autonomous system that farmers can trust,

Guardian Agriculture's Autonomous Electric Drone Sprayer

Guardian Agriculture Reaps $20 Million In New Funding

SUMMARY:

Guardian Agriculture is actively seeking a dynamic Director of Operations to spearhead our expanding UAS operations worldwide. In this pivotal role, you will collaborate with senior leadership to strategize and allocate resources for future growth, while overseeing day-to-day flight operations.

As the Director of Operations, you will play a key role in formulating tangible OKRs that align with overarching company goals. You will work with team members to develop action plans, ensuring the Operations team is well-equipped to meet company objectives. Collaborating closely with the VP of Engineering, VP of Product, VP of Manufacturing, and Chief Pilot, you'll ensure that our Operations team is appropriately staffed, trained, and prepared to meet crucial company deadlines and objectives.

We are looking for candidates who can provide clarity amidst uncertainty, translate big-picture objectives into actionable plans, even in the absence of specific details. Your role encompasses managing both R&D and commercial flight operations, leveraging the former to expedite the latter in collaboration with Product and Engineering. 

This position demands a reliable self-starter who collaborates and drives organizational needs and leads the Operations team to achieve them. Candidates with backgrounds in agriculture, aviation, and program management are strongly encouraged to apply. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role offers a unique opportunity to drive the success of our operations in a rapidly growing industry.

What You'll do:

• Oversee and manage all aspects of flight operations at Guardian
• Build a strong service and support organization to take our first customers through scaled success
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop, review, revise, and ultimately execute on company OKRs
• Manage complex logistics in support of all flight operations, including inventory tracking, fleet configurations, and spares
• Operate as an internal customer to evaluate and provide feedback, and document training materials for first customers
• Work closely with the Chief Pilot to draft and implement SOPs for effective and safe UAS operations
• Set and communicate goals and priorities to operations personnel via Jira, 1 on 1s, and standups
• Maintain positive relations with external stakeholders
• Oversee and coordinate training programs for both internal and external users of the Guardian UAS
• Manage Product/Engineering testing schedule and maximize throughput of necessary testing
• Travel regularly to satellite sites (e.g., Salinas, CA) to meet with teams and support flight operations
• Identify organizational needs and develop processes/initiatives to achieve them
• Performs other duties as assigned or required
• Creates and implements operational and maintenance processes, procedures, standards and systems for our products

To Be Successful You Will Have:

• Previous program/project management experience
• Experience managing operational teams remotely and in person
• Track record of building teams with candor, trust and the ability to have hard conversations
• Experience managing operations of a fleet of complex robotic systems from the R&D stage to commercialization
• Experience with mechanical and electrical systems, assembly, and troubleshooting
• Experience with building customer support organization from the ground up
• Extreme attention to detail and thoroughness
• Willingness to travel (approximately 25%)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Safety-first mindset

 Desirable:

• Previous experience as an UAS operator
• Agricultural experience
• Maintenance of mechatronic systems
• Experience managing an aftermarket organization with a maintenance and repair mindset

Benefits:

Flexible time off, competitive salary, stock options, free company lunch every day, comprehensive benefits package, lots of tools, and the opportunity to build and play with flying machines that will have an environmental impact. We offer three months paid Maternity and Paternity Leave for new parents and encourage all parents to take it.
"Guardian AG stands firmly against racial discrimination and social injustice. Everyone has a voice in our company, and we are committed to equality, inclusiveness, respect, and kindness. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, disability status, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. Guardian AG is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please send an email to: [email protected]"