Operations Manager

About Airspace

Airspace is an innovative technology-powered freight forwarding company transforming the delivery of mission-critical packages worldwide. Based in Carlsbad, California, with global employees and a European headquarters in Amsterdam, the company leverages AI and machine learning to optimize logistics across a vast network of carriers. Their deliveries include critical items such as transplant organs, essential machinery parts, grounded aircraft components, and sensitive semiconductors. Recognized as a top American startup employer and a CNBC Disruptor 50 company, Airspace has secured over $140 million in funding from prestigious investors including Telstra Ventures and HarbourVest Partners.

Role Overview

The Operations Manager will lead the performance and development of a specific sector within Airspace, driving it toward regional excellence as the company expands. This position involves close collaboration with senior management and various departments including Revenue, Network, Finance, R&D, and Quality Assurance to ensure operational accuracy and alignment. The role demands leadership over a distributed, possibly 24/7/365 operational team spanning multiple time zones, emphasizing both frontline support and strategic execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Directly support sector teams to maintain service standards and address escalation points before involving higher management.
• Monitor and analyze sector performance using KPIs, applying coaching and process improvements to resolve issues and enhance efficiency.
• Collaborate with sector leadership to establish Standard Operating Procedures, KPI benchmarks, and reporting frameworks for leadership reviews.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to represent the sector in key customer meetings and support revenue-generating initiatives.
• Coordinate with Quality Assurance to address shipment reviews and implement effective corrective actions.
• Assist in staffing decisions including headcount, hiring, and compensation in partnership with senior leadership and HR.
• Develop and maintain training programs and materials, supervise new hire onboarding, and ensure ongoing learning compliance.
• Conduct regular coaching and development sessions for team leaders and frontline staff, managing performance reviews and succession planning.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives aligned with company goals, overseeing end-to-end project management and stakeholder engagement.
• Maintain operational coverage schedules ensuring uninterrupted services.

Required Qualifications

• Experience managing high-performing teams within time-critical logistics, marketplace, or supply chain sectors.
• Strong ownership mentality with accountability for team outcomes including hiring and compensation decisions.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate with cross-functional departments without direct authority.
• Capability to manage distributed teams maintaining 24/7/365 operational coverage.
• Skill in defining KPIs and executing follow-up actions through coaching, process enhancements, or escalation management.
• Effective coaching abilities for mentoring both individual contributors and managers.
• Proven calmness and decisiveness in high-pressure, high-visibility situations.
• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline or equivalent professional experience.

First Six Months Outlook

Within the initial 90 days, establish strong relationships across your sector and key partners, understand sector performance metrics, and shadow leadership in customer engagements and review processes. By 180 days, independently manage daily operations and escalations, lead training cycles, and co-own performance review preparation and execution.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary between $80,000 and $85,000.
• Performance-based bonuses linked to sector outcomes.
• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance options.
• 401(k) company matching.
• Reimbursement for professional development and training.

Core Values

• One Team: Collaborative success through unity.
• Impact: Driving meaningful positive change for environment, customers, and industry.
• Passion: Deep commitment to mission and continuous improvement.
• Transparency: Open and honest communication internally and externally.
• Innovation: Constant pursuit of enhanced products, services, and personal growth.

Equal Opportunity

Airspace fosters an inclusive workplace free from discrimination based on legally protected characteristics and participates in the E-Verify program for all locations. Recruitment agency solicitations are not welcomed for this role.