Chief Operating Officer

Company Description

Arden builds AI that operates and optimizes factories, enabling manufacturers to scale efficiently from the front office to the production floor. With demand for American manufacturing increasing across sectors such as data centers, robotics, and defense, Arden’s AI workers help unlock capacity and improve performance. The company focuses on transforming traditional industrial operations through advanced automation and intelligent decision-making tools. Arden is backed by Y Combinator, Link Ventures, Act One Ventures, and experienced angel investors from leading technology companies including OpenAI and Nvidia. This environment offers team members the opportunity to influence the future of AI-driven manufacturing at an early, fast-growing company. Role Description The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a full-time, remote role responsible for overseeing Arden’s day-to-day operations and scaling the company’s operational infrastructure. This role partners closely with the CEO and leadership team to translate the company’s vision into executable operating plans, aligning product, engineering, sales, and customer success functions. The COO will design and refine operational processes, manage cross-functional initiatives, and ensure effective resource allocation to support rapid growth. Daily activities include defining key performance metrics, reviewing operational performance data, leading weekly operating reviews, and driving continuous improvement across teams. The COO will also oversee budgeting and financial planning in coordination with finance partners, support fundraising and investor reporting, and build a culture of accountability, transparency, and operational excellence.

Qualifications

Strong Business Planning and strategic leadership skills, with experience developing and executing company-wide operating plans. Demonstrated Operations Management experience, including process design, cross-functional coordination, and scaling systems in high-growth environments. Advanced Analytical Skills, with the ability to interpret data, define metrics, and make evidence-based decisions to improve performance. Solid Finance and Budgeting capabilities, including managing operating budgets, unit economics, and financial forecasting in partnership with finance teams. Experience in technology, AI, industrial automation, or manufacturing operations is highly beneficial. Proven track record building and leading distributed or remote teams, with strong communication and collaboration skills. Comfort working in an early-stage startup environment, with a hands-on approach and ability to adapt quickly as priorities evolve. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related field; an advanced degree (e.g., MBA) is a plus but not required.