Vice President Operations
Company Description
Arden builds AI systems that run factories end-to-end, from the front office to the production floor. The company enables manufacturers to expand capacity and efficiency using AI workers that integrate with existing workflows. Arden operates at the intersection of advanced AI and American manufacturing, supporting sectors such as data centers, robotics, and defense. The company is backed by Y Combinator, Link Ventures, Act One Ventures, and industry-leading angels from organizations like OpenAI and Nvidia. Team members join a fast-moving environment focused on transforming how factories operate. Role Description The Vice President Operations will lead day-to-day operational strategy and execution across Arden’s business, ensuring the company can scale reliably while delivering strong outcomes for manufacturing customers. This full-time remote role includes overseeing operational processes, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving continuous improvement across internal workflows and customer implementations. The person in this position will manage key performance metrics, support P&L objectives, and coordinate project delivery to meet timelines and quality standards. They will partner closely with leadership on strategic planning, resource allocation, and risk management, while building and refining operational playbooks for AI-driven factory deployments. The role also involves fostering a culture of operational excellence, aligning operations with customer needs, and ensuring high-quality customer service throughout the engagement lifecycle.
Qualifications
Strong Operations Management experience, including building and optimizing processes in high-growth or technology-driven environments. Demonstrated P&L Management skills, with the ability to align operational decisions to financial performance and growth targets. Customer Service and customer-facing operations capabilities, with a track record of supporting complex, enterprise-level clients. Strategic Planning skills, including developing and executing long-term operational roadmaps aligned with company objectives. Project Management expertise, overseeing cross-functional initiatives, managing timelines, and delivering outcomes at scale. Experience in manufacturing, industrial technology, AI/automation, or related sectors is highly beneficial. Proven leadership abilities, including building and mentoring distributed teams and collaborating effectively in remote settings. Excellent analytical, communication, and decision-making skills, with comfort working in a fast-paced startup environment. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field; advanced degree is a plus.