Director of Operations

Job Title: Director of OperationsLocation: Sacramento, CA (on-site)Pay: $160,000-$190,000 per yearCompany Information:Athena Ag is a leading cannabis fertilizer manufacturer and distributor, operating in 35+ countries and all 50 U.S. states through a network of 600+ dealers and international distributors. We specialize in dry soluble and liquid fertilizers, alongside IPM, tissue culture, and propagation products. Our ISO9001-certified operations emphasize in-house manufacturing in Sacramento. We are evolving into a technology-driven leader in manufacturing, distribution, multi-brand, and multi-channel management, integrating AI, automation, and customer-facing tools to enhance grower efficiency and supply chain automation.Job Overview:We are seeking a Director of Operations to own end-to-end operational execution across manufacturing, supply chain, inventory planning, warehousing, logistics, and quality. This leader will translate demand into executable production, purchasing, and replenishment plans, while developing the operational leaders responsible for running these functions day to day.This is a hands-on senior leadership role requiring deep expertise in forecasting, inventory strategy, production scheduling, and logistics. The Director of Operations leads complex cross-functional planning processes, oversees multi-site operational performance, and serves as the single point of accountability for inventory, service levels, cost control, quality, and scalable execution.Responsibilities:Integrated Planning & ExecutionOwn the weekly integrated planning meeting covering:Production planning and schedulingPurchasing and replenishmentInventory positioning and targetsWarehouse capacity and labor planningLead cross-functional planning with Supply Chain, Production, and WarehouseTranslate demand forecasts into realistic, executable production and procurement plansBalance service levels, inventory investment, capacity constraints, and costIdentify and resolve constraints across labor, equipment, materials, and logisticsEnsure plans are aligned, achievable, and executed as committedSupply Chain, Inventory & Logistics LeadershipOversee inventory planning, forecasting, and replenishment strategiesDrive inventory accuracy, turns, and service-level performanceOversee inbound and outbound logistics executionLead DC operations through the DC Operations Manager, including 3PL performanceManufacturing & Operations LeadershipOversee manufacturing, production, and warehouse operationsEnsure production schedules are achievable and consistently metPartner with Equipment, Quality, and Production leaders to maintain operational reliabilityDrive operational efficiency, throughput, and cost controlEnsure safety, quality, and compliance standards are metLead resolution of operational disruptions and root-cause analysisManufacturing Facilities & Scaling ProjectsCoordinate and lead cross-functional projects related to manufacturing facility improvements and scalingSupport capacity expansion, layout changes, equipment additions, and process upgradesPartner with Engineering, Equipment, Quality, and Operations leaders on facility-related initiativesEnsure facility changes align with production plans, safety requirements, and quality systemsQuality Leadership & Governance (ISO 9001 Environment)Provide administrative and leadership oversight of quality across on-site and off-site operationsEnsure effective use of the company's ISO 9001–certified Quality Management System (QMS)Partner with the Quality Systems Manager, who owns day-to-day QMS executionEnsure quality standards are integrated into manufacturing, supply chain, warehouse and logistics operationsReview quality performance trends, CAPAs, and systemic issuesAct as the operational executive owner of quality outcomesOwn Operational SOP authoring, review, approval, document control and trainingPeople & Leadership DevelopmentDirectly manage and develop senior operational leadersCoach managers on planning discipline, execution rigor, and leadership effectivenessSet clear expectations around accountability and performanceAddress underperformance with clarity and timelinessBuild leadership bench strength across operationsEnsure consistent leadership practices across on-site and remote teamsContinuous Improvement & Operational RigorImprove planning accuracy and execution reliabilityStrengthen SOPs, operating rhythms, and cross-functional coordinationUse data to evaluate operational performance and drive improvementIdentify system, process, and equipment gaps and recommend solutionsEnsure the operating system scales with growth and complexityQualifications:Experience:10+ years leading manufacturing, production, quality, and supply chain operations10+ years overseeing distribution and logistics functions, including management of 3PL partnerships10+ years managing cross-functional operational leaders across multiple sites and disciplines5+ years operating within a formal Quality Management System (ISO 9001)Familiarity with CalOSHA and EHS required.Experience developing and managing departmental budgets.Experience managing KPI's including fill rates, RMA rate, pick accuracy, inventory turns, etc.Technical Skills: Much be technologically adept with hands-on experience in ERP platforms (e.g., NetSuite), manufacturing and inventory planning systems, and warehouse management systemsExecution & Approach: Proven ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution; comfortable working at both the leadership and operational levelsLeadership & Culture Fit:Drives a high-performance culture with a strong focus on productivity and output per team memberConfident, effective communicator who thrives in collaborative, executive-level teams of hands-on leadersAthena Ag, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.