Position: Director of Operations Innovation

About Ruggable

Ruggable is a Los Angeles-based e-commerce company disrupting the $5B rug industry. Our patented 2-Piece Rug System has a removable top layer that can be washed in a home washing machine, offering a stylish and convenient solution for families, pet owners, and busy individuals. We are a small, entrepreneurial team with big ambitions. We have a strong brand, established traction, and a great team fueling our growth. This is an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a rapidly growing e-commerce startup.

The Operations Innovation Director will report into the Chief Operating Officer to guide the strategy and implementation of technology, manufacturing processes, and supply chain at Ruggable. Initial responsibilities will include developing Ruggable’s capital equipment roadmap, serving as the primary relationship manager with existing vendors, and cultivating and managing new vendor relationships.

What You’ll Do:

Develop Capital Equipment Roadmap

• Understand equipment needs, develop criteria for evaluating new technologies, and make recommendations
• Conduct cost-benefit analysis for new technologies through rigorous quantitative & qualitative research
• Lead technology implementation planning efforts, managing timeline and working with stakeholders
• Understand and develop plans for CapEx infrastructure
• Bring automation technologies to introduce new capabilities and improve costs

Vendor Relationship Management

• Cultivate relationships with existing and new vendors, serving as primary point of contact between the suppliers and Ruggable
• Identify new vendors that can best serve the needs of Ruggable
• Lead and review contracts, SLAs, payment terms, and pricing
• Partner with vendors to develop maintenance programs to maximize CapEx lifespan & performance
• Develop supplier performance metrics for reporting and establishing accountability

CapEx Operations

• Understand Ruggable’s existing capital equipment, evaluate performance / lifespan, and develop KPIs to monitor ongoing performance
• Develop implementation plan for new equipment and execute the plan by partnering with stakeholders
• Develop CapEx KPIs for regular reporting to leadership team

Mid to Long Term Projects

• Understand upstream manufacturing processes to inform our future raw material strategy (e.g., vertical integration)
• Develop operations and supply chain for new products - partnering with Supply Chain and Product Departments to create capabilities to introduce new products over time

What We’re Looking For:

• Exceptional interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills
• A data-driven mindset with strong attention to detail
• Excellent analytical skills and expertise in Excel/Google Sheets
• A self-starter willing to work in a fast-paced, unstructured environment
• Ability to travel internationally as needed
• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field; MBA or advanced degree a plus
• 4-5 years in management consulting or work at a large CPG/retailer with experience in operations
• Interest in mechanical / hardware engineering a big plus