UAS Regional Operations Director

Company: Guardian
Location: Salinas
Posted on: November 6, 2024

Job Description:

About Us:Guardian Agriculture is the pioneer in eVTOL-powered precision agriculture. Backed by some of the world's largest agribusiness leaders, the company is transforming crop protection with the first automated, US-manufactured, commercial-scale eVTOL system purpose-built for agriculture. Offering data-driven crop protection unmanned aircraft, Guardian Agriculture helps farmers grow sustainably, and profitably.We develop large multicopters for applying agricultural chemicals to high-value crops. Our systems radically improve precision and safety relative to existing plane- and helicopter-based crop spraying solutions, while reducing chemical use, reducing impact on pollinating insects, and minimizing opportunities for organisms to acquire chemical resistance.We are also a small, multi-disciplinary team of talented engineers, technicians, and operators who are passionate about making an impact by connecting technology to solve critical customer needs. We value collaboration, candor, thoughtful design, and a growth mindset as we scale the organization and build an autonomous system that farmers can trust.Summary:You will oversee day-to-day operations in California, ensuring tight alignment between our Boston-based HQ and the successful rollout of our California operations. As our business expands in California, you will drive growth internally and externally.You will supervise the UAS Operations Manager, providing strategic oversight, ensuring consistent standards, and driving continuous improvement in all operations. Additionally, you will manage the Salinas office, which will start with a team of 3, growing to 6+ over the next 12 months as operations scale.You will work collaboratively with product, engineering, sales, and operations teams to ensure field feedback informs operational process improvement, product development, and customer satisfaction.Why This Role Matters:The SC1 spray drone is transforming crop protection, and your role will be critical in overseeing the success of this technology's deployment in the California region. Your leadership will not only drive the successful rollout of the SC1 in Salinas but also support Guardian's growth in the Central Valley-a key area for the company's expansion. This is a unique opportunity to lead regional operations and contribute directly to Guardian Agriculture's long-term success in precision farming.Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee the UAS Operations Manager, ensuring that operations run efficiently, safely, and in compliance with best practices and regulations.
• Ensure alignment with the Boston-based HQ to keep California operations consistent with the company's broader strategic goals, ensuring a smooth rollout and scaling of operations in California.
• Oversee the Salinas office, initially with a team of 3, growing to 6+ over the next 12 months, to ensure smooth day-to-day operations, maximize acres sprayed, support the team, and coordinate logistics as required.
• Work with product and engineering teams to support testing and updates to the SC1, ensuring feedback from California field operations is used to refine the system and improve performance.
• Provide high-level support to ensure customer success during SC1 deployments. Support sales and business growth efforts by leading field demos for potential customers and partners.
• Collaborate closely with the UAS Operations Manager to refine SOPs, implement best practices, and ensure field efficiency and safety across all operations.
• Build and manage a high-performing team, ensuring proper staffing, development, and team cohesion.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and best practices for FAA regulations, California pesticide laws, and safe chemical handling.
• Support equipment maintenance programs, ensuring the system operates at optimal performance.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to ensure field feedback informs continuous improvement across the organization.What Success Looks Like:
  • Efficient Operations: California operations run smoothly, with the SC1 system deployed reliably and consistently across the region.
  • Business Growth: Expansion into key agricultural regions like the Central Valley is successful, with increased adoption and scaling of the SC1.
  • High-Performing Team: A strong, independent team delivers on key performance metrics, supporting company growth.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Customers are satisfied with their training and onboarding experiences, leading to successful field demos and new sales opportunities.Required Qualifications:
    • 7-10 years of experience in regional operations management, agriculture, or field logistics, with at least 5 years of leadership experience building and managing high-performing teams.
    • Experience overseeing customer-facing operations and supporting sales growth, with a focus on customer satisfaction and system adoption.
    • Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and mentor high-performing teams that operate efficiently and independently.
    • Strong understanding of regulatory compliance in FAA regulations, agricultural operations, and safe pesticide/chemical handling.
    • Ability to travel approximately 25% of the time to support field teams, oversee operations, and ensure alignment with HQ.Preferred Qualifications:
      • Experience bringing new technology to market.
      • Relevant certifications, such as FAA Part 107, California Qualified Pesticide Applicator or willingness to obtain.
      • Physical ability to lift up to 70 lbs and occasionally participate in field operations.Benefits:Flexible time off, competitive salary, stock options, free company lunch every day, comprehensive benefits package, lots of tools, and the opportunity to build and play with flying machines that will have an environmental impact. We offer three months paid Maternity and Paternity Leave for new parents and encourage all parents to take it.Guardian AG stands firmly against racial discrimination and social injustice. Everyone has a voice in our company, and we are committed to equality, inclusiveness, respect, and kindness. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, disability status, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. Guardian AG is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please send an email to: rocky@guardian.ag
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Keywords: Guardian, Manteca , UAS Regional Operations Director, Executive , Salinas, California