Director of Operations

Arden's Garden•East Point, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Arden's Garden is seeking a strategic, results-driven Director of Operations to lead its retail and manufacturing operations. The role will lead and develop the operational leadership team, strengthen accountability, improve profitability, and build systems that support company growth. A major focus is introducing AI and modern tools throughout the business, including applications for demand forecasting, labor scheduling, inventory and ordering, production planning, and real-time reporting. The Director will work with the COO and senior leadership to execute company strategy. In the first year, the role is expected to identify high-value AI opportunities and launch at least three tools that measurably save time, reduce costs, or improve decisions, while helping teams adopt and use them. Other priorities include improving financial accountability and profitability, reducing waste, aligning labor costs with targets, and developing leaders for larger roles. This high-impact position offers significant autonomy and potential to advance into a senior executive leadership role.

Requirements

At least 6 years of operations leadership experience, including at least 3 years leading managers.
Proven success leading complex operations and delivering measurable results.
A track record of implementing technology and AI tools, helping teams adopt them, and transforming business operations.
Self-motivated, resourceful problem solver who thinks independently, takes ownership, and follows through.
Strong strategic thinking combined with a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach.
Demonstrated success developing leaders, delegating effectively, and building accountable teams.
Strong financial acumen and experience building and improving systems and processes.
Outstanding communication skills and ability to build relationships across the organization.
Genuine connection to Arden's Garden's mission of good health for all.

Nice To Haves

Experience in multi-unit retail or manufacturing is highly valued.
Food and beverage experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead efforts to introduce AI, automation, and data into areas such as demand forecasting, labor scheduling, inventory and ordering, production planning, and real-time reporting.
Lead, coach, and develop retail and manufacturing leadership teams.
Drive operational excellence, efficiency, and profitability across the business.
Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and accountability.
Identify challenges, develop solutions, and ensure successful execution.
Improve processes, systems, and communication across departments.
Manage operational budgets, performance metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Partner with the COO and senior leadership to execute company strategy and support growth.
Identify high-value AI opportunities and launch at least three tools in the first year that measurably save time, reduce costs, or improve decisions.
Help teams adopt and use AI tools in their day-to-day work.
Strengthen financial accountability and improve profitability across retail and manufacturing.
Reduce waste and bring labor costs in line with targets.
Develop leaders and prepare them for bigger roles.