The backyard barbecue is an American pastime, but we’ve lost something in our transition to the convenience of gas grills over the last 30 years. Eager to be rid of the messy and time-consuming experience of dumping a bag of charcoal on an aluminum grate and dousing it with lighter fluid, we embraced gas, on the promise it would do the job just as well. It doesn’t. 

Spark combines the artisanship of the pre-gas era with the technology of today to give cooks the authenticity, taste and character of charcoal without all the hassle. 

Spark is a venture-backed startup made of A-players that make magic everyday. We are looking for a Director of Operations to join our 12 person (and growing) team. Our ideal candidate has experience with management and operations in a startup environment and a unique ability to forge solid professional relationships with coworkers, management, and stakeholders. 

You will be a guiding force of operations, working closely with the Founder to spearhead our operations team and define the direction, architecture, and evolution of Spark. The work will require creativity, tenacity, adaptability in a rapidly evolving business environment, a passion for the unknown, and solid knowledge of various business functions.

If you have an infectious enthusiasm to create, we want to hear from you. Get in at the beginning. Create something in which you have ownership. Have a real, lasting impact.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a key member of the team, and work directly with stakeholders.
• Foster a culture that inspires high levels of performance and retention.
• Develop strategic planning for the direction and control of business development activities.
• Be a student of current industry trends, ensuring that the company maintains and expands its technology leadership position.
• Motivate staff and provide guidance and a source of collaboration, as well as provide hands-on project management. 
• Recognize the role as that of both manager and support resource / mentor.
• Ensure that company development is focused on meeting and exceeding customer requirements.
• Work with advisors, engineers, brand/marketing, finance, accounting and other stakeholders to assure the project meets goals on time with appropriate quality thresholds.
• Proactively manage project changes, identify potential issues & devise contingency plans.
• Help us inspire people to cook outside more. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 5 years of management experience guiding, developing, and managing research as well as development of strategic operating plans and budgets.
• Ability to function in a high impact position within a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
• Ability to develop high levels of credibility and forge solid professional relationships with subordinates, peers, management and stakeholders inside and outside of the organization.
• Experience with financial management including preparing and managing budgets, banking activities, contracts and negotiations.
• Self-motivated with a strong bias for action, and excellent problem solving skills.
• Strong computer skills and experience with CRM and ERP Systems.
• A desire to learn more about the startup/venture capital environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

• Generous equity package in a venture-backed startup.
• Market based compensation.
• A fun team environment, located right next door to the Rayback.
• Plenty of room for professional growth as part of a small but growing team.