VP Operations - North America Industrials

VP Operations

• North America Industrials Airspace
• 3.5 Carlsbad, CA Job Details $150,000
• $180,000 a year 1 day ago Qualifications Regulatory compliance Improving operational efficiency Hiring Bachelor's degree Cross-functional team management Cross-functional communication Senior leadership

Full Job Description Company Introduction:

Airspace is a tech-enabled freight forwarder that's redefining how the world's most critical packages are delivered. Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Airspace has employees who are based around the world. Our European headquarters is in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. As a recognized leader in AI and machine learning, our team leverages data and patented technology to coordinate logistics across a global network of drivers and airlines. Our goal is to deliver those packages that are truly mission-critical in a way that is faster, more transparent, more secure, and more accountable than ever before. The items we deliver range from organs for transplant, to parts for critical machinery including grounded aircraft and highly sensitive components such as semiconductors. Airspace has been rated one of America's best Startup Employers, listed as one of CNBC's Disruptor 50 companies, and featured as an Innovation and Disruption leader by CBS News. Airspace has the support of leading investors such as Telstra Ventures, HarbourVest Partners, Defy Partners, DBL Partners, and Scale Ventures. To date the company has raised more than $140m. The company is growing rapidly and serving more places around the world than ever before. We are looking for passionate, motivated individuals who want to make an IMPACT every day to help us execute on our mission of reshaping the world of time-critical logistics. About Airspace Technologies Airspace Technologies is a technology-enabled critical logistics company operating across approximately 15 countries. We serve the aerospace, medical device, and life sciences sectors — industries where speed, precision, and reliability are non-negotiable. Our proprietary platform powers time-critical shipments for the world's most demanding customers, and our operations teams are the backbone of every successful delivery. Position Summary The Vice President, North America Operations is a senior executive responsible for the end-to-end operational strategy and execution of Airspace's North America business. This leader oversees a team of 50+ operations professionals across multiple verticals and customer segments, ensuring every shipment is executed to the highest standard of quality, compliance, and service reliability. Reporting directly to the executive leadership team, the VP will serve as the operational cornerstone of the business — driving scalable performance, building team capability, and continuously improving processes and systems to position Airspace for long-term growth. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership & Execution Own end-to-end operational performance across North America, ensuring order execution consistently meets or exceeds client expectations for all time-critical shipments. Serve as the senior operational escalation point for complex, high-stakes logistics challenges across the life sciences, pharmaceutical, aerospace, and medical device sectors. Partner closely with commercial, quality, IT, and global teams to deliver tailored solutions that meet complex operational, regulatory, and service requirements. Lead coordination across transportation networks and carrier partners to maintain service reliability and compliance in a dynamic, 24/7 operating environment. Team Development & Organizational Capability Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team of 50+ operations professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer obsession. Design and implement structured training and development programs that build technical depth, cross-functional knowledge, and long-term organizational capability. Establish clear performance expectations and career pathways, mentoring managers and individual contributors to grow into expanded roles. Align team structure, roles, and resources to business growth needs, ensuring the organization scales effectively as shipment volume increases. Process Optimization & Operational Excellence Identify, design, and lead initiatives to streamline operations workflows, eliminate friction, and improve throughput and service quality at scale. Partner with technology and product teams to leverage Airspace's proprietary platform and data infrastructure to drive smarter operational decisions. Establish and monitor key performance indicators across the operations organization, using data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities. Champion a culture of structured problem-solving and disciplined execution, ensuring standards are maintained across all market segments and customer types. Client Service & Stakeholder Management Build and sustain strong relationships with key clients, acting as a trusted operational partner capable of translating complex service requirements into reliable execution. Lead customer-facing operational conversations, including performance reviews, issue resolution, and the development of enhanced service solutions. Represent operations in cross-functional executive discussions, providing clear, data-informed perspectives on capacity, risk, and growth readiness. Qualifications Required 10+ years of progressive experience in critical logistics, time-sensitive supply chain, or specialty transportation operations. Demonstrated success managing large, multi-functional operations teams — including hiring, development, and performance management. Deep familiarity with the operational and regulatory requirements of serving life sciences, pharmaceutical, medical device, or aerospace customers. Proven ability to build and scale operational processes in a high-growth, fast-paced environment. Strong executive presence with the ability to communicate clearly and credibly across internal teams, external clients, and senior leadership. Bachelor's degree required; concentration in Business, Supply Chain, Public Policy, or related field preferred. Preferred Experience in an operations leadership role at a technology-enabled logistics or last-mile delivery business. Background in client implementation, special projects, or customer solutions in addition to core operations management. Familiarity with customs compliance, hazardous materials regulations, and international shipping requirements. Track record of leading cross-functional or multi-site operational teams across geographically distributed markets.

Compensation Range:

$150,000-180,000 + Bonus + Benefits Leadership Profile The ideal candidate leads with a collaborative, long-term mindset and a disciplined approach to decision-making. They build trust by empowering their teams with clarity, holding themselves and others to high standards, and demonstrating resilience and consistency in complex, evolving environments. They are as comfortable on the floor with operators as they are in a boardroom with clients and executives.

Core Values:

We are One Team . We believe we all accomplish more when we are working together. We make an Impact . We are determined to have a positive influence on our environment, our customers, our industry, and our world. We are Passionate . We care deeply about our mission and are not afraid to raise the bar. We are Transparent . We pride ourselves on having open, honest, and sincere communication with our team and customers. We are Innovative . We never settle and are always striving to improve our product, service, and ourselves.

About Airspace:

From life-saving organs to essential machinery components, Airspace is trusted by the world's largest companies and most critical healthcare organizations to move their most time-sensitive shipments on time, every time. Our proprietary AI-powered platform is the most advanced of its kind

• awarded and protected by multiple patents, it provides speed, reliability, and transparency unrivaled in time-critical logistics.

We are thinkers, builders, and doers; from building and deploying AI in the world to assembling a world-class operations team, Airspace is on a hypergrowth trajectory while remaining hyper-focused on the needs of our customers and team members. With offices in the United States in Carlsbad, CA and in Europe in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Stockholm, and London, we are rapidly scaling into new markets and industries while continuing to innovate and maximize value for our customers. Backed by leading investors including Telstra, HarbourVest, Prologis, Qualcomm, Defy, and others, Airspace has raised $140M to date. Join our team of 300+ technologists, futurists, and industry veterans as we work as One Team to revolutionize time-critical logistics. Airspace is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Additionally, Airspace participates in the E-Verify program for all locations. For this role the acquisition of recruitment agencies is not appreciated, thank you for your understanding.