B2B Smart Fridge Field Operations Manager

About The Role

CookUnity’s B2B Smart Fridge network is scaling quickly, and we need a hands-on operations owner who can make sure every fridge, hardware kit, installation, and maintenance workflow is launch-ready and reliable in the field.

This role owns the physical and technical readiness of Smart Fridge expansion: building and preparing fridges, managing hardware inventory, coordinating shipments and installers, validating systems before launch, and creating the documentation needed to make the process repeatable across markets.

This is a field-operations role, not a purely strategic launch role. The ideal person is comfortable moving between a warehouse, a client site, a vendor call, a tracker, and a technical troubleshooting conversation.

What You’ll Own

Fridge Builds, Hardware Kits & Inventory

• Build, prepare, and audit Smart Fridge units before deployment.
• Assemble and maintain hardware kits for launches, including OptConnect, GlacierGrid, Raspberry Pi, CV equipment, cables, shelf pushers, labels, decals, and related components.
• Maintain inventory of fridges, hardware, spare parts, and launch materials.
• Track serial numbers, device IDs, on-hand stock, incoming equipment, and reorder needs.
• Receive and test new equipment before it is used in the field.
• Ensure each fridge and kit has a clear checklist before it is wrapped, shipped, or handed to an installer.

Shipping, Installation & Field Readiness

• Coordinate fridge shipments, freight, local moves, removals, and returns.
• Coordinate build crews and installation partners.
• Build and maintain a reliable network of local installers in key markets.
• Confirm physical site readiness in partnership with Launch and Sales teams, including power, placement, access, permits, building approvals, and installation constraints.
• Ensure fridges are installed with the correct hardware, branding, labels, sensors, connectivity, and dashboard setup.
• Complete post-install validation before handoff.

Systems, Tools & Technical Validation

• Manage and maintain required Smart Fridge tools, dashboards, and logs, including OptConnect, GlacierGrid, Fraiche Dashboard, Raspberry Pi Connect, Rackbeat, and related trackers.
• Validate that each deployed fridge is correctly mapped across systems.
• Test connectivity, temperature monitoring, QR/access setup, CV camera readiness, locks, screens, and transaction flow.
• Partner with Tech and Engineering teams to troubleshoot hardware issues and test new equipment or workflows.
• Document issues, fixes, and repeatable processes so they can be used by future installers and operators.

Maintenance & Cost Control

• Coordinate maintenance work for active Smart Fridge units.
• Track maintenance tickets, open issues, resolution status, and proof of completion.
• Review and verify invoices tied to installs, freight, repairs, hardware, and contractor work.
• Track cost per installation and maintenance cost by fridge, vendor, and market.
• Flag risks early when parts, vendor availability, cost, or timing may impact a launch.

Launch Stabilization & Handoff

• Support the first days of newly launched fridges by confirming hardware, systems, inventory flow, and field execution are stable.
• Communicate clear post-install updates with status, blockers, owners, costs, photos/proof, and next steps.
• Partner with Smart Fridge Ops on any early escalations before handing the location into BAU ownership.
• Create and maintain SOPs, launch checklists, training materials, and field guides.

What Success Looks Like

• Fridges ship complete, tested, labeled, and ready for installation.
• Launches are not delayed because of missing hardware, unclear