Associate Operations Manager

<p><strong>Who we are</strong>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.lab37.us/"><strong>Lab37 Robotics</strong></a><strong>,</strong> is a technology company focused on the development and deployment of robots designed specifically for direct-to-customer food production. Our mission is to revolutionize the food industry by creating innovative robotic solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction. We are passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology to deliver cutting-edge products that meet the evolving needs of our clients.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>About the role</strong></p> <p>As an Associate Operations Manager, you will play a key role in the day-to-day performance of our Los Angeles kitchen operations. You will work closely with the Head of Operations to ensure our kitchens run safely, efficiently, and consistently while developing frontline leaders.</p> <p>This is a hands-on field operations role. You will spend significant time in our kitchens, coaching leaders, solving problems, ensuring standards are followed, and driving accountability across locations. As Lab37 grows, this role will expand in scope and responsibility.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>What you’ll do</strong></p> <ul> <li>Own day-to-day operational performance across assigned Los Angeles kitchens and serve as the first point of escalation for location-level issues.</li> <li>Manage and coach Shift Leads, Floating Managers, and other kitchen leadership while building a high-performance culture.</li> <li>Ensure SOPs are followed across cleaning, food safety, opening/closing, prep, equipment care, inventory, and order quality.</li> <li>Own location-level labor management, including staffing, scheduling, overtime, productivity, and labor costs.</li> <li>Help manage food cost, inventory, waste, purchasing, and other controllable operating costs.</li> <li>Coordinate facilities and equipment issues, vendors, repairs, and preventive maintenance.</li> <li>Spend regular time onsite observing execution, identifying gaps, coaching employees, and stepping in when needed.</li> <li>Monitor location KPIs, identify underperformance, and implement corrective action plans.</li> <li>Support hiring, onboarding, training, and development of kitchen leaders and hourly employees.</li> <li>Support new kitchen launches and help stabilize locations after opening.</li> <li>Identify recurring operational issues and recommend practical improvements to leadership.</li> <li>Maintain clear communication and follow-through to ensure issues are resolved.</li> <li>Escalate issues requiring senior leadership judgment, material spend, or broa