At Kiva Sales & Service (KSS), we’re proud to be at the forefront of California's cannabis distribution industry. As the exclusive distributor for Kiva Confections and a carefully curated portfolio of premium cannabis brands, we ensure that dispensaries across the state have seamless access to the products their customers love. Founded on the principles of quality, reliability, and innovation, we provide unparalleled service through next-day deliveries, expert account management, merchandising support, and a robust logistics network. Every day, our team strives to elevate industry standards while empowering dispensaries to thrive in an ever-evolving market. Joining KSS means becoming part of a company that’s passionate about delivering excellence and driving sustainable growth in the cannabis space.
https://www.kivasales.com/
Job Summary
The Director of Operations is responsible for owning and scaling Kiva Sales and Service’s (KSS) end-to-end operational performance across warehousing, fulfillment, logistics, inventory, and customer delivery for two distribution warehouses (Alameda, CA and Van Nuys, CA). This role exists to ensure the operation runs efficiently, predictably, and is built to scale as the business grows. You will define the metrics that matter, build systems that surface issues early, and lead teams to consistently deliver high-quality results. Success in this role means faster execution, fewer surprises, and an operation that scales smoothly without heroics.
MUST reside near Alameda, CA or Van Nuys, CA
This job is for you if...
You’re excited to lead operations for KSS where execution, accountability, and impact truly matter
You take pride in building clear processes, strong teams, and systems that work
You’re deeply comfortable with numbers, metrics, and using data to make decisions
You move with urgency but don’t sacrifice quality, safety, or long-term scalability
You have high standards and aren’t afraid to challenge assumptions or drive change
You believe problems should be surfaced early and solved permanently, not patched repeatedly
You’re known as a clear, direct communicator who earns trust through follow-through
You operate with an ownership mindset and treat the business like it’s yours
You enjoy building structure in fast-moving, sometimes ambiguous environments
You want to be part of a winning team that values results
As KSS's Director of Warehouse Operations, you will...
Own Operational Excellence
Own end-to-end operational performance across warehousing, fulfillment, logistics, inventory, and customer delivery
Design, implement, and continuously improve scalable operating processes
Identify bottlenecks and eliminate waste through root-cause analysis and data-driven decision making
Ensure operational readiness for growth, seasonality, and new sales channels
Define Metrics and Drive Accountability
Define and own core operating metrics including cost, throughput, quality, service levels, safety, and speed
Establish and lead weekly, monthly, and quarterly operating reviews with clear inputs, outputs, and action items
Set aggressive but achievable goals and hold leaders accountable for results
Build dashboards and reporting systems that surface issues early, not after the fact
Lead and Develop High-Performing Team
Lead, develop, and motivate high-performing operations teams at all levels
Set clear expectations and performance standards across the organization, drive a culture of accountability
Coach managers to think independently, own outcomes, and raise the bar for their teams
Make thoughtful but decisive talent decisions including hiring, development, and exits
Execute with Speed and Precision
Operate with urgency while maintaining operational integrity and safety
Make high-quality decisions quickly using available data
Balance short-term execution with long-term scalability
Drive strong cross-functional alignment with sales, finance, and executive leadership
What we're looking for...
8+ years of operations leadership experience, ideally within distribution, logistics, fulfillment, or supply chain environments
Proven experience operating at scale with real complexity, including multiple SKUs, variable volumes, and tight SLAs
Demonstrated track record of building metric-driven teams and delivering measurable operational improvements
Must meet Kiva's Motor Vehicle requirements
Experience working in fast-growth or high-expectation environments
Deep comfort with operating metrics, dashboards, and financial drivers
Strong bias for action with sound judgment under pressure
High standards for execution, quality, and accountability
Clear, direct communicator who sets expectations and follows through
Ability to operate in ambiguity and create structure where none exists
Ownership mentality with a willingness to challenge the status quo
Work Environment
Work is performed in a warehouse setting with varying temperatures depending on the season.
Noise level can be moderate to loud due to machinery and equipment operation.
Employees may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, forklifts, or other warehouse vehicles.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required, such as safety shoes or vests.
Physical Requirements
Ability to drive or travel between worksites as required.
Ability to communicate clearly via phone, video, and in person.
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
May require standing, climbing, or working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
Must be able to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, and crouch as needed.
Comfortable working in environments with variable temperatures and noise levels.
Must be able to operate standard warehouse equipment safely (e.g., pallet jack, forklift)
