Operations Associate

Permanent is a public benefit company dedicated to advancing regenerative agriculture and supplying better foods at better prices to businesses.

Since launching in 2023, we’ve driven millions in new sales for regenerative and organic farmers and delivered reliable programs to leaders in food service (Sweetgreen, University of California), CPG (Kettle & Fire, Little Sesame) and retail (Sprouts, Sam’s Club).

Thanks to dedicated customer service and our supply chain development tools, Permanent has built one of the fastest-growing food catalogs in America and become a trusted, competitive supplier of sustainable foods.

We’re seeking a tech-savvy, detail-oriented Business Operations Associate with a passion for food systems and getting things done. In this versatile role, you'll own customer orders from intake through delivery, coordinating across customers, farmers, and logistics partners to get the right product to the right place at the right time. You'll also run our packaging programs and support supplier and customer operations, all while developing a deep understanding of where our food comes from and how it moves through the supply chain.

• Schedule:
  
  Pacific Coast hours (8am-4pm PT preferred).
• Start date:
  
  January 2027 (full-time, exempt). Part-time work is available during 2026.
• Compensation depends on experience, skills, and location, and includes base salary, equity, and benefits. The base salary range for this role is $55,000-$90,000 per year.

Order Management & Processing

• Own the order workflow for a variety of customer types end-to-end: enter orders, confirm sourcing with suppliers, book logistics and ensure on-time, in-full delivery.
• Identify recurring order issues and help develop processes and systems to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Maintain accurate order records and documentation within our systems.

Juice Program (Co-Manufacturing)

• Run the weekly MRP (Material Requirements Planning) by compiling inventory, order, and forecast reports to maintain accurate planning.
• Direct daily co-manufacturing production orders, issue material releases, and reconcile actual output against orders.
• Serve as the primary contact for 3PL outbound shipments to resolve daily scheduling changes, delays, and inventory risks.
• Maintain complete production records and align inventory and delivery schedules with customer demand.

Business & Supply Operations

• Help manage customer and supplier information as needed, including onboarding needs, product availability, pricing and other key details.
• Coordinate customer and supplier communications and ensure information flows smoothly across the business.
• Run day-to-day packaging program coordination: procurement, inventory and usage tracking across suppliers, warehouses and customers, with an eye for reducing waste.
• Become a superuser of our marketplace app and AI tools and provide actionable feedback to guide product improvements.
• Support accounting, admin and operations projects as needed across the business.

• 2+ years of experience in operations, order management, sales operations, account management, customer service, supply chain, or a related field—ideally in food, farming or produce.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented; you are able to manage many orders, deadlines and priorities at once without dropping anything.
• Clear, responsive communicator who is comfortable calling and emailing customers, suppliers and partners.
• Proactive problem solver who catches issues early and follows through to resolution.
• Comfortable multitasking and wearing many hats in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment.
• Strong spreadsheet skills (Excel or Google Sheets) and quick to learn new software.

• Experience managing…