Chief Operating Officer

UpTerra; Sausalito (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking company is seeking a Chief Operating Officer / Chief of Staff to lead its dynamic AgTech organization. This role is pivotal in driving operational excellence and fostering a collaborative culture that emphasizes servant leadership. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in scaling innovation-driven businesses, ensuring that the company’s strategic vision translates into actionable operational strategies. With a focus on empowering teams and delivering tangible value to stakeholders, this position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in the agricultural technology sector.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of operational leadership experience, ideally in AgTech.
• Proven track record of leading high-performing, cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations and ensure alignment with long-term goals.
• Lead cross-functional teams in aligning operational capabilities with growth.

Skills

Operational Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Team Development

Financial Acumen

AgTech Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business or Agriculture

MBA or Advanced Degree

Tools

AI-driven Analytics

IoT Sensors

Job description

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UpTerra, a revolutionary Agricultural Technology company, is seeking an an exceptional Chief Operating Officer / Chief of Staff with experience managing all aspects of a growing start-up.

Title / Position: Chief Operating Officer / Chief of Staff

Location: Sausalito, CA, Hybrid / primarily onsite.

About UpTerra:

UpTerra is transforming agriculture with scalable, patent-pending backed water and bio-frequency technology. Our technology has enabled 25,000 acres to reduce input costs while increasing yield and creating a 2x-4x ROI, scaling to 60,000 acres within the next year. UpTerra operates on a SaaS-like revenue model at $34–$50 per acre/year, a 95% customer retention rate and track record of organic growth through existing customer expansion, creating a multi-billion-dollar market opportunity.

Description:

We are seeking a purpose-driven, people-first, and thoughtfulChief Operating Officer (COO) to join our dynamic AgTech organization. The ideal candidate is a seasoned operational leader with deep experience in scaling innovation-driven businesses and a strong commitment to servant leadership—putting people first, empowering teams, and building a collaborative culture that drives sustainable growth.

As COO, you will be the strategic and operational backbone of the company, responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, ensuring alignment with long-term goals, and fostering a values-based culture of continuous improvement, trust, and service. Your role will be pivotal in ensuring our technologies deliver tangible value to farmers, partners, and stakeholders, while also nurturing internal talent and community impact.

Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Operational Leadership

• Translate the company’s vision and mission into actionable operational strategies, policies, and procedures.
• Lead cross-functional teams in aligning operational capabilities with growth goals across supply chain, product development, field services, and customer success.
• Champion innovation in processes, ensuring agile responses to the evolving needs of the agriculture sector and technology advancements.
• Monitor key metrics and KPIs, implementing systems to evaluate efficiency, quality, and impact.
• Work with Executive team to establish best practices for all functions.
• Model and reinforce a servant leadership philosophy, prioritizing empathy, listening, and empowering team members at every level.
• Foster a psychologically safe environment where all voices are heard, respected, and encouraged.
• Cultivate a culture of accountability, purpose, and continuous personal and professional growth.
• Lead by example in ethical behavior, sustainability practices, and commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

3. Team Development & People Operations

• Mentor and support senior leadership team members, guiding career development and leadership potential.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all operational practices.
• Collaborate with HR to design and implement employee engagement strategies that reflect servant leadership values.
• Ensure that every team member feels connected to the broader mission and has the tools, support, and autonomy to succeed.

4. Agricultural & Technological Operations Oversight

• Ensure operational excellence across farming support services, R&D, field trials, and customer implementation.
• Oversee the integration of cutting-edge AgTech solutions (e.g., precision agriculture, AI-driven analytics, IoT sensors) into field operations and client-facing services.
• Maintain a strong understanding of ag industry trends, regulations, and sustainability challenges.

5. Financial and Resource Stewardship

• Partner with the CFO and executive team to build and manage operating budgets aligned with strategic priorities.
• Ensure cost-effective operations and resource allocation, without compromising service, innovation, or culture.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to operations, compliance, and technology deployment.

6. Customer & Partner Alignment

• Work closely with Product, Sales, and Customer Success teams to ensure that operational strategies are aligned with customer needs and feedback loops are well-established.
• Build trust with farming communities, research institutions, and partners by actively listening, responding, and co-creating solutions.
• Ensure that our services deliver measurable ROI to growers, with a focus on long-term sustainability and land stewardship.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of operational leadership experience, ideally in AgTech, precision agriculture, agribusiness, or tech-enabled service companies.
• Demonstrated success in scaling organizations and leading high-performing, cross-functional teams.
• Deep understanding of agricultural operations, technologies, and sustainability principles.
• Proven track record of leading with humility, empathy, and a growth mindset.
• Excellent strategic thinking, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in resource management and operational planning.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, agriculture, engineering, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Please note that we are only able to respond to qualified applicants.

UpTerra is an Equal Opportunity Employer.We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, veteran status, and other statuses protected by law.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Agriculture, Construction, Mining Machinery Manufacturing

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