Romero Mexican Cookies is hiring for a Operations Associate position to work with us part time (up to 20 hours) from September-December. In an effort to better describe the position and the job, here's more on it!
Job Opening
Operations Associate
Operations Associate in E-commerce CPG Startups: Your Starting Line to Business Operations
Announce Job Opening
About Us
Romero Cookies is a Latina-owned, small-batch cookie business rooted in four generations of Mexican-American baking tradition. We are a completely online business. We ship nostalgic, fresh-baked cookies across the U.S. for celebrations, gifts, and cultural moments that matter. We need help managing day-to-day operations so we can keep delighting customers coast to coast.
Key Takeaways
- Operations associates in e-commerce startups handle diverse responsibilities from inventory management to customer service, making them essential to daily business operations
- E-commerce operations associates need both technical skills (inventory software, Microsoft Office) and human skills (communication, problem-solving) to succeed in fast-paced environments
- Startup environments like artisanal food brands provide hands-on experience across multiple departments, accelerating professional development
- No prior experience required - high school diploma sufficient
- The role offers direct exposure to modern technology, online ordering systems, and digital commerce operations that drive today’s economy
What is an Operations Associate in E-commerce Startups
An operations associate serves as the backbone of daily business activities in the rapidly evolving world of electronic commerce. Unlike traditional corporate positions where roles remain strictly defined, startup operations associates wear multiple hats and adapt quickly to changing demands in the digital marketplace.
In e-commerce environments, they manage the complex web of activities that enable customers to shop online seamlessly. From processing online orders to coordinating with delivery services, operations associates ensure that every aspect of the customer journey functions smoothly. The position represents an ideal entry point for individuals seeking exposure to various aspects of CPG operations.
The startup environment differs significantly from large corporations. Operations associates in startups gain direct access to decision-makers, participate in strategic discussions, and see immediate results from their contributions. This hands-on exposure accelerates professional development and provides comprehensive understanding of how businesses operate in the digital age.
Operations Associate Role at Growing E-commerce CPG Companies
Operations associates in growing e-commerce companies manage a diverse portfolio of responsibilities that directly impact customer satisfaction and business success. Their core duties span multiple departments and require both analytical thinking and customer-focused execution.
Primary responsibilities include processing online orders from various sales channels, maintaining accurate inventory levels, and responding to customer inquiries about products, shipping, and returns. Operations associates also coordinate with suppliers and vendors to ensure consistent product availability, especially crucial for businesses like CPG operations where ingredient quality and freshness directly impact the final product.
Managing e-commerce platform operations requires familiarity with various software systems and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues that could disrupt the customer experience. Operations associates handle payment processing coordination, shipping logistics, and integration between different systems that enable customers to pay online seamlessly across desktop and mobile devices.
Data analysis and reporting provide management with insights needed to make informed business decisions. Operations associates continue to grow in their position quickly - they compile sales data, track key performance indicators, and identify trends that help companies optimize their operations. This might include analyzing which products sell best in different regions, identifying peak ordering times, or determining the most effective delivery methods for different customer segments.
Quality control and product compliance oversight ensures that all products meet company standards and regulatory requirements. In food businesses, this involves coordinating with production teams to maintain consistent quality and working with logistics partners to preserve product integrity during shipping.
Startup-Specific Responsibilities
Direct collaboration with founders on strategic initiatives gives operations associates unique insight into business development and strategic planning. They often participate in planning sessions for new product launches, seasonal campaigns, and expansion into new markets or sales channels.
Implementing new processes and systems as the company scales requires operations associates to be adaptable learners who can quickly master new technologies and procedures. As startups grow, operations associates help establish standardized workflows that maintain efficiency while accommodating increased order volumes and more complex operations.
Cross-training across departments provides operational flexibility that’s essential in startup environments where team members must step in to support different functions as needed. This might involve assisting with marketing campaigns, supporting customer service during peak periods, or helping with sales tasks during peak market and event time.
A Day in the Life of an Operations Associate
A typical day for an operations associate in an e-commerce startup begins early with reviewing overnight activity and preparing for the day’s operations. The morning routine involves checking online orders that came in after business hours, assessing inventory levels against projected demand, and reviewing customer service tickets that require immediate attention.
Morning Routine (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): The day starts with logging into various systems to get a comprehensive view of operations. Operations associates check the e-commerce platform for new orders, review inventory management systems for any low-stock alerts, and scan customer service portals for urgent inquiries. For a company like Romero Cookies, this might involve checking if sufficient ingredients are available for planned production runs and verifying that weekend orders can be fulfilled within promised delivery timeframes.
Mid-Morning Coordination (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The mid-morning period focuses on coordinating with fulfillment teams and communicating with the owner. Operations associates communicate with production staff about daily requirements, coordinate with shipping partners about pickup schedules, and process return requests from customers. They also handle vendor communications, placing orders for supplies or ingredients needed to maintain inventory levels.
Afternoon Administrative Tasks (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Afternoons typically involve data entry, updating product information on websites, and conducting administrative tasks that keep operations running smoothly. Operations associates might update inventory counts in the system, process invoices from suppliers, respond to customer emails about order status, and coordinate with marketing teams about promotional campaigns that could impact order volumes.
Late Afternoon Reporting (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): The day concludes with compiling daily reports for management and preparing for the next day’s operations. This includes updating sales dashboards, reviewing fulfillment metrics to identify any process improvements, and ensuring that all systems are properly set up for overnight order processing.
Real-world examples from CPG companies demonstrate how operations associates must balance efficiency with brand values. During peak seasons like holidays, operations associates coordinate increased production schedules while maintaining quality standards that preserve the brand’s reputation for premium products.
Seasonal variations significantly impact daily responsibilities, particularly for food-based e-commerce businesses. During holiday periods, operations associates might process three times the normal order volume while coordinating with additional temporary staff and managing extended shipping schedules to ensure timely delivery.
Essential Skills for E-commerce Operations Associates
Success as an operations associate requires a balanced combination of technical proficiency and interpersonal skills. The digital nature of e-commerce demands comfort with various software platforms, while the customer-facing aspects require excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
Technical Skills
E-commerce platform familiarity forms the foundation of technical competency for operations associates. Proficiency with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon Seller Central enables efficient management of online stores and order processing. Understanding how these platforms integrate with inventory management systems, payment gateways, and shipping software creates operational efficiency that directly impacts customer satisfaction.
Basic data analysis capabilities enable operations associates to identify trends and patterns that inform business decisions. This might involve analyzing sales data to determine which products are most popular, identifying peak ordering times to optimize staffing, or comparing the effectiveness of different marketing campaigns in driving online purchases.
Understanding payment gateways and shipping software helps operations associates troubleshoot issues that could prevent customers from completing transactions or receiving orders promptly. Knowledge of how different payment methods work, from credit cards to digital wallets, ensures smooth transaction processing across various customer preferences.
Human Skills
Written and verbal communication excellence proves crucial for customer and vendor interactions. Operations associates regularly communicate with customers about order status, shipping delays, or product questions. Clear, professional communication builds trust and maintains positive customer relationships that encourage repeat business and referrals.
Attention to detail ensures order accuracy and quality control, particularly important for premium brands where customer expectations run high. Operations associates must carefully verify order details, catch potential errors before they reach customers, and maintain consistent quality standards that preserve brand reputation.
Time management and prioritization skills help operations associates handle multiple tasks efficiently in fast-paced environments. The ability to assess urgency, delegate when appropriate, and maintain focus on critical priorities ensures that important deadlines are met while routine tasks don’t fall behind.
Adaptability and learning agility enable operations associates to thrive in growing companies where processes and systems evolve rapidly. Startup environments require team members who can quickly master new tools, adjust to changing priorities, and contribute ideas for process improvements.
Team collaboration and cross-departmental coordination facilitate smooth operations in environments where different teams must work together closely. Operations associates often serve as liaisons between departments, ensuring that information flows effectively and that everyone understands how their work impacts overall business success.
Getting Started as an Operations Associate in E-commerce
Entering the field as an operations associate requires minimal formal education but benefits from strategic preparation and targeted skill development. The accessibility of entry-level positions makes this career path attractive for individuals seeking to establish themselves in the growing e-commerce industry.
Education requirements typically include a high school diploma as the minimum qualification, though many employers prefer candidates with college degrees in business, logistics, or related fields. However, practical skills and demonstrated ability often carry more weight than formal credentials, particularly in startup environments that value adaptability and learning potential over extensive experience.
Relevant experience can be gained through internships, part-time positions, or volunteer work that involves administrative tasks, customer service, or logistics coordination. Even experience in retail, food service, or other customer-facing roles provides valuable background for understanding customer needs and service delivery.
Industry certifications and online courses offer competitive advantages for job candidates. Courses in e-commerce platforms, digital marketing, supply chain management, or business analytics demonstrate commitment to professional development and provide concrete skills that employers value.
Job search strategies for e-commerce startup positions should focus on companies that align with personal values and career goals. Researching company missions, like Romero Cookies’ commitment to culture, authenticity, and tradition, helps identify organizations where personal values and professional goals align.
Interview preparation should emphasize transferable skills, learning agility, and genuine interest in e-commerce operations. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how their experience, even if not directly related to e-commerce, has prepared them for the challenges of startup operations. Demonstrating knowledge of the company’s products, target market, and operational challenges shows initiative and genuine interest.
Networking within the e-commerce and startup community creates opportunities to learn about job openings and gain insights into industry trends. Attending local business events, joining professional associations, CPG group meet ups, and connecting with professionals on LinkedIn can provide valuable contacts and mentorship opportunities.
Key competencies to highlight during the application process include problem-solving abilities, customer service orientation, technical aptitude, and enthusiasm for learning. Specific examples of how you’ve handled challenging situations, learned new skills quickly, or contributed to team success can effectively demonstrate these competencies to potential employers.
The growing demand for e-commerce operations support creates numerous opportunities for motivated individuals to establish rewarding careers in this dynamic field. With the right preparation and mindset, becoming an operations associate can serve as an excellent launching point for a successful career in business operations and management.
Finding Continued Success as an Operations Associate
For Romero Cookies, the Operations Associate has to be willing to receive continuous feedback for improvement. In many start-ups, the environment is fast-paced and because everyone is learning on the job, things change quickly.
For example, how we package our cookies may change from one day to the next- the Operations Associate would be willing to learn the new way as well as teach others.
Of course, we know mistakes will happen in this fast-paced, learning environment; and we expect to fail-forward. We learn, and we try not to make them again. Mistakes in the CPG world tend to be costly - a mis order of the wrong color, wrong material, or getting a customer order wrong is all detrimental to the bottom-line.
Finding continued success is asking questions, being curious, constant communication, and always a willingness to learn.
FAQ
Do I need previous e-commerce experience to become an operations associate?
No previous e-commerce experience is required for most operations associate positions. Employers typically prioritize candidates who demonstrate strong organizational skills, customer service orientation, and willingness to learn over specific industry experience. Transferable skills from retail, food service, administrative work, or even volunteer activities can provide relevant background for operations associate roles.
What’s the difference between working at a startup versus an established company?
Startup operations associates typically have broader responsibilities and more direct access to leadership, while established companies offer more structured roles and defined career paths. Startups provide faster learning opportunities and greater variety in daily tasks, but may involve more uncertainty and require greater adaptability. Established companies often have better-defined processes and training programs but may offer less flexibility and innovation opportunities.
What are the biggest challenges facing operations associates in e-commerce startups?
The primary challenges include managing multiple priorities simultaneously, adapting to rapidly changing processes and systems, handling high-stress periods during peak sales seasons, and maintaining accuracy while working at a fast pace. Additionally, operations associates must balance efficiency with quality standards and often work with limited resources while companies scale their operations.
How do seasonal fluctuations affect operations associate responsibilities?
Seasonal fluctuations, particularly pronounced in food and gift-oriented e-commerce businesses, can dramatically increase workload during peak periods like holidays. Operations associates may need to process significantly more orders, coordinate with temporary staff, manage extended shipping schedules, and handle increased customer inquiries. Planning and preparation become crucial for successfully managing these busy periods while maintaining service quality.
Comments
No comments
Leave a comment
Your Email Address Will Not Be Published. Required Fields Are Marked *
Popular Posts
More Topics
Subscribe Us
Subscribe to our newsletter and receive a exclusive, sweet deals
0 comments