AI Strategy & Operations Associate

About Flowspace: Flowspace powers independent fulfillment, revolutionizing the way brands approach their supply chain. Our mission is to arm merchants with invaluable data, actionable insights, and seamless automation that transforms their supply chain into a strategic asset. At Flowspace, we lead the industry with our award-winning, top-tier fulfillment solutions. Powered by cutting-edge software that offers unparalleled visibility and strategic insights, the Flowspace platform has been tailored for the tech-savvy modern brands and retailers of today. Our innovative approach redefines fulfillment excellence, setting new standards in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Join us as we shape the future of ecommerce and retail fulfillment. Backed by renowned investors such as Canvas Ventures, Moment Ventures, BuildGroup, Y Combinator, and esteemed angels, Flowspace is at the forefront of empowering brands in the dynamic ecommerce market. Summary: Flowspace is looking for a curious, resourceful, and AI-savvy individual to work directly with our CEO to help transform how we operate as a company. This is a unique opportunity to work side-by-side with the founder and CEO of a venture-backed, Y Combinator company, gaining firsthand exposure to startup leadership while helping drive AI adoption and operational efficiency across the business. In this role, you'll work across departments including Sales, Operations, Customer Success, Finance, Marketing, and People to identify inefficiencies, automate repetitive tasks, and build AI-powered workflows that make our teams more productive. We're looking for someone who is genuinely excited about AI, loves experimenting with new tools, and enjoys figuring out how to make things work better. You don't need years of professional experience, but you should have hands-on experience using AI to build something useful. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in ambiguity, thinks creatively, and isn't afraid to challenge the way things have always been done. You're comfortable taking an idea that isn't fully defined, figuring out what needs to happen, and turning it into something that works. This is a hands-on role with significant exposure to company leadership and the opportunity to make a measurable impact across the organization. What You'll Do: Work directly with the CEO to identify opportunities to leverage AI and automation across Flowspace. Partner with department leaders to understand existing workflows, identify inefficiencies, and recommend process improvements. Design, build, and implement AI-powered workflows that automate manual tasks and improve productivity. Experiment with AI tools and platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, Zapier, Make, n8n, and other emerging technologies. Build internal AI assistants, automated reporting processes, and tools that help employees work more efficiently. Connect existing business systems and applications to streamline workflows and reduce manual data entry. Research emerging AI technologies and identify practical opportunities to implement them within Flowspace. Help train employees on new AI tools and processes, encouraging adoption across departments. Document workflows and develop repeatable processes that can scale as the company grows. Track and measure the impact of AI initiatives, including time savings, efficiency improvements, and business results. Collaborate with Product, Engineering, and other teams when more complex technical solutions are needed. Support additional strategic and operational initiatives alongside the CEO as business needs evolve. Who We're Looking For: Strong interest in artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging technologies. Hands-on experience using AI tools to solve problems, automate tasks, or build projects, whether through coursework, internships, professional experience, personal projects, or independent learning. Comfortable operating in ambiguity: You thrive in environments where there isn't always a clear playbook. You're able to take an undefined problem, create structure, and figure out a path forward independently. Creative, outside-the-box thinker: You naturally challenge the status quo, question why things are done a certain way, and find innovative ways to solve problems using AI and technology. Resourceful and proactive: You don't wait for someone to hand you a detailed set of instructions. You take initiative, ask the right questions, experiment with solutions, and find ways to get things done. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to break down complex challenges and develop practical solutions. A natural curiosity about how businesses operate and how processes can be improved. A willingness to experiment, learn quickly, and adapt as technology evolves. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively with employees and leaders across different departments. Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously. A hands-on, action-oriented mindset with a desire to build and implement solutions rather than simply recommend them. Ability to work in person with our CEO in Costa Mesa four days per week. We're open to candidates from all educational and professional backgrounds. A college degree is not required, and equivalent work experience, entrepreneurial experience, or demonstrated hands-on experience building with AI is equally valued. Whether you're a recent graduate, self-taught AI enthusiast, or someone who has developed these skills through real-world experience, we're most interested in what you can build, how you think, and your willingness to learn. Bonus Points: Experience building AI agents, custom GPTs, or automated workflows. Familiarity with automation platforms such as Zapier, Make, or n8n. Basic understanding of APIs, integrations, Python, or JavaScript. Experience with business tools such as Salesforce, HubSpot, Slack, or Google Workspace. Experience building personal projects, side businesses, or other technology-driven solutions. Previous internship or experience in a startup environment. A portfolio or examples of AI-powered tools, workflows, or projects you've created. Other Helpful Things To Know: This role is based in Costa Mesa, CA, and requires working in-office alongside our CEO four days per week. This is a cross-functional role with exposure to nearly every department within Flowspace. The position is designed for someone who is excited to learn, take ownership, and grow, regardless of where they are in their career. We're looking for someone who enjoys experimenting with new technologies and is comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment. You'll have the opportunity to take ideas from concept to implementation and see the direct impact of your work. The base salary range for this role is $75,000- $95,000 per year. Compensation packages are based on factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, certifications, and specific geographical location. Join our team! Meaningful equity in a venture backed start-up. Everyone gets stock options! Competitive Salary Top of the line medical, vision, dental, and life insurance Flexible time off, plus a separate banks for sick time Paid parental leave Mental Health / Wellness benefits + discounts for certain programs Work From Home stipend, towards your home office 401K with matching A clear success path within the company. We want you to grow and lead with us! At Flowspace, we know that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be, and we strive to hire and retain talent that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skill sets. We are committed to equal opportunity employment and we take pride in encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusion across all of our teams, without regard to race, color, religion (including religious dress and religious grooming practices), sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, medical condition (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital, parental or registered domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, transgender status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Please note: We do not accept resumes from external staffing agencies or independent recruiters for any of our openings unless otherwise directed or approved by our HR, Recruiting Department. Please do not forward resumes to our hiring managers or offices. Flowspace is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications, that have not first been approved. Disclaimer The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.