About THUMBWAR
THUMBWAR is a technical solutions company that combines the talents of our diverse staff, our inventory of equipment, and the experience of over fifteen years in business to produce unique solutions to solve our clients needs.
We work with broadcast networks to design and execute live broadcast workflows, with an emphasis on remote work and hybrid workflows.
We work with content providers to enable workflows that leverage content aggregation to create engaging programming for platforms such as web and mobile during marquee events.
We work with large companies and institutions where we have integrated large-scale storage and archive environments and remain trusted partners after the initial installation for on-going support and maintenance. We do this by providing consulting, on-going support, and turnkey IT infrastructure design and deployment.
Our team, our clients, and our projects may be diverse, but at the core is a cohesive understanding of our customers’ needs and how THUMBWAR’s unique perspective and skillset can address them.
Logistics & Operations Manager
More About THUMBWAR
THUMBWAR builds and deploys advanced capture and media systems used by global brands, studios, and technology partners. Our equipment travels to live productions, engineering environments, and client installations where precision, readiness, and reliability are non-negotiable. Logistics is mission-critical infrastructure—at THUMBWAR, logistics isn't a back-office function; it is the heartbeat of our global deployments. When logistics works, our technology changes the way the world sees media.
Role Summary
The Logistics & Operations Manager is the architect of THUMBWAR’S physical supply chain. You are not just managing a warehouse; you are building and leading the Operations team (currently 3 members) responsible for the lifecycle of multi-million dollar technical assets. You will bridge the gap between high-level client strategy and hands-on execution, ensuring that our "mission-ready" standards are met every time a kit leaves the floor. This role reports to the founding partner and partners directly with him and Engineering to scale our operational capacity for global expansion.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Orchestration
• Lead, mentor, and schedule a high-performing logistics team, fostering a culture of extreme ownership and technical discipline.
• Define KPIs for the department, including shipment accuracy, turnaround times, and asset loss prevention.
• Serve as the primary point of escalation for complex international shipping hurdles, customs clearances, and time-sensitive production pivots.
Global Supply Chain & Freight Strategy
• Architect and oversee the global movement of systems, specializing in high-value electronics and optics.
• Mastermind the ATA Carnet process and international compliance, ensuring seamless border crossings for temporary exports in the UK, EU, and beyond.
• Negotiate and manage relationships with white-glove freight forwarders, couriers, and specialized brokers to optimize for both speed and cost-efficiency.
Systems Architecture & Inventory Intelligence
• Own the asset management and inventory tracking System (e.g., Flex, Cheqroom, or Microsoft Project-driven workflows).
• Implement rigorous chain-of-custody protocols and "Pre-Flight" QA checklists to ensure zero-defect dispatches.
• Analyze inventory data to forecast hardware needs, managing the RMA and repair pipeline to maximize equipment "up-time."
Facility & Safety Stewardship
• Design and optimize the physical warehouse layout for maximum throughput and gear protection.
• Establish and enforce OSHA-compliant safety standards and safe-handling SOPs for delicate broadcast hardware.
• Manage the operational budget for packaging materials, warehouse supplies, and logistics software.
Characteristics of the Ideal Candidate
• The "System-Builder" Mindset: You don't just follow a process; you improve it until it’s unbreakable.
• Technical Respect: You understand that a cinema lens or a media server isn't just "cargo"—it's a precision instrument.
• Operational Calm: You thrive when a live production schedule shifts 180 degrees at 4:00 PM on a Friday.
• Strategic Foresight: You see the "bottleneck" three weeks before it happens and solve it today.
Required Qualifications
• 5+ years of experience in technical logistics, production management, or hardware operations (Live Event/AV/Broadcast experience is highly preferred).
• 2+ years in a supervisory or management role, with a proven track record of developing junior talent.
• Expert-level knowledge of international logistics, including Commercial Invoices, HTS codes, and complex export documentation.
• Proficiency in modern Project Management and Inventory software (Asana, Monday.com, Microsoft Project, or specialized Asset Trackers).
• Ability to stand for long periods and safely lift/maneuver equipment cases up to 50 lbs.
Preferred Qualifications
• Direct experience managing ATA Carnets for multi-country tours or global production deployments.
• Deep familiarity with the "Rental House" ecosystem (e.g., PRG, VER, Quixote) or high-end broadcast equipment.
• Advanced certification in Logistics (CSCP) or Warehouse Safety (OSHA-30).
Why Join THUMBWAR
This is a "builder" role. You are joining a fast-paced , growing organization where you will have the autonomy to design the playbooks that support global brands. We value operational excellence and reward the leaders who make the "impossible" deployments happen through sheer organizational discipline.
Operations
Los Angeles, CA
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