Vice President, Operations

Role overview

Blue Star Advisory is building the control layer for retiring AI data center infrastructure. The company manages the complete decommissioning lifecycle for high-value AI hardware, including GPU clusters, NVLink fabrics, InfiniBand networks, and highly sensitive data. The Vice President of Operations will translate that promise into reliable execution across the field.

This position is materially different from a conventional IT asset disposition role. Retiring AI hardware brings a much higher level of complexity, with asset values that can be 5–10 times greater than typical commodity equipment, data handling that requires confirmation of destruction on a per-device basis instead of batch-level certification, and turnaround windows measured in weeks rather than months because replacement GPU deployments are waiting for rack capacity. The ideal leader has operated at scale in a demanding environment and can design a new operating model from the ground up.

What you will lead

• Own the full operational workflow end to end, including AI infrastructure decommissioning, secure data destruction, logistics, asset recovery, grading, and downstream disposition.
• Partner with the technology team to launch and run the Blue Star control platform in the field, ensuring that the system’s workflows are executed correctly in real-world conditions.
• Direct client engagements for AI hardware retirement, including GPU cluster removals, NVLink and InfiniBand fabric takedown, on-site coordination, and movement controls in enterprise and hyperscaler-adjacent environments.
• Manage data destruction programs at scale, using per-device verification and following NIST 800-88, DoD 5220.22-M, and customer-specific protocols.
• Protect chain-of-custody integrity and oversee issuance of destruction certificates for every asset, with no exceptions.
• Create the operating model for the business by building SOPs, playbooks, KPI frameworks, and quality standards that define how Blue Star delivers for every customer event.
• Design repeatable operating infrastructure that can scale across multiple locations as the footprint grows through organic expansion and acquisitions.
• Own compliance across R2v3, e-Stewards, RIOS, and NAID AAA requirements throughout all operating functions.
• Lead operational due diligence for acquisitions and guide post-close integration so systems, processes, and standards are unified across acquired businesses.
• Recruit, coach, and manage a growing operations team spanning facilities, logistics, and compliance.

Candidate profile

Blue Star is looking for a senior operations leader with 10–20 years of experience and at least 5 years overseeing ITAD, data center services, or enterprise reverse logistics at scale. Strong exposure to AI and data center hardware environments is an important advantage, especially with GPU, NVLink, InfiniBand, and high-density compute systems.

The right person should bring deep knowledge of regulated data destruction, including per-device verification, NIST 800-88, DoD 5220.22-M, and chain-of-custody requirements. Experience operating across multiple sites and building systems that make multi-location scaling repeatable is essential.

Applicants should also understand R2v3, NAID AAA, and e-Stewards certification expectations. Familiarity with platform-led operations, CMDB integration, or chain-of-custody software is helpful. A builder mindset is critical, since the operating model is still being created. Experience leading M&A integration from an operations standpoint is a strong plus. Relevant background from organizations such as Iron Mountain, ERI, Ingram Micro ITAD, DMD Systems Recovery, or similar data center services companies is considered relevant.

Compensation and benefits

The base salary for this role is $175,000 to $225,000, depending on experience. An annual bonus target of 20% to 30% of base pay is tied to throughput, compliance, hub expansion milestones, and company EBITDA. The role also includes executive equity participation (EOP).

Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k), and paid time off.

Additional information

This is a full-time, on-site position based in the San Francisco Bay Area, with work across multiple sites. The role reports to the Co-CEO.

The position is designed for a leader who is comfortable building scalable operations from scratch and driving execution in a highly sensitive, high-stakes environment.