Trade Operations Associate Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Come be a part of an exciting clean energy technology startup in beautiful Fort Collins, CO! You will work together with an ambitious and talented group of individuals decarbonizing the industrial heat sector.
We're looking for a highly organized, ambitious, and resourceful Business Operations Associate to help drive the day-to-day execution of our business while supporting strategic initiatives that enable growth. This role is ideal for an early-career professional (1-2 years of experience) or a recent graduate who wants broad exposure to startup operations, business strategy, executive support, and commercial development.
You will work directly with company leadership and serve as a key connector across teams. No two days will look the same. One day you may be coordinating executive priorities and preparing board materials, the next you may be organizing a company event, improving an internal process, conducting market research, or supporting customer and business development initiatives.
This is an in-office role based in Loveland, CO and is designed for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys wearing multiple hats, and wants to accelerate their business career.
What You'll Do
Executive & Leadership Support (25%)
Act as a trusted partner to leadership by helping coordinate priorities and keeping key initiatives on track.
• Manage calendars, scheduling, travel, and meeting logistics
• Prepare meeting agendas, notes, action items, and follow-up communications
• Coordinate board meetings, leadership offsites, and company-wide events
• Assist with presentations, reports, and business correspondence
• Support special projects and executive initiatives as needed
Business Operations, Strategy & Office Management (50%)
Help ensure the business runs smoothly while supporting operational improvement and strategic growth initiatives.
• Coordinate and track cross-functional projects from planning through completion
• Identify opportunities to improve internal processes, tools, and workflows
• Support HR, recruiting, onboarding, and employee experience initiatives
• Manage office operations, vendors, supplies, facilities, and workplace logistics
• Maintain operational documentation, SOPs, and internal knowledge systems
• Assist with budgeting, reporting, software administration, and operational analytics
• Support planning and execution of company events and culture initiatives
• Partner with leadership to gather data, develop recommendations, and execute strategic priorities
Commercial Development & Business Growth (25%)
Support customer-facing and growth-oriented initiatives across sales, partnerships, and market development.
• Conduct market research and competitive intelligence projects
• Help build customer presentations, proposals, and sales materials
• Track and maintain CRM data and pipeline reporting
• Assist with conference planning, trade show coordination, and lead follow-up
• Support partnership outreach and business development initiatives
• Gather and analyze commercial data to inform growth decisions
• Perform ad hoc research projects for leadership and commercial teams
What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Marketing, Communications, Engineering, or a related field
• 1-3 years of professional experience (internships count)
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and modern business software
• Ability to prioritize competing demands and execute with attention to detail
• Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to take ownership
• Professional maturity, discretion, and sound judgment
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in a startup, consulting, operations, sales, or administrative support role
• Familiarity with CRM tools, project management platforms, or HR systems
• Interest in business strategy, operations, and commercial growth
• Experience coordinating events, projects, or executive support activities
• Demonstrated leadership through student organizations, athletics, internships, or extracurricular activities
What Success Looks Like
Within your first year, you will:
• Become a reliable operational partner to leadership
• Own critical office and business operations processes
• Improve efficiency through better systems and documentation
• Contribute meaningfully to strategic and commercial initiatives
• Build relationships across every function of the company
• Become a trusted "get-it-done" resource for the organization
Ideal Candidate Profile
This role is perfect for someone who:
• Was highly involved in college leadership, athletics, student government, consulting clubs, or entrepreneurship programs
• Wants exposure to strategy, operations, leadership, and business development
• Enjoys solving problems and learning quickly
• Thrives in an in-person, collaborative environment
• Has ambitions to grow into a Business Operations Manager, Chief of Staff, Strategy Associate, or Commercial Operations role over time
Compensation: $65,000 - 72,500 annually + benefits