At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead EMEA commercial operations, driving performance and developing high-performing teams.
- Company: Join a globally recognised consumer brand in the toys and collectibles sector.
- Benefits: Up to £120,000 salary, 25% bonus, equity, hybrid work, and excellent benefits.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities to VP and beyond in a people-focused business.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment with exciting product launches.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading operational teams within consumer products or high-SKU environments.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 120000 £ per year.
- Operations Director - EMEA Commercial Operations
- Global Consumer Products | Toys | Licensing | Collectibles
- London (Hybrid - 3 days per week)
- Up to
- £120,000
- + Bonus (25%) + Equity + Outstanding Benefits
We're partnering with one of the world's most recognisable consumer brands to appoint an Operations Director to lead the commercial operations function across EMEA.
This isn't simply about running Order-to-Cash.
Or improving KPIs.
It's about building a leadership culture capable of supporting a fast-paced, creative, international business where customer expectations, product launches and demand can change overnight.
If you're someone who naturally combines operational excellence with authentic people leadership, we'd love to speak with you.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly into the SVP of International, you'll take ownership of the commercial operations function across EMEA, leading multiple teams responsible for Customer Operations, Order Management, Commercial Planning and Operational Excellence.
You'll become one of the senior operational leaders within the region, partnering Sales, Finance, Supply Chain and Commercial teams to ensure products reach customers flawlessly whilst developing the people and capability that sit behind the operation.
This is a role where leadership matters every bit as much as technical expertise.
- What You'll Own
- Leadership of the complete Order-to-Cash operation across EMEA
- Developing and coaching high-performing operational teams
- Driving accountability, engagement and performance across multiple functions
- Managing customer operations for some of Europe's largest retailers and distributors
- Commercial forecasting, allocation and operational planning across a highly seasonal product portfolio
- Operational readiness for major product launches, entertainment releases and licensed programmes
- Customer onboarding, compliance and trading excellence
- Inventory flow, commercial analytics and operational reporting
- Continuous improvement across systems, processes and customer experience
- Building stronger collaboration between Sales, Supply Chain, Finance and Customer Operations
What Makes This Different?
This business doesn't sell commodities.
It sells excitement.
New launches.
Licensed entertainment.
Collectibles.
Products that can explode in demand overnight.
Success comes from anticipating change rather than reacting to it.
You'll be leading operations within an environment where thousands of SKUs, licensing agreements, seasonal launches and retail execution all need to work seamlessly together.
No two weeks are ever the same.
About You
We're far less interested in job titles than we are in leadership.
You'll probably bring experience from toys, gifting, consumer products, entertainment, licensing or another high-SKU retail environment where pace and complexity are part of everyday life.
You'll likely have experience of
- Leading multi-functional operational teams
- Order-to-Cash and Customer Operations
- Commercial Operations within consumer products
- Forecasting, inventory planning and allocation
- High SKU product portfolios
- Retail and wholesale customer environments
- Licensed products or trend-led categories
- International operations across multiple markets
Most importantly...
You'll be recognised as a leader.
Someone who develops people.
Navigates difficult conversations.
Builds accountability.
Leads through ambiguity.
Creates high-performing teams rather than simply managing processes.
You'll Thrive Here If...
- You enjoy building capability, not just managing operations.
- You naturally coach and develop people.
- You remain calm when priorities change overnight.
- You can challenge constructively whilst building strong relationships.
- You're equally comfortable discussing operational strategy with senior leaders as you are supporting your team through day-to-day challenges.
- You genuinely enjoy solving complex commercial problems.
Why Join?
You'll be joining one of the most recognisable brands in global consumer products during an exciting period of international growth.
This is a business where creativity meets commercial excellence, and where operational leadership has a direct impact on customer experience, product launches and business performance.
In return you'll receive
- Annual Bonus up to 25%
- Equity Participation
- Hybrid Working (3 days London)
- 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays
- Private BUPA Healthcare
- Company Pension
- Health Cash Plan
- International Remote Working Opportunities
Most importantly a well mapped career progression opportunity to VP and beyond in a truly global and people focused business.
Confidential Search
This appointment is being managed exclusively by ECW Search.
If you've built operational excellence within a fast-moving consumer, toy, beauty, licensing or gifting business, and you're ready to lead at a regional level, I'd welcome a confidential conversation.
07791 802504
Director Commercial Operations - EMEA in Slough employer: ECW Search
As a leading global consumer brand based in London, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to excel. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, we offer a collaborative environment where innovative ideas are encouraged and rewarded. Join us to be part of a high-impact leadership team dedicated to driving transformation and achieving profitable growth across the EMEA region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Commercial Operations - EMEA in Slough
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Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Director Commercial Operations - EMEA at ECW Search!
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Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Director Commercial Operations - EMEA role at ECW Search!
We think you need these skills to ace Director Commercial Operations - EMEA in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at ECW Search. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
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How to prepare for a job interview at ECW Search
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
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✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at ECW Search. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!