At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise operations for a luxury brand, ensuring smooth logistics and stock management.
- Company: Join a premium brand in central London, shaping the future of operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for team growth.
- Other info: Opportunity to implement AI and automation in a fast-paced, innovative setting.
- Why this job: Be the first Operations Director and make a significant impact on a growing luxury brand.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations within luxury or premium brands, with strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
This is a build and development role. Operations is the engine that allows our growth through logistics, 3PLs, stock, ERP, international flow of goods, aftercare and retail support. We need someone who lives for the detail, sees ten steps ahead, and gets genuinely excited about building something that will scale beautifully from where we are today to where we want to be.
You will be Métier’s first Operations Director, reporting directly to the CEO and building out the function, starting with one direct report (our Operations Coordinator) and growing the team as the business does. This is a role for someone who has already done a similar journey in a luxury or premium brand, knows exactly what good operations looks like at our stage, and wants to make their mark on a business they can be proud of. This is a full‑time role, reporting to the CEO, based in our beautiful central London offices.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
- Logistics, 3PL & Shipping
- Own relationships with our 3PL fulfilment partners across UK, Italy and US; alignment with SLAs, KPIs and contractual expectations
- Continuously improve warehouse performance (inbound, outbound, inventory accuracy, lead times) through onsite audits and structured business reviews
- Monitor and optimise shipping costs across production, DTC and internal flows; renegotiate courier rates and service levels as we scale
- Lead decision‑making on our cost‑efficient operational structure as the business grows
- Stock, Flow of Goods & ERP
- Own the flow of goods across the business - from Italian production into our warehouses and out to customers worldwide
- Drive stock accuracy and tight inventory control across UK, Italy and US
- Lead stock takes and operational excellence to minimise shrinkage and stock variance
- Partner with Finance on revisiting the ERP setup (Brightpearl and Xero), owning the operational side of the data flow and systems architecture
- Ensure clean, real‑time visibility of stock, orders and operational data for the wider business
- International Operations & Cross‑Border
- Lead operational decision‑making on international structure - 3PL footprint, customs, tariffs, VAT and duties
- De‑risk and optimise cross‑border flow of goods as we expand into new markets
- Stay ahead of regulatory changes affecting our cross‑border setup, working closely with CFO and external advisors
- Aftercare, Retail & Wholesale Operations
- Manage the Aftercare / Repair service programme in collaboration with production and DTC sales teams
- Oversee retail operational needs, partnering with the Head of Retail to ensure stores are fully supported with packaging, replenishment, in‑store ops
- Lead wholesale shipment operations and ensure seamless execution
- Support upcoming product launches and initiatives with operational readiness planning
- Team, Systems & Ways of Working
- Manage and develop the Operations Coordinator; build out the team as the business scales
- Build and maintain SOPs, documentation, escalation paths and decision‑making frameworks
- Identify gaps in the operating model and implement structured, scalable solutions - not short‑term fixes
- Lead the operations function’s adoption of AI and automation tools
- Strategic Partnership
- Partner closely with the senior team: Finance, Merchandising, Retail, Customer Experience and Product
- Translate growth plans and demand trends into proactive capacity and resource planning
- Bring an operational lens to commercial decisions: new markets, store openings, channel mix, pricing
Who You Are
You are an organiser at your core, see the system before anyone else. You understand that operations in a luxury, craft‑led business is different: pace and cost matter, but never at the expense of the product or the customer experience. You are at your best when building, and you are hungry for the autonomy to do it your way.
Essential
- Existing Operations Director (or directly equivalent) in a similar‑sized luxury, premium or D2C brand
- Hands‑on and strategic, with experience scaling operations in a fast‑growing business
- Deep 3PL, warehousing and shipping experience; strong existing carrier and 3PL relationships welcome
- Multi‑country operational experience (UK / Italy / US, or directly comparable); strong working knowledge of cross‑border tariffs, duties, customs and VAT
- Demonstrable experience embedding AI and automation into operations
- Exceptional, almost obsessive levels of organisation - nothing gets dropped on your watch
Ideal background includes two or more of:
- Luxury or premium consumer brands
- D2C or digital‑first retail with international footprint
- Manufacturing‑led businesses, especially with European production
- Fast‑growing scale‑ups that have visibly scaled from small to large
What Success Looks Like Year One
- A smooth, tightly controlled flow of goods across UK, Italy and US
- 3PL and shipping costs optimised - better terms, lower cost, improved DTC and internal flows
- Stock accuracy and supply chain visibility at a step‑change level
- Simpler processes, sharper SOPs, and a clear operating model that the wider business can rely on
- A clear, credible plan for how operations supports the business growth
Operations Director in London employer: Métier
Métier offers an exceptional opportunity for the Operations Director to shape and scale operations within a luxury brand environment. With a focus on employee growth, you will have the autonomy to implement innovative solutions while working in a vibrant central London office that fosters collaboration and creativity. The company values detail-oriented individuals who are passionate about building efficient systems, ensuring that your contributions will be recognised and celebrated as the business expands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their logistics, 3PL partners, and how they manage stock flow. This will help you showcase your knowledge and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in luxury or premium brands. Highlight your successes in scaling operations and optimising processes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Director role. Highlight your experience in logistics, 3PLs, and any relevant achievements in scaling operations. We want to see how your past roles align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for building operational excellence and how you can contribute to our growth. Be sure to mention specific experiences that relate to the luxury or premium brand sector.
Showcase Your Organisational Skills:Since we’re looking for someone who’s exceptionally organised, don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've implemented structured solutions in previous roles. We love a good story about turning chaos into order!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get the best experience possible. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Métier
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of operations management, especially in luxury or premium brands. Familiarise yourself with logistics, 3PLs, and ERP systems like Brightpearl and Xero, as well as the nuances of cross-border operations. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can optimise processes and drive efficiency.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences where you've successfully scaled operations. Think about specific examples where you’ve improved warehouse performance or optimised shipping costs. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you foresee applying those strategies at Métier.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
As an Operations Director, organisation is key. Bring examples of how you've implemented SOPs or decision-making frameworks in past roles. Highlight your obsessive attention to detail and how it has led to operational excellence, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks on your watch.
✨Engage with the Team Dynamics
Since you'll be building a team, show your understanding of team dynamics and leadership. Prepare to discuss how you plan to manage and develop your Operations Coordinator and future team members. Emphasise your collaborative approach and how you intend to partner with other departments to ensure seamless operations.
