At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise operations for a luxury brand, ensuring smooth logistics and stock management.
- Company: Join a premium brand in a dynamic role with growth potential.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, central London office, and opportunities for team expansion.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to implement AI and automation in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Be the first Operations Director and shape the future of a growing luxury brand.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations within luxury or premium brands is essential.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
The Opportunity
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 employer: Métier
At Métier, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture in the heart of central London. As the first Operations Director, you will have the unique opportunity to shape our operations from the ground up, supported by a passionate team and a commitment to employee growth through continuous learning and innovation. With a focus on luxury and premium brands, we offer competitive benefits and a stimulating environment where your expertise can truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for an Operations Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s operations. Understand their logistics, 3PL partners, and how they manage stock flow. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit for their unique challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your strategic thinking! When discussing your past experiences, highlight specific examples where you’ve optimised operations or implemented AI solutions. This will demonstrate that you can bring valuable insights to their growing business.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team and contributing to our exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Operations:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for operations shine through! We want to see that you genuinely love the nitty-gritty of logistics and stock management. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles to demonstrate your commitment.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in luxury or premium brands. We’re looking for someone who understands the unique demands of this sector, so connect your past roles to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. This will help us see how you can make an impact!
Be Detail-Oriented:Since we’re all about the details, ensure your application is free from typos and errors. A well-structured application reflects your organisational skills, which are crucial for the Operations Director role. Take the time to proofread and format your application neatly.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
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. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences with logistics, 3PLs, and inventory control, as this role demands a solid understanding of these areas.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to think ten steps ahead. Discuss how you've previously optimised operational structures and improved efficiency, particularly in fast-growing environments. This will demonstrate your capability to scale operations effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Team-Building Skills
As the first Operations Director, you'll be building a team from scratch. Share your experiences in managing and developing teams, and how you plan to foster a collaborative environment. Highlight any successful mentoring or leadership roles you've had in the past.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to face hypothetical scenarios during the interview that test your problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss how you would handle challenges related to stock accuracy, shipping costs, or cross-border operations. This will show your analytical thinking and readiness to tackle real-world issues.
