The Opportunity
We're looking for an Operations Manager to own the entire operational backbone of our fast growing, internationally scaling business. This is not a coordinator role. It's autonomous ownership of supply chain, demand planning, and global logistics for a business that's tripling year on year with zero external investment.
You'll work directly with our Founder and be instrumental in building the systems and processes that enable continued growth. You'll join a tiny, close knit team where everyone knows each other well, values transparency, and actually wants to be here building the business.
Key Details
- Location: Manchester, UK.
- Setup: Hybrid (Monday and Thursdays in office). Flexible beyond that.
- Reports to: Founder
- Start Date: Flexible on the right person
- Salary: Competitive and flexible on the right person
- Holiday: 28 days (excluding bank holidays) plus your birthday off
- Probation: 3 months
What You'll Own
Demand Planning & Inventory Strategy
Build and own sales forecasting models using historical sales data, growth rates, marketing calendars, and seasonality to predict stock quantities across categories. Strategically allocate inventory across UK and US warehouses to maximise availability and minimise overstock. Predict and trigger reorders for all branded packaging in line with projected growth. Monitor sell through rates and competitor positioning to flag opportunities for price adjustments. Manage fabric consignment arrangements with suppliers, keeping reserved fabric on hand at all times so emergency POs can be raised without lead time delays.
Supply Chain & Production Management
Own the primary contact relationship with fabric, garment and packaging manufacturers. Use order sheets and historical data to confirm quantities, place orders, and lock in lead times. Partner with our product development team on new product launches, ensuring production timelines sync with freight schedules. Own resolution of production defects and quality failures.
Global Logistics & Warehouse Operations
Book all international shipments via our freight forwarder, manage customs, and delivery schedules. Generate Advanced Shipping Notices (ASNs) for all warehouses and ensure shipments arrive on agreed dates. Monitor warehouse SLAs for receiving speed, dispatch accuracy, and inventory integrity. Maintain 100% inventory synchronisation between Shopify and warehouse management systems. Own relationships with our fulfillment partners, solving problems and chasing shipments.
Collection Administration & SKU Management
Deliver SKUs, barcodes, HS codes, weights, and pricing specs to manufacturers. Generate and manage all barcode creation on our GS1 account. Own uploading all new product information to Shopify including product descriptions, prices, SKU codes, HS codes, weights, and images. Ensure Shopify remains the single source of truth for all product data. Use your own data-backed knowledge to agree price points and negotiate margins.
Commercial & Import/Export
Own all import and export decisions, deciding which routes are most cost effective and which tariff codes apply. Ensure all HS codes are correct before production and shipping. Own all commercial invoices, import documentation, and export compliance across UK, EU, and US. Manage freight costs, tariffs, duties, and packaging spend. Constantly audit workflows to find efficiencies, cost savings, and faster routes to market.
Strategic Input & Problem Solving
We're a small team and we're not just looking for someone to execute the operational playbook. We want someone with supply chain, forecasting, and logistics expertise who can see gaps we might not see and suggest ways to scale smarter. If you spot inefficiencies, have ideas for cost reduction, or can streamline our relationships with manufacturers and warehouses, we want to hear them. This role has real influence over how we build our operational backbone for the next phase of growth, with the future goal of Head of Operations.
Who We're Looking For
Essential Experience & Skills
- 5+ years in Operations, Supply Chain, or Demand Planning, ideally in fast growing DTC e commerce (fashion, accessories, lifestyle)
- Strong analytical background: Economics, maths, or quantitative degree. You think in spreadsheets and can build forecasting models
- Day to day operations execution: You've booked shipments, managed lead times, liaised with 3PLs, and owned logistics schedules
- Proficiency with Shopify and warehouse management systems: You navigate these confidently and have worked with ASNs and inventory reconciliation
- Financial literacy: You understand cash flow, inventory carrying costs, and can make spend decisions confidently
- Import/export experience: You've dealt with customs, tariffs, documentation, or international logistics.
- Experience in jewellery, fashion or e-commerce.
Essential Culture Fit
- Autonomous operator: You're comfortable working with minimal oversight. You take ownership and make decisions without needing permission
- Detail oriented and proactive: You see risks early and fix them before they become problems
- Strong communicator: You can explain complex supply chain decisions in plain English to non ops people
- Growth mindset: You're excited about scaling with a founder led business in hypergrowth
What Success Looks Like (In 6 Months)
- The business is consistently, confidently well stocked across all regions with no surprise stockouts
- You have made significant operational savings wether its optimising HS codes, DDP shipping, 3PL savings, freight etc.
- Product launches run smoothly and on time because production, freight, and warehouse coordination are locked in
- Inventory data across Shopify and warehouse management systems is accurate and reliable
- Quality issues and operational risks are identified early and resolved quickly
- The founder is no longer involved in managing day to day operational execution, freeing her to focus on product, brand, and strategy
- Import/export is seamless with customs, tariffs, and documentation handled confidently
How to Apply
Send your CV and cover letter to:
Your cover letter should outline relevant supply chain, forecasting, and operations experience in high growth e-commerce, plus any import/export background. We'd love to see your personality in your application, please write personally rather than using AI to draft your materials.
Operations Manager (E-Commerce) in Warrington employer: Nero
Nero is an exceptional employer for those passionate about sustainability and innovation in the activewear industry. With a focus on natural fibres and a commitment to challenging the status quo, employees are part of a dynamic team that values hard work and creativity. Located in Manchester's vibrant Northern Quarter, the company offers a hybrid work model, competitive salaries, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, making it an ideal place for individuals eager to make a meaningful impact.
