At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise our supply chain from factory to customer, ensuring smooth operations.
- Company: Join a fast-growing family business known for innovative LED glowing balloons.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive team environment with real autonomy and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a fun, collaborative atmosphere where your contributions truly matter.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a dynamic role with global reach and responsibility.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior operations or supply chain roles, especially with international logistics.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
illooms makes the world’s first LED glowing balloons — sold in Walmart, Target, Tesco, Pepco and major retailers across 90+ countries worldwide. We started on Dragon’s Den, we own our own factory in the Far East, and we are on a genuine growth trajectory that shows no signs of slowing down. We are a family business. That is not marketing language — it is how we actually operate. We care about the people we work with, we move quickly, we laugh a lot, and we hold ourselves to a standard that is less about corporate policy and more about being kind, being accountable and getting things done properly.
The role involves taking full ownership of our supply chain from factory floor to customer door. This is the operational backbone of the business. You will manage our logistics and Quality & Compliance team, work closely with our factory management team in China, own our sourcing function and chair the weekly operations meeting. Everything from demand planning and MRP through to inbound freight, warehouse management and customer delivery sits with you. We need someone who is experienced, self-sufficient and ready to make an impact from day one. This is a senior role with real responsibility and real autonomy — but also a team around you that will have your back.
A word on working hours: because we work closely with our factory team in China, this role works an 8am start. It gives you the daily overlap you need to keep production and logistics properly aligned — and it means your afternoons are genuinely productive rather than spent waiting for answers.
What you will own:
- Sourcing — identifying, onboarding and negotiating with suppliers and component vendors, working closely with the CEO on key decisions
- Daily collaboration with our senior factory management team in China
- Full inbound logistics — ex-works to DC across all routes and markets
- Outbound logistics — DC to customer and FOB direct from factory to retailer
- Factory demand planning and MRP
- Factory status reporting — WIP, completion, risks and escalations
- Weekly S&OP meeting — chairing, reporting and driving actions
- 3PL and warehouse performance
- ERP and supply chain data accuracy
- Leading and developing the Operations team
What we are looking for:
- Proven experience in a senior supply chain, operations or logistics leadership role
- Experience managing international supply chains and Far East factory relationships
- Experience leading S&OP or equivalent planning processes
- Comfortable managing freight, warehousing and 3PL providers
- Strong with ERP and supply chain systems
- A clear, proactive communicator who flags issues early and solves problems quickly
- A genuine team player — collaborative, accountable and commercially aware
- Someone who thrives in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment where no two days are the same
Why illooms:
We are based just off the M6 near Northwich — easy to get to, with a team that genuinely enjoys coming in. We are a family company, not a corporate one. We do not have layers of bureaucracy or endless sign-off processes. We trust the people we bring on to do their jobs, and we support them to do it well. We own our factory. We distribute globally. We are growing fast and we are building the team to grow with us. For the right person, this is a role with real scope — not just to do a great job, but to shape how the operational side of the business evolves as we scale. We work hard. We have fun. We look after each other. And we are genuinely proud of what we are building.
Head of Operations employer: Seatriever International Holdings
At illooms, we pride ourselves on being a family-run business that values its employees and fosters a supportive work environment. Located conveniently near Northwich, our team enjoys a collaborative culture free from corporate red tape, allowing for genuine autonomy and the opportunity to make a significant impact. With a focus on employee growth and a commitment to fun and accountability, we offer a unique chance to shape the future of our operations while being part of an exciting global journey.
Contact Detail:
Seatriever International Holdings Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues 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 culture. Understand their products and values, especially since illooms is all about innovation and teamwork. Tailor your answers to show how you fit into their family business vibe.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Operations. Highlight your successes in managing supply chains and logistics, and don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
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 the illooms family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make an impact!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for operations and how you can make a difference at illooms.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your experience with supply chains, logistics, and team leadership. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Show Your Impact:In your cover letter, share specific examples of how you've made an impact in previous roles. We’re all about accountability and getting things done properly, so let us know how you’ve driven results in your past positions.
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 this exciting opportunity to join our family business!
How to prepare for a job interview at Seatriever International Holdings
✨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of supply chain management, especially in relation to international operations. Be ready to discuss your experience with sourcing, logistics, and factory relationships, particularly in the Far East. This will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the Head of Operations role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you've successfully managed teams in fast-paced environments. Think of specific examples where you've led operations or logistics teams, chaired meetings, or driven actions in S&OP processes. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and develop the Operations team at illooms.
✨Communicate Clearly and Proactively
Since the role requires clear communication, practice articulating your thoughts on potential challenges in supply chain management and how you would address them. Highlight your proactive problem-solving skills and give examples of how you've flagged issues early in previous roles. This will resonate well with their emphasis on accountability and teamwork.
✨Embrace the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with illooms' family-oriented culture and their entrepreneurial spirit. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working in a collaborative environment where kindness and accountability are valued. Share how you align with their values and how you can contribute to their growth trajectory while having fun along the way.
