Senior Operations Manager - UK

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As the operational backbone of the e-commerce organisation, you will lead our global warehouse network, own 3PL performance, develop our shipping and fulfilment strategy and champion operational excellence across the business. This role requires a strategic thinker who can balance day-to-day execution with long‑term planning, leveraging ERP, RFID, automation and data‑led insights to drive efficiency, improve accuracy and support growth.

You will partner closely with senior leaders across Customer Service, E‑commerce, Finance and IT, ensuring that operations support commercial goals, global expansion, and exceptional customer outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the strategic direction for Varley\’s global warehouse operations across the US, UK and EU, ensuring fulfilment capabilities keep pace with business growth.
• Lead high‑level operational decision‑making on capacity planning, network design, SLAs, fulfilment strategies, and long‑term warehouse requirements.
• Oversee all warehouse processes (all outbound: picking, packing, shipping, returns) and implement best‑in‑class operational standards to ensure accuracy, speed, and scalability.
• Own senior relationships with 3PL partners, holding them accountable for SLAs, resolving performance issues and ensuring their operational planning aligns with Varley\’s trading calendar.
• Provide forecasting and operational planning for major launches, peak periods, and seasonal changes.

Inventory & ERP Ownership

• Own end‑to‑end inventory operations globally, ensuring stock accuracy and real‑time visibility through NetSuite.
• Support the strategic roadmap for ERP‑related operational improvements, including optimising workflows, integrations and WMS/OMS enhancements.
• Act as the senior escalation point for customer service issues tied to operational, stock or fulfilment exceptions.
• Define and optimise the global shipping strategy, balancing customer experience, cost efficiency and operational performance.
• Evaluate, negotiate and manage shipping partners to ensure best‑in‑market delivery speed, reliability and cost.
• Partner with Finance to model shipping cost structures, forecast budgets and identify cost‑saving opportunities without compromising experience.

Process Optimisation, Technology & Innovation

• Support the transformation of operational infrastructure, driving automation, RFID rollout and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Use data analytics to identify performance gaps, operational inefficiencies and improvement opportunities across fulfilment, logistics and inventory.
• Champion the introduction of new processes to support Varley\’s growth and expansion both into new and established markets.

Cross‑Functional Communication

• Partner closely with E‑commerce, Customer Service, Merchandising, Finance, and Marketing to ensure operational readiness for new collections, launches, promotions, and strategic projects.
• Lead cross‑team operational planning, ensuring alignment and accountability across the organisation.
• Lead and develop the e‑commerce operations team, building capability, structure, and clarity as the business scales.
• Foster a culture of high performance, ownership, and continuous improvement.
• Coach and mentor team members, setting clear expectations and supporting career development.

Budget & Financial Accountability

• Manage the global operations budget, including warehousing, shipping, packaging, technology and process improvement investments.
• Provide senior leadership with regular reporting on operational performance, cost‑control initiatives, efficiency gains and long‑term capacity planning.

Experience & Skills Required

• Significant senior‑level experience leading e‑commerce operations in a high‑growth retail or fashion environment.
• Expert knowledge of 3PL management, global fulfilment, logistics optimisation, and shipping strategies.
• Strong command of NetSuite or similar ERP systems; experience owning system optimisation in partnership with technical teams.
• Proven experience implementing operational technologies such as RFID, WMS/OMS tools, automation and warehouse innovations.
• Highly analytical, data‑driven and commercially minded; able to use insight to inform decision‑making and drive cost efficiencies.
• Seasoned leadership skills, with experience managing managers and building high‑performing teams.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills; able to influence at all levels and translate operational complexity simply and clearly.
• Demonstrated success delivering transformational operational improvements in a fast‑paced, scaling environment.
• Customer‑centric mindset with a deep understanding of how operations impact customer satisfaction.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Management

Industry

Retail Apparel and Fashion

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

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