At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and optimise processes in a growing vintage clothing retailer.
- Company: Vintage Threads, a mission-driven vintage clothing retailer transforming the preloved industry.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, ownership of projects, and the chance to shape a growing business.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for travel and collaboration across multiple sites.
- Why this job: Join us to revolutionise the retail experience and make a real impact in the preloved industry.
- Qualifications: Proven operations experience in scaling businesses and a passion for innovative processes.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
About Vintage Threads
Vintage Threads is a curated vintage clothing retailer on a mission to transform the preloved industry. We run stores in Soho, Covent Garden, Selfridges and Amsterdam, an online channel, and a rework studio in Islington where we give damaged vintage garments a second life through VT Rework.
We have grown from a founder led idea into a multi site business with a team that keeps expanding. We have run the business on instinct and personal involvement for years, and to reach the next stage we need to run it on systems. We are looking for someone who wants to build that layer with us, in an exciting scale up phase for the business.
The role
This is a role for someone who has scaled a business before and wants to do it again. You will own how the business actually runs day to day, from how product moves through the operation to how we measure what is working. You will not inherit a finished machine. You will help design it.
The honest truth is that too much still depends on the founders. Your job is to change that: to build the processes, reporting and structure that let the business grow without everything routing back through two people. We want someone ready to question how things are done rather than inherit it. We need to bring new technology processes into the business as we look to streamline everything we do.
What you will do
- Grow and manage our consignment offering. Take ownership of consignment within Vintage Threads, improve how it is managed, and grow it into a stronger part of the business.
- Optimise our supply chain and buying. Analyse how product flows into and through the business, find where it jams or duplicates effort, and improve our buying processes so we are faster, leaner and smarter about what we bring in.
- Lead a full process review. Get close to everything happening across the business and be genuinely keen for change.
- Build our reporting. Develop the reporting side of the business so we can see clearly what is working.
- Reduce reliance on the founders. Build the processes, documentation and ownership that mean the business runs well when any one person, including the founders, steps back.
- Grow and streamline VT Rework custom orders. Help scale our custom rework offering, drive efficiency in how pieces are made, and review the process that is seamless for the customer from order to delivery.
- Support the retail teams. Work closely with our store teams so every location can operate smoothly, to a consistent standard.
What we are looking for
- Real operations experience in a business that has scaled, not just the title.
- Someone who instruments before they change. You want the data first, and if it does not exist you build it.
- A systems builder who documents, tools up, and defines clear ownership.
- Comfort with constraint. You prioritise ruthlessly, respect cash, and sequence change.
- A genuine appetite to challenge convention. You see technology as a lever.
- Someone happy in a hands on, fast moving environment who can also build the structure a larger business will need.
Why join us
You will be given real ownership of how a growing, ambitious business runs, working closely with the founders to help drive forward the pre-loved industry.
The details
- Location: London based, with travel across our sites including Amsterdam.
- Hours: Full time or part time. We are open to the right person on either basis.
Operations Manager employer: Vintage Threads
Vintage Threads is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the pre-loved clothing industry. With a dynamic work culture that encourages innovation and hands-on involvement, employees have the opportunity to shape processes and drive growth in a rapidly scaling business. Located in vibrant London, with the added excitement of travel to Amsterdam, team members benefit from a collaborative environment that values personal input and offers significant opportunities for professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Operations Manager at Vintage Threads!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Vintage Threads or be willing to refer you for that Operations Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Vintage Threads who’s on the lookout for their next Operations Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Operations Manager role at Vintage Threads!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Vintage Threads. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vintage Threads
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Vintage Threads. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
