Job Summary
TuxMat is hiring a Director of Operations to lead procurement, supplier management, inventory planning, logistics, warehousing and distribution.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will be accountable for making sure the right product is available at the right cost and reaches customers on time. That means managing our relationships with overseas manufacturing partners, planning inventory around demand and new product launches, and leading warehouse and distribution operations through their managers. You will set direction while staying close enough to day-to-day activity to see problems early.
We are looking for an experienced operational leader who can assess a situation, find the underlying problem, weigh the trade-offs, exercise independent judgment and take ownership of decisions and outcomes. You understand the financial impact of operational choices.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Strategy & Leadership
- Set direction for TuxMat's operations, turning business priorities into practical operating plans and delivering results.
- Assess operational challenges, identify root causes and make decisions that balance cost, service, quality and inventory investment.
- Improve operational processes, systems and controls as the business grows.
- Identify operational risks, recommend solutions and keep senior leadership informed of significant issues.
Procurement & Supplier Management
- Manage relationships with overseas manufacturing partners and other suppliers, including procurement, purchasing and commercial terms.
- Coordinate production requirements with manufacturing partners, monitoring supplier capacity, production schedules and lead times against demand.
- Lead supplier negotiations and track supplier performance on cost, on-time delivery and reliability, addressing issues directly with suppliers.
- Anticipate and manage supply disruptions, including production delays, capacity constraints and shipping issues, to protect product availability.
Inventory Planning & Management
- Lead inventory planning, forecasting and replenishment, balancing product availability against inventory turnover, carrying costs and working capital.
- Work with Product Development, E-Commerce, Marketing and Finance to prepare for new product launches, confirming supplier capacity, procurement, inventory and delivery timelines are in place ahead of launch.
- Align purchasing with sales forecasts and promotional plans, and act on slow-moving or excess stock.
- Maintain inventory controls that keep stock records accurate and reliable.
Warehouse, Logistics & Distribution
- Provide direct oversight of warehouse management, with responsibility for warehouse performance, operational efficiency and standards for productivity, inventory accuracy, order fulfillment and shipping.
- Direct staffing and capacity planning with warehouse management ahead of volume changes, peak periods and product launches.
- Manage freight, transportation and customs arrangements to control cost and maintain delivery performance.
- Ensure health and safety requirements and operating procedures are followed.
Performance & Continuous Improvement
- Establish and monitor operational performance measures, identify performance gaps and take corrective action.
- Develop and manage the operations budget and maintain clear control over operating costs.
- Improve operational systems, including ERP, inventory and warehouse management tools.
People Leadership
- Lead warehouse management and other operational managers who report to this role, assessing leadership effectiveness, setting clear expectations and holding them accountable for results.
- Set standards for how work gets done, address performance issues directly and build leadership depth within the team.
- Assess team structure, capability and staffing needs, and make changes where the business requires them.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering or a related discipline.
- 12+ years of progressive operations experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Direct experience leading procurement, inventory planning, warehousing and distribution, including managing operational leaders.
- Significant experience working with overseas manufacturing partners and suppliers, including production coordination, lead times, negotiations and inbound logistics.
- A track record of establishing structure and improving operational performance, cost and service levels.
- Strong financial judgment, with experience managing operating budgets, inventory investment and cost controls.
- Proven ability to work independently at a senior level, using sound judgment to make decisions with the wider business in mind.
- Experience with ERP, inventory management or warehouse management systems, and comfort using data to make decisions.
- Clear, direct communication with senior leadership, suppliers and operational teams.
- Comfortable in a growing, entrepreneurial business where structure is still being built.
- Experience in manufacturing, consumer products, distribution or automotive accessories is an asset.
What Success Looks Like
Product is available when customers want it, including at launch. Suppliers deliver on schedule, inventory is accurate, orders ship reliably and costs are under control. Operational managers have clear expectations and are accountable for performance, and senior leadership hears about significant issues early, with a recommended way forward.
This role will be a key partner to the Chief Operating Officer and senior leadership as TuxMat continues to grow.
TuxMat is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Accommodations are available on request throughout the hiring process.
