Head of Operations | Fast-Growth Interiors Scale-up | London
The Client
We’re working with a fast-growing interiors scale-up that has built an international reputation for its distinctive, sustainability-led approach. The business works with leading names across interior design, furniture and hospitality, with an established presence across the UK, Europe and the US.
The business is at an exciting point in its growth journey, with plans to scale from £4m towards £10m, with further international expansion, particularly across the US, forming a key part of the growth strategy.
The founders remain closely involved and are looking to bring in a senior operations leader who can work alongside them to build the infrastructure required for this next phase. With a new brand also launching, there is a real opportunity to shape how the wider group operates as it scales, rather than simply managing an established operation.
The Role
Reporting directly to the founders and sitting within the Senior Leadership Team, this is a broad Head of Operations role with ownership across the operational engine of the business.
You’ll be responsible for making sure the operation can scale effectively as the business grows from £4m towards £10m, overseeing international logistics and the warehouse operation, strengthening supply chain processes, improving systems and building the infrastructure required for continued international expansion and the launch of the new brand.
There is significant scope for growth in the role as the business scales, with the opportunity to develop into a broader Operations Director position and take increasing ownership of the wider operational strategy. They’re looking for someone who wants to build with the business, rather than simply step into an established operation.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the end-to-end movement of product internationally, from suppliers through to warehouse and ultimately to clients
- Lead and develop the Warehouse Manager and wider warehouse team, ensuring high standards across inventory, fulfilment and logistics
- Identify and implement operational improvements that increase efficiency, profitability and customer experience
- Analyse and optimise supply chain processes, with a focus on reducing lead times and improving stock management
- Work across the UK, US and European entities to build scalable international processes and ways of working
- Manage key supplier and logistics relationships, including negotiating rates and working closely with European mills
- Partner with Purchasing and Finance on forecasting, inventory management, reporting and operational data
- Own improvements to the company’s bespoke operational systems, working with developers to implement new functionality
- Lead the operational set-up of the new brand, putting the right processes, SOPs, compliance and quality standards in place from day one
- Oversee operational delivery for key projects, including bespoke client projects, launches, events and photoshoots
- Lead the transition of sampling from an outsourced model to an in-house operation
- Act as the senior operational point of contact across the business, solving issues, improving ways of working and bringing best practice into the operation
- Regularly visit the European warehouse to improve processes, maintain standards and support the team
What We’d Like To See (Essential)
- Experience managing international supply chains and logistics
- Strong operational experience within a fast-growing business
- Experience working with stock, inventory and warehousing
- A track record of improving processes and driving operational efficiency
- Strong data analysis skills, with the ability to use data to identify problems and make better decisions
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across departments and with external partners
- Strong leadership and delegation skills, with a collaborative approach to managing and developing others
- Excellent organisation and attention to detail
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
What We’d Like To See (Bonus)
- Experience scaling operations through a period of significant business growth
- Experience working across international markets and navigating the operational complexity that comes with them
- Background within interiors, furniture, textiles, design, manufacturing or another product-led environment
- Experience working closely with founders or senior leadership in a growing business
- Procurement experience, particularly where this has involved building or strengthening supplier relationships
- Experience introducing new systems, processes or technology to make an operation more scalable
- Lean Six Sigma, CILT or equivalent operational qualification
Location: London (Hybrid)
Salary: £80,000-£90,000 + bonus + benefits
Start-date: ASAP
At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.