Operations Manager

Who We Are:

At melin we set out to create the most premium, highest quality headwear in the world. We believe that with more thought, time and care invested into how we make our products that we can extend the life of our hats and the adventures we take them on. We are looking to expand our internal family and are seeking one incredible human capable of excellence in a fast-paced work environment and eager to join an elite, yet small team of “A Players”. 

About The Role:

The melin Operations Manager will lead the executional aspects of operations, supporting all business channels in a high-growth environment. The Operations Manager will work closely with internal team members, third party logistics providers, and suppliers to deliver operational excellence with a high degree of collaboration, process-orientation and a customer-first mentality.

The role is tasked with developing and maintaining strong cross functional partnerships, collaborating closely with Sales, Product, Production, and Marketing teams. This is a leadership role requiring the ability to translate strategy into business results.

In summary, the Operations Manager is tasked with optimizing operational execution: meeting business goals with transparency, delivering on customer commitments on time and in full, identifying opportunities for improvement, and managing operational budgets to minimize costs while maximizing value and efficiency. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Distribution Management:

• 3PL Management: Own the relationship with and management of third-party logistics partners supporting all business channels. Ensure forecasts are accurately provided, services are rendered within service level agreements, and invoices are reviewed and approved. Formalize and prepare quarterly business reviews with key partners to drive continual improvement and partnership alignment.
• Distribution Forecasting: Collaborate with Finance and Sales team partners to translate revenue forecasts to distribution activity forecasts (units / orders).
• Packaging and Supplies Management: Work with internal resources and packaging suppliers to develop packaging solutions that are cost efficient, meet brand standards, and align to supply-chain and freight requirements. Develop annual supplies forecasts and manage replenishment to ensure all packaging elements remain in-stock.
• Budgeting: Manage operational budget lines. Develop annual budgets in support of company revenue and growth plans, and ensure monthly execution aligns to plans. Prepare formal monthly variance analysis commentary and develop action plans to optimize the business.
• Inventory Control and Optimization: Ensure cycle count programs are run efficiently and proactively monitor physical-to-system records. Help execute product lifecycle activities and optimize storage arrangements. Identify and correct inventory control deficiencies and support annual inventory audit obligations.
• Reverse Logistics: Own the reverse flow (Returns / RMAs), including providing product grading specification for 3PL partners. Ensure end-of-life activities are coordinated, documented and socialized with leadership and accounting partners for end-to-end alignment.
• Organization Logistical Support: Support the various company requirements for product placement and logistical support including retail transfers, promotions and tradeshows, in-office/showroom buildouts, etc.

Freight and Logistics Management:

• Freight Management: Own the relationship and management of shipping partners, including small parcel carriers and trucking providers. Ensure shipping services and capabilities align to company objectives, manage claims and resolution efforts, and stay abreast of industry trends relevant to our operations.
• Carrier and Broker Management: Own the relationship with and management of third-party ocean and air-freight providers and customs brokers.
• Inbound Logistics: Assist with the final leg of the inbound logistics function. Ensure necessary documentation is handed off to 3PLs to ensure the efficient receipt of goods.

Cross-Functional Responsibilities:

• Growth Support: Bring the voice and perspective of Operations to further brand growth efforts around the globe. This may include working collaboratively to establish operations in new geographies, integrating new service providers, and working internally to develop processes to support expansions.
• Sales and Operations Execution: Formalize and lead internal S&OE collaboration efforts to drive alignment across the sales and operations teams and key 3PL partners to support operational excellence. Establish weekly and monthly review mechanisms to ensure customer commitments are met, inventory allocation challenges are addressed, and capacities are in line with revenue and production targets. Highlight potential issues and constraints and develop plans to address.
• Customer Onboarding: Assist with the review of new customer requirements and ensure warehousing and shipping partners integrate requirements into daily SOPs.
• Reporting Standardization: Develop, maintain and socialize key operational metrics. 
• Chargeback Mitigation: Review any chargebacks assessed by retail partners. Develop action plans to minimize future occurrences. Hold providers accountable for chargebacks as appropriate.
• Technology and Systems Development: Assist technical resources and outside partners in all operational areas. Partner with technical resources in support of 3PL integrations and to resolve issues as they arise. Request and assist with system development and programming efforts to drive efficiency, new capabilities, and new systems as the business requires.
• Process Standardization: Work cross-functionally with peers to establish and improve processes supporting the business. 
• Partner with key functions (Accounting, Finance, Distribution, Technology) to assist with business-critical efforts: MBOs, audit support, process improvement initiatives, etc.

Team Leadership and Performance Management:

• Team Leadership: Develop appropriate team structure, standard operating procedures and training protocols to drive operational excellence. 
• Performance Management: Set goals, perform mid-year and annual reviews, and manage performance of direct reports. Identify opportunities for team development, create improvement plans as required, and assist with the onboarding of new resources across the portfolio.
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications, Skills, Experience:

• Education:
• Bachelor's Degree required or Master's degree preferred in a business or engineering discipline.
• Experience:
• Demonstrated career progression and leadership operations roles for at least 5-7 years.
• Demonstrated supervisory and leadership experience a must.
• Formal direct experience with 3PL management, DTC fulfillment and shipping, freight management (small parcel, LTL/FCL), and sales operations a must. International logistics experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Order to Cash process flows.
• Skills:
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation communication skills, including leading and facilitating meetings with an executive audience.
• Excellent interpersonal, collaboration and organizational skills a must.
• Ability to analyze data, share information in a variety of mediums, and ability to incorporate information in decision making and communications.
• Strong systems aptitude, including ERP, WMS, etc.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Full Circle, DOMO is preferred.
• Enjoy working in a fast paced, high growth environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Location & Office Structure: This full-time position is in office five days a week in San Clemente, CA and subject to change based on business needs. This position will require you to travel domestically and internationally from time to time.

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $80,000 to $110,000 plus opportunity for annual bonus; salary is based on the experience that you bring to the position.

Benefits and Perks:

• Generous product gift program and all brand discounts
• 5 year and 10 year Anniversary gifts and travel to desirable destinations, in accordance with plan guidelines
• Wellness program
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance in accordance with plan guidelines
• Company paid life insurance
• 401k with employer match in accordance with plan guidelines
• 15 Days of PTO plus one additional day of PTO every year on your anniversary and 3 Floating Holidays per year
• Paid beach and giveback days, bi annual team building events and other in person celebrations
• Work with talented and great people who share a love of melin
• Dog friendly office