Operations Manager - Fashion/Retail Industry

Reports to : CEO

Introduction
As we continue to expand our brand and innovate within the industry, the Operations Manager will play a pivotal role in scaling our operations. As a key member of our senior leadership team, the Operations Manager will oversee and coordinate all aspects of daily business operations , acting as the go-to person who knows everything happening in the business, what’s coming up, and the plans and schedules to ensure smooth and proactive operations, while also supporting the CEO and Creative Director in achieving the company’s strategic objectives. We are seeking a highly organised, proactive, and strategic leader to oversee daily operations, optimise efficiency, and manage the team while streamlining processes and supporting the leadership in driving Kindred of Ireland’s growth.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Oversight:

• Take ownership of all daily business operations, ensuring systems and processes are aligned with company goals.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to standardise and streamline operations.
• Identify and implement operational improvements to enhance productivity and reduce costs.

Logistics, Inventory & Stock Management:

• Overseeing production, inventory and stock, including building stock levels and managing supplier relationships.
• Monitoring logistics and supply chain activities to ensure a smooth workflow, while also seeking opportunities to reduce costs and boost productivity.

Team Management:

• Lead and develop the operational team, implementing a structured quarterly performance review system to drive continuous improvement and accountability.
• Implement performance reviews and feedback systems to promote continuous improvement.
• Establishing and monitoring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across all facets of the department, ensuring that every aspect–from logistics to customer service–is aligned with the company’s strategic goals.

Event & Pop-Up Management:

• Plan and execute pop-up events, ensuring smooth operations, maximising stock efficiency, and optimising customer experience to drive sales growth.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to maximise brand exposure and sales through events.
• Ensure seamless execution of events, maintaining the brand’s reputation for high-quality experiences.

Technology & Systems:

• Stay current with technological trends in fashion retail operations to ensure the business remains competitive.
• Oversee the implementation and optimisation of operational software and systems.
• Ensure all digital and operational tools (e.g., website, project management tools) function efficiently to support business operations.

Strategic Support:

• Contribute to developing long-term operational strategies that align with business goals and market trends.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to drive operational improvements and business growth.
• Provide insights and recommendations to enhance Kindred’s scalability and efficiency.

Operational Finance Oversight

• Develop and monitor budgets for operational functions, ensuring optimal allocation of resources to maintain efficiency and control costs.
• Work with the CEO on financial forecasting and budgeting, proactively identifying opportunities to reduce operational costs without compromising quality. Manage supplier negotiations to ensure cost-effective procurement.
• Analyse key financial metrics and prepare reports to support strategic planning and decision-making.
• Implement cost-saving measures where applicable without compromising quality or efficiency, contributing to the overall profitability of the business.
• Liaise with external financial consultants and auditors to ensure compliance with financial regulations and standards.

Communication & Stakeholder Management:

• Internal Communication:
• Act as the central point of contact for all operational matters within the company, ensuring effective communication across departments.
• Encourage closer collaboration between operations, customer service, marketing, and finance to ensure operational decisions support the overall brand strategy and growth objectives.
• External Relationships:

Manage relationships with suppliers, external partners, and service providers to ensure their operations align with the business needs and timelines.

Other Duties:

• Undertake any other duties as required to support the efficient running of the business, recognising the evolving needs of a growing company.
• Provide ad hoc support to the CEO and Creative Director to enable them to focus on strategic growth and creative direction.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strong leadership and people management skills with a track record of leading high-performing teams.
• Change Management: Experience in guiding organisations through transitions or scaling processes.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Proficiency in using data analytics to inform operational decisions.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Strong skills in negotiating and managing supplier relationships to optimise procurement and supply chain efficiency.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution in a growing business.
• Strong problem-solving, organisational, and decision-making abilities.
• Experience in retail, fashion, or e-commerce operations is preferred.

Additional Perks & Benefits

• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Flexible working hours and a dynamic, creative work environment.
• Staff discounts on Kindred of Ireland products.
• The opportunity to be part of a growing, purpose-driven brand with a strong heritage.

Cultural Fit & Vision

At Kindred of Ireland, we celebrate craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation. We are looking for a candidate who shares our passion for high-quality, sustainable fashion and who will help us uphold these values in our daily operations. The right person will be driven, adaptable, and eager to contribute to the next stage of our growth journey.

Essential Criteria

Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience.
• OR A-levels/GCSE qualifications with at least 5 years’ relevant experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years’ proven experience in operations management, ideally within fashion, retail, or e-commerce (5+ years if without a Bachelor’s degree).
• Demonstrated leadership and experience managing teams and cross-functional operations.
• Proven expertise in inventory management and stock control, including managing supplier relationships.
• Strong track record in logistics and supply chain management aimed at improving operational efficiency.
• Experience in planning, managing, and executing events or pop-up retail operations.
• Solid experience in financial oversight, budgeting, and cost management with proven results in optimising operational efficiency.
• Proven capability in managing change and scaling operations within a growing organisation.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and people management capabilities, with evidence of building and leading high-performing teams.
• Proficient in data analytics to inform decision-making and operational improvements.
• Familiarity with developing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ability to establish, monitor, and manage KPIs effectively.
• Exceptional organisational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.

Personal Attributes:

• Highly organised, proactive, and attentive to detail.
• Capable of performing under pressure, prioritising tasks, and effectively managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Adaptable and committed to continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication skills, able to collaborate across various departments.
• Passionate about sustainable fashion and aligned with the company’s mission.

Desirable Criteria

Educational Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or professional qualifications in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related fields.

Experience:

• Previous experience in a luxury or high-end fashion retail environment.
• Familiarity with operational software and systems relevant to retail operations (e.g., ERP, inventory management systems).
• Experience in event marketing and collaboration with marketing teams to boost brand visibility.
• Understanding or experience in sustainability initiatives within the fashion or retail sector.

Skills:

• Familiarity with e-commerce operations and digital tools for integrated retail management.
• Advanced proficiency in financial forecasting, budgeting, and cost analysis.
• Proficiency with project management tools such as Asana, Trello, or Monday.com.

Personal Attributes:

• Strategic thinker capable of balancing hands-on execution with long-term strategic planning.
• Results-driven with a strong commitment to achieving business objectives.
• Dedicated to team development and fostering a positive, collaborative workplace culture.
• Enthusiastic about innovation and maintaining a competitive edge in fashion and operational practice

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: £38,000.00-£40,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Flexitime
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 25/03/2025
Reference ID: OP.03.2025