Head Of Business Operations
Deluxebase is a growing international toy, gift and consumer-products business supplying visitor attractions and retailers across the UK, EU and North America.
We develop products from concept through sampling, testing, manufacture and conformity. Products are principally manufactured in Asia, imported into the UK and distributed through wholesale and ecommerce channels domestically and internationally.
Reporting to the Joint Managing Directors, the Head of Business Operations will lead the journey from product development and overseas supply through stockholding and fulfilment.
The role
- Directly manage, coach and hold accountable the Product Development & Compliance Manager, Purchasing & Logistics Manager, Warehouse Manager and Group Sales Administration Manager.
- Lead a structured, cross-functional product-range and concept-selection process involving the Joint Managing Directors, Creative, Product Development, Sales/Ecommerce and Purchasing, then own the development and release timetable through the Product Development & Compliance Manager. The Joint Managing Directors initially retain final range and investment approval; detailed development and conformity sign-off remain with the manager and competent specialists.
- Own the supplier-commercial framework. Product Development normally leads new-product pricing, tooling, MOQs and initial terms; Purchasing owns orders and follow-up; the Head leads material negotiations, transitions and escalations.
- Oversee the UK warehouse, external storage and USA 3PL operation, improving stock accuracy, capacity, productivity, picking, packing, dispatch and reconciliation.
- Improve sales administration and fulfilment for UK and international customers.
- Make Odoo ERP the main operational system for projects, workflows, approvals, item data and reporting; introduce clear KPIs and reduce unnecessary spreadsheets and manual processes.
- Develop managers and oversee operational HR, health and safety, facilities, budgets, business continuity and improvement projects.
- Build reliable processes so routine operations no longer depend on the Managing Directors.
About you
- Substantial hands-on leadership experience in a business that develops, sources, imports and distributes physical consumer products through wholesale, ecommerce or related channels.
- Experience overseeing consumer-product development and launches from concept or brief through sampling, testing/conformity, manufacture and order-ready handover.
- Direct experience managing Asian or other overseas suppliers/factories and importing manufactured consumer products into the UK, including freight, customs, lead times, landed costs and supply risk.
- Experience distributing products domestically within the UK and internationally, preferably including the EU and North America.
- Experience leading managers across several operational functions and improving an ERP, WMS or other company-wide system.
- Strong commercial judgement, measurable results and confidence working hands-on with owner-directors in an SME.
Useful additional experience
A relevant degree or postgraduate qualification is strongly preferred; a comparable senior professional qualification may also be considered. Candidates should demonstrate high-level analytical reasoning, written communication and structured problem-solving. Regulated consumer goods, conformity, ethical sourcing, USA 3PL, Odoo, Lean or automation experience is advantageous.
Travel and reward
UK and overseas travel is essential. UK travel will normally be day visits to suppliers, trade fairs or partners. Overseas travel, including Asia and the USA, will vary with business needs and may increase during supplier transitions, new-factory appointments or overseas team/3PL projects. Candidates must be willing to travel, occasionally at short notice, and obtain the necessary documents.
Salary: competitive, from GBP 50,000 depending on experience. The role is expected to participate in the company management performance-bonus scheme once introduced, based on Group EBITDA and role-specific objectives.
Why join Deluxebase?
You will become the senior operational leader of a growing international consumer-products business, with genuine influence over its management structure, product programme, international supply chain, systems and next stage of growth.
How to apply
Please apply with your CV and briefly identify your direct experience in: product development and launches; Asian or other overseas suppliers/factories; importing manufactured products into the UK; and domestic and international wholesale/ecommerce distribution.