Supply Chain & Operations Manager

Role Overview

We are collaborating with a dynamic direct-to-consumer startup that is expanding its range of product categories. They are seeking a Supply Chain & Operations Manager to join their team remotely on a contract basis. This pivotal position involves full responsibility for day-to-day supply chain activities, managing a combination of dropshipping and in-house fulfillment systems, sourcing premium products, and guiding complex new product development cycles.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the entire supply chain lifecycle as both a strategic leader and operational executor, managing sourcing, logistics, planning, and execution.
• Lead new product development from initial concept through launch, including vetting suppliers, negotiating minimum order quantities and costs, conducting product testing, and compiling comprehensive product documentation.
• Manage outbound logistics processes for both direct-to-consumer dropshipping and in-house fulfillment, acting as the chief liaison for manufacturers, freight forwarders, warehouses, and sourcing representatives.
• Conduct weekly demand and supply planning sessions to optimize inventory, handle short shelf-life items effectively, and reduce slow-moving and obsolete stock to safeguard working capital.
• Ensure compliance by defining regulatory requirements, maintaining documentation, addressing quality concerns, and supervising daily operations such as purchasing, order processing, inbound logistics, returns, and warehouse administration.

Candidate Profile

• Comprehensive supply chain expertise from end to end, with strong capabilities in sourcing, supplier management, and direct-to-consumer operations.
• Experience working in fast-paced startup or scale-up settings, adept at handling uncertainty and ambiguity.
• Proven exposure to international suppliers, especially in the US and China markets.
• A balanced mix of strategic vision and hands-on execution, collaborating closely with executive leadership including CEO and COO.
• Commercially savvy, analytically strong, excellent communication skills, proficient with Excel and Google Sheets, proactive in problem-solving, and experienced in managing teams.

Additional Information

• This position is open to candidates based in the UK or European Union only.
• The role is offered on a contractor basis, providing flexibility in engagement.