Position Summary
This Director of Operations is responsible for leading end-to-end operational performance across global sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, and distribution. This role oversees international supplier relationships (primarily China-based OEM partners), import/export compliance, inventory strategy, and multi-region distribution across North America and Japan. The position ensures operational scalability, cost efficiency, product quality, and on-time delivery while aligning operations with company growth objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Global Supply Chain & OEM Management
- Manage relationships with OEM manufacturers in China and APAC regions
- Negotiate pricing, MOQs, and supplier contracts
- Drive supplier performance across cost, quality, and delivery
- Lead production planning and risk mitigation strategies
Import / Export & Trade Compliance
- Oversee international logistics, freight, and customs clearance
- Ensure compliance with US, Canadian, and Japanese regulations
- Manage tariffs, duties, and landed cost models
Distribution & Fulfillment
- Lead 3PL and distribution strategies across regions
- Optimize fulfillment and inventory positioning
- Improve service levels including OTIF and cycle time
Inventory & Demand Planning
- Own Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)
- Balance inventory and working capital
- Reduce stockouts and excess inventory
Operational Excellence
- Lead Lean, Kaizen, and process improvement initiatives
- Implement ERP, WMS, and EDI integrations
- Drive KPI-based performance management
Financial Management
- Manage COGS, freight, and operational budgets
- Drive cost reduction initiatives
- Track KPIs including margin, inventory turns, and delivery performance
Leadership & Cross-Functional Alignment
- Partner with Sales, Finance, and Product teams
- Support new product introductions
- Lead and develop operations teams
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field (MBA preferred)
- 8–15+ years of operations leadership experience
- Experience with China-based OEM manufacturing
- Strong knowledge of global logistics and ERP systems
Success Metrics
- On-time delivery > 95%
- Improved inventory turns
- Reduced landed costs
- Scalable operational infrastructure
