Job Description

About the Role

Our client is a rapidly expanding direct-to-consumer automotive care company headquartered near Cleveland, Ohio. With strong revenue growth across their own e-commerce storefront, Amazon, TikTok Shop, and wholesale partnerships, the business has hit a critical growth stage where operational systems need to match commercial momentum.

They're looking for an Operations Director to take complete ownership of the company's operational backbone — from manufacturing and fulfillment to supply chain and team development. Reporting directly to the CEO, this person will allow the founder to shift focus toward brand building, partnerships, and strategic growth by fully running the day-to-day engine of the business.

This isn't a role for someone who wants to maintain the status quo. Our client needs a proven operator who has navigated the chaos of a scaling business and is energized by building structure where little exists.

Core Responsibilities

Production & In-House Manufacturing

• Direct all aspects of chemistry-based product manufacturing happening on-site
• Set and maintain rigorous standards for product quality and consistency across every batch
• Build and manage production calendars driven by channel-level demand signals
• Source raw materials and nurture productive relationships with key vendors
• Ensure the production footprint grows proportionally with revenue and order volume
• Explore and execute strategic shifts toward outsourced or contract manufacturing when the time is right
• Collaborate with the product development team to ensure a seamless handoff from formulation to full-scale output

Order Fulfillment & Distribution

• Architect and manage the company's fulfillment pipeline across Amazon FBA, TikTok Shop, and Shopify DTC
• Spearhead the migration from internal fulfillment operations to qualified third-party logistics partners
• Coordinate all inbound shipping — freight and parcel — to warehouse and distribution locations
• Hold logistics vendors accountable to clearly defined service-level expectations
• Manage the end-to-end returns process in close partnership with the customer experience team
• Oversee daily warehouse operations including headcount, throughput, and efficiency targets

Forecasting & Inventory Control

• Create and continuously improve demand forecasting models spanning all product lines and channels
• Own the full purchase order cycle from planning through replenishment execution
• Strike the right balance between product availability and lean inventory holdings
• Factor seasonal patterns and promotional calendars into inventory positioning decisions
• Collaborate with the finance function to align inventory investments with cash flow priorities

Global Sourcing & Import Operations

• Own day-to-day relationships with international suppliers and contract manufacturers
• Manage the full import cycle including customs documentation, regulatory compliance, and ocean freight
• Work to shorten supplier lead times and build resilience against supply chain interruptions
• Enforce consistent quality expectations across all offshore sourcing partners
• Drive favorable outcomes in negotiations around unit pricing, payment schedules, and total landed costs

People Management & Organizational Development

• Lead a team of seven direct reports covering warehouse and logistics, fulfillment, production, manufacturing and private label, supply chain, customer service, and HR
• Attract, develop, and retain strong talent across every operational discipline
• Set measurable performance standards and create a culture of ownership and follow-through
• Design compensation and incentive structures that reward operational excellence
• Uphold workplace safety protocols across all physical operations
• Champion a team culture that reflects the company's mission and values

Financial Stewardship of Operations

• Take ownership of operational spending across production, distribution, and logistics
• Drive margin expansion by finding efficiencies and eliminating waste in core processes
• Keep a close eye on cost of goods sold and understand what's moving the needle
• Continuously evaluate tools, systems, and workflows for opportunities to reduce overhead

Requirements

Must-Have Qualifications

• Five to ten years of progressive experience leading operations at increasing levels of responsibility
• A proven track record of building and scaling operations inside a high-growth DTC or CPG company — ideally between $10M and $100M in revenue, not a large corporate or Fortune 500 setting
• Hands-on experience simultaneously overseeing warehousing, fulfillment, and supply chain functions
• Background running manufacturing or production operations
• Demonstrated multi-channel fulfillment expertise across platforms like Amazon FBA, TikTok Shop, Shopify, or similar
• Strong command of 3PL partnerships, demand planning, and inventory management
• A history of assembling, coaching, and holding operational teams to a high bar
• Confidence navigating multiple data systems, including API connections, data aggregation, and workflow automation tools such as Google Apps Script or equivalent
• Working knowledge of operational and e-commerce platforms like Monday.com, Shopify, or comparable tools
• Sharp analytical instincts paired with strong planning and forecasting capabilities
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related area of study
• Must hold current authorization to work in the United States — visa sponsorship is not offered for this position

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Prior experience guiding a business through an acquisition, 3PL migration, or rapid scaling inflection
• Industry exposure in automotive care, household products, personal care, or consumable goods
• Familiarity managing both domestic and international supply chains alongside contract manufacturing relationships
• Cross-channel fulfillment experience that spans direct-to-consumer, marketplace, and wholesale
• Comfort leveraging AI-driven tools and embedding them into operational processes
• Hands-on involvement rolling out inventory management platforms or ERP systems
• MBA or comparable advanced degree — though demonstrated results will carry just as much weight
• Conversational or professional Mandarin skills are a bonus but by no means required
• Experience steering a team through significant cultural evolution or rapid organizational growth
• A track record of writing operational playbooks and building foundational processes where none previously existed

Benefits

What's on Offer

• Annual Base Compensation: $115,000–$140,000 based on experience level
• Incentive Bonus: Up to 15% of base salary, linked to pre-agreed performance targets
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with a 4% company match
• Time Off: Two weeks of paid time off annually
• Parental Leave: Four weeks of paid leave for new parents
• Health Coverage: Company health benefit program included

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

Privacy and Pay Equity:

• California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com
• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment: Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.