Head of Supply Chain & Operations

Position Overview

A partner company is seeking an experienced Head of Supply Chain & Operations to oversee and transform their direct-to-consumer business from Germany. This pivotal leadership role involves owning the entire global supply chain strategy, including forecasting, procurement, logistics, and supplier management. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing scalable systems that enhance operational efficiencies, reduce costs, and foster sustainable expansion. Collaboration with senior leadership to solve complex operational issues and establish processes that support confident business scaling is essential. This high-impact role suits an operations leader accustomed to entrepreneurial and fast-paced business environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of the supply chain lifecycle: demand forecasting, inventory planning, procurement, logistics, and operational performance.
• Create and deploy scalable supply chain frameworks that improve efficiency, reliability, and transparency to support business growth.
• Handle relationships with suppliers and manufacturers globally, emphasizing quality control and operational excellence in collaborations.
• Supervise freight forwarding, customs clearance, import activities, and coordinate international logistics.
• Lead and optimize third-party logistics partnerships to enhance delivery timeliness, cost effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.
• Conduct negotiations for supplier contracts, payment conditions, and operational partnerships to maximize cost savings and strengthen alliances.
• Oversee ERP system management and develop precise reporting procedures covering inventory, procurement, and supply chain metrics.
• Design operational infrastructure that enables scaling with minimal reliance on daily leadership involvement.

Required Qualifications and Competencies

• Extensive experience managing large-scale supply chain operations, especially in DTC, eCommerce, consumer goods, or rapidly expanding brands.
• In-depth expertise in international logistics, procurement procedures, inventory control, and supplier negotiations.
• Proven background working with global manufacturers, including partners based in China.
• Hands-on proficiency with 3PL management, ERP platforms, forecasting tools, and operational analytics/reporting.
• Track record of developing operational processes, systems, and building teams to support growth objectives.
• Strong leadership aptitude with the ability to independently address and resolve complex operational challenges.
• Fluent English communication skills; German language ability is advantageous.
• Analytically inclined with data-driven decision-making skills, capable of performing under pressure.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with proactive initiative, accountability, and agility in dynamic settings.

Benefits

• Complete ownership of supply chain and operations functions.
• Direct influence on company growth and operational strategies.
• Opportunity to collaborate closely with senior leadership in a low-bureaucracy, fast-paced environment.
• Remote-first work flexibility from any location.
• High autonomy and responsibility from the outset.
• Chance to establish and lead a best-in-class supply chain organization from scratch.
• Opportunity to deliver measurable improvements in efficiency, scalability, and operational performance.