Associate Director, Operations

Role Summary

ghd is seeking an Associate Director of Operations to lead North America supply operations from Calabasas, California. This position reports to the Managing Director and is part of the North America leadership team. The role carries end-to-end ownership of regional supply operations, with responsibility for service performance, cost efficiency, cash optimization, and operational execution across the business.

About ghd

ghd is a well-known British professional hair styling brand recognized for premium tools, innovation, and design. It is the UK’s top recommended styling brand and is trusted by stylists and consumers alike. The company sells millions of stylers each year, with products distributed in more than 30 countries and through over 45,000 premium salons worldwide. ghd’s mission is to improve women’s lives through the impact of a great hair day.

Key Scope of the Role

This role oversees the full North America operations landscape, including logistics, demand planning, third-party logistics coordination, order processing, shipping, billing, supply chain alignment with global and manufacturing teams, inventory oversight, customer allocation, quality management, returns, customer service, warehouse operations, new customer onboarding, sample handling, and packaging planning.

What You Will Do

• Lead governance across supply chain programs and budgets, including tracking performance, building reports, and analyzing results.
• Shape and deliver the supply network optimization plan, including decisions around make-versus-buy, local-versus-global production, and customization.
• Set and monitor KPIs and operating rhythms that strengthen performance and support continuous improvement.
• Turn business strategy into execution by communicating clearly, influencing stakeholders, and aligning senior leaders around long-term plans.
• Spot improvement opportunities, build recommendations, and drive ownership for measurable operational results.
• Manage daily supply operations such as customer service, returns, order fulfillment, logistics, and shipment tracking.
• Work closely with global teams on purchase orders, invoicing, and inventory movement, while serving as the main contact for 3PL partners and warehouses in the U.S. and Canada.
• Oversee inventory health, allocation, and quality control, proactively reducing risk and improving stock performance.
• Support product lifecycle tasks including new item setup, packaging updates, and sample coordination for commercial teams.
• Develop, coach, and lead a strong team while building accountability, engagement, and capability.
• Contribute as a core member of the operations organization and help drive business growth across North America.

Qualifications and Experience

A bachelor’s degree is required, with business administration or supply chain preferred. Candidates should have 7 to 10+ years of experience in supply chain and/or operations. Experience with Microsoft Dynamics is needed, along with advanced Excel and PowerPoint ability. The ideal candidate combines strong analytical thinking, structured problem-solving, and the ability to deliver results across complex cross-functional environments.

What Success Looks Like

The right person will be strategic yet hands-on, able to move quickly across systems and processes, prioritize effectively, manage time well, and collaborate successfully with a wide range of teams. Strong communication and presentation skills are essential, especially when influencing colleagues and senior leaders.

Compensation and Benefits

The pay range for this role is $140,000 to $164,000 per year. Actual pay may be higher or lower depending on location, experience, skills, and internal pay considerations. In addition to base pay, the total rewards package may include an annual bonus or variable compensation, depending on the role. Benefits include health insurance, life and disability coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid holidays, and paid time off.

Equal Opportunity and Compliance

All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics. Applicants who need a disability-related accommodation during the hiring process may contact the recruiting team by email. Candidates with arrest or conviction records will be reviewed in line with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. The company also uses E-Verify to confirm U.S. work eligibility.