Director of Operations

About NeedlePaint

NeedlePaint is a pioneering needlepoint company blending a traditional craft with modern innovation and technology. We provide premium on-demand direct-to-consumer needlepoint kits and hand-stitched finished products through various eCommerce platforms and wholesale channels, catering to designers and specialty shops nationwide. Our compact and collaborative team is committed to setting new industry standards leveraging advanced technology and streamlined operations.

Position Overview

We seek a Director of Operations to oversee day-to-day activities encompassing production, fulfillment, and inventory management. This leadership role includes managing and mentoring the operational team, with the authority to enhance systems, prioritize initiatives, and elevate quality, speed, and reliability as the company scales.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage complete production operations covering printing, manufacturing, finishing, and fulfillment.
• Enhance workflows, optimize capacity planning, and improve lead-time efficiency.
• Collaborate with printing and production teams to assure consistent quality standards.
• Supervise Denver-based production and coordinate with international partners.
• Lead and support production managers, technicians, and the operations team by establishing clear accountability and performance expectations.
• Recruit, develop, and mentor staff to foster growth and excellence.
• Maintain composure and steady leadership during peak demand periods.
• Oversee inventory planning including canvases, threads, finishing materials, and packaging supplies.
• Refine forecasting methods to align with direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and seasonally varying demands.
• Manage vendor relations, purchasing processes, and implement cost control measures.
• Minimize occurrences of stockouts, waste, and emergency production tasks.
• Translate strategic founder vision into actionable operational processes.
• Identify and resolve process bottlenecks or devise alternative solutions.
• Drive continuous improvements in quality assurance and operational efficiency.
• Maintain a balanced focus on quality, speed, and cost-effectiveness as the business evolves.
• Define and monitor core operational KPIs such as lead time, throughput, on-time shipments, inventory accuracy, and waste/rework rates.
• Collaborate closely with founders on planning, capacity allocation, and growth projects.
• Coordinate with sales, marketing, and customer service teams to align operational capabilities with market demand.
• Serve as an operational advocate in developing internal tools including order management, scheduling, and reporting systems.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on operational experience in direct-to-consumer, consumer goods, light manufacturing, or fulfillment sectors.
• Proven leadership skills in managing hiring, coaching, accountability, and performance feedback processes.
• Strong expertise in production planning, scheduling, and capacity management.
• Experience in inventory forecasting and vendor relationship management.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to remain organized and calm under pressure.
• Adept at cross-functional collaboration with sales, marketing, and customer experience departments.
• Pragmatic and high-expectation leadership style, willing to engage directly and create preventative operational systems.

Preferred Attributes:

• Experience with custom products, print-on-demand, or made-to-order supply chains.
• Familiarity with Shopify and order/inventory management software.
• Interest or enthusiasm for crafts, textiles, needlepoint, or eagerness to learn.

Why Join NeedlePaint?

• Significant decision-making authority impacting company operations.
• Immediate visibility of your contributions through improved lead times, profitability, and workforce morale.
• Opportunity to cultivate the culture and capabilities of a dynamic production team.
• Supported by engaged, product-centered founders offering resources and prompt decision-making.
• Involvement with unique handcrafted products enhanced by innovative technology and personalized fulfillment.
• Potential for role growth in line with company expansion.

About the Company

Established in 2009, NeedlePaint has expanded notably, necessitating adoption of new tools, technologies, and operational processes. Our proprietary StitchPerfect printing technology, which is patent-pending, complements our traditional hand-painted canvases crafted by a trusted artisan network. With a comprehensive printing and production facility located in Denver, CO, and supported globally by partners and a technology team, we are redefining industry standards.

Our leadership is committed to a collaborative approach and seeks an operations leader who can take ownership of the function with full support and resources.