Head of Operations

Role overview

A privately owned, family-run apparel business is looking for a senior operations leader to help support growth and rising complexity. The company works in the girls’ and juniors’ market, creates seasonal collections for major department stores and retail chains, and operates from an established showroom in New York City. Its model is highly product-focused, with in-house sample capability and long-term overseas manufacturing partnerships.

The environment is fast-moving, practical, and collaborative. Team members are expected to work across functions rather than stay within narrow responsibilities.

About the business

The organization has about 65 employees in its New York office and serves the US market through large retailers and department stores. It is medium-sized, privately owned, and based in New York City. The role reports into a company that values hands-on execution, clear ownership, and strong internal coordination.

What this role will do

The Head of Operations will work closely with the President/General Manager and ownership to align people, processes, systems, and resources as the business expands. This is a senior, hands-on position suited to someone who understands how a wholesale apparel or consumer goods company runs from sales handoff through production, onboarding retail accounts, internal communication, staffing, and delivery.

The goal of the role is to strengthen process discipline, increase accountability, and make sure each department has the structure and support needed to work efficiently.

Core responsibilities

• Coordinate operations across sales, production, design, merchandising, finance, HR, and support functions.
• Strengthen internal workflows, communication habits, and handoff processes between departments.
• Support onboarding of new retail customers so internal teams clearly understand requirements, timelines, ownership, and deliverables.
• Review staffing needs across teams and work with leadership on hiring plans, role clarity, and resource allocation.
• Make sure business functions have enough coverage, backup support, and cross-training.
• Spot process gaps and recommend practical improvements that raise efficiency, accountability, and scalability.
• Work with finance to assess the cost impact and budget implications of operational plans and added resources.
• Partner with warehouse leadership when needed, while focusing mainly on the broader corporate operating model.
• Lead or support special projects tied to systems, process improvement, organizational structure, and growth.
• Act as a senior operational advisor to the President/General Manager and ownership.

Candidate profile

The ideal candidate will have previously held a senior operations, business operations, general management, or COO-style role in apparel, fashion accessories, consumer goods, or another seasonal product business selling through major retailers. Experience with customers such as Walmart, Target, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Nordstrom, Dillard’s, or similar accounts would be especially relevant.

The company is looking for someone who understands seasonal business pressures, including sales transition, production timing, customer expectations, showroom or market calendars, cross-functional coordination, and the need for clear internal accountability. Experience in a founder-led, family-owned, entrepreneurial, or mid-sized business would be a strong fit.

The right person will be structured, practical, comfortable working in detail, and capable of operating credibly at a senior leadership level. Strong communication, sound business judgment, and the ability to earn trust across product, sales, finance, production, HR, and warehouse teams are essential.

Requirements

• Substantial experience in operations, business operations, general management, or a similar leadership role within apparel, accessories, wholesale consumer goods, or another seasonal product business.
• Solid knowledge of wholesale distribution to major department stores, national retailers, and/or off-price accounts.
• Background in improving processes within a growing entrepreneurial or mid-sized organization.
• Ability to work effectively with product-led teams such as design, merchandising, sales, production, and sourcing.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven track record of managing cross-functional priorities without depending on heavy corporate infrastructure.
• Comfort working in a hands-on, in-office, fast-paced setting.
• Experience with systems improvement, workflow design, reporting tools, or ERP-supported processes is preferred.
• Prior involvement in HR, hiring, team structure, or resource planning is a strong advantage.
• Must be able to work mainly from the New York City office.
• Valid work authorization is required; visa sponsorship is not available.

Additional information

Location: New York City, New York, United States

Market: US

Channel: Large retailers and department stores

Seniority: Executive level

Company size: Medium (50–1000 employees)

Ownership: Privately owned

Function: Supply chain

Industry: Fashion and apparel

Work arrangement: On-site

Salary: Around USD 200,000+ per year in base pay

Job ID: ZR_9577_JOB

Work authorization: No sponsorship possible

Employment notes

This is a full-time leadership position. The role is intended for someone who can engage deeply in day-to-day operations while helping the business scale in a structured way.