VP of Operations for High-Growth DTC Lifestyle Brand (US-Based, Remote)

About the Company

This role is being filled through a global recruiting firm that connects remote talent with high-quality employers. The hiring company is a fast-growing direct-to-consumer lifestyle brand with an international manufacturing and supply chain footprint and aggressive expansion goals.

About the Role

The company is hiring a seasoned Vice President of Operations to establish the operational backbone needed for the next stage of scale. This is a hands-on build-and-scale position with direct exposure to the CEO and ownership of sourcing, manufacturing, inventory, fulfillment, customer experience, and broader operational direction. The role is designed for someone who can create structure in a lean environment and help shape the company’s path toward a future COO role.

Because this search is confidential, the brand name and additional details will only be disclosed after the client approves the profile for interview consideration.

What You'll Own

• Take personal ownership of supplier negotiations, including securing Net 60 terms or better with manufacturers and strategic partners to strengthen working capital.
• Manage the full operations chain, spanning sourcing, production, inventory, preorder workflows, transportation, fulfillment, and customer support.
• Design and implement scalable systems, processes, and infrastructure that can support substantial business growth.
• Lead inventory planning, forecasting, production timing, and preorder execution.
• Drive down costs across manufacturing, freight, warehousing, fulfillment, and the wider supply chain through ongoing vendor management and negotiation.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with manufacturers, logistics providers, freight forwarders, and fulfillment vendors while protecting product quality and operational standards.
• Recruit, lead, and develop high-performing teams across Operations and Customer Experience.
• Assess and roll out operational tools such as ERP and inventory platforms, and create dashboard reporting and KPI tracking.
• Support international sourcing, supply chain coordination, and cross-border fulfillment as the business grows.

What We're Looking For

• Background leading operations for a fast-scaling DTC apparel, footwear, accessories, or lifestyle business.
• Direct experience negotiating Net 60 or better payment terms with manufacturers, with the ability to explain the approach and outcome in detail.
• Evidence of successfully scaling operations during periods of rapid growth.
• Practical experience working with overseas manufacturers and supplier networks.
• Strong commercial negotiation ability across manufacturers, freight forwarders, logistics vendors, 3PLs, and similar partners.
• Hands-on experience with inventory planning, demand forecasting, preorder or made-to-order workflows, and operational scaling.
• Track record of improving supply chain efficiency while controlling costs.
• Experience deploying or upgrading ERP, inventory management, or other operational systems.
• Leadership experience building and managing Operations and Customer Experience teams.
• International supply chain and cross-border logistics exposure is strongly preferred.
• Existing overseas manufacturer relationships would be an advantage.
• Willingness to travel internationally when required.
• Ability to work mainly during U.S. business hours.

Benefits

• Fully remote setup with the flexibility to work from anywhere.
• Competitive annual base pay aligned to experience.
• Performance-linked bonus opportunity.
• Defined growth path toward Chief Operating Officer.
• Equity may be offered to exceptional candidates.

Additional Information

This is a high-accountability, high-ownership role focused on building the operational engine rather than maintaining an existing structure. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-moving environment, solving complex supply chain challenges, and helping create the systems needed for long-term scale.