Head of Operations, Etnies/Es/Emerica Full Time

NDK Skateboarding is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Head of Operations to lead and oversee all operational functions. This role is pivotal in ensuring efficiency across product development, supply chain, demand planning, logistics, purchasing, sales operations, and inventory management. The Head of Operations will play a hands-on role in aligning supply and demand, driving operational excellence, and supporting the global growth of NDK Skateboarding.

Reporting to the CEO of NDK Skateboarding and the COO of the Nidecker Group, this role involves close collaboration with department heads and senior staff across multiple functions. The position will leverage existing shared Nidecker resources while developing new, dedicated operational functions.

1. Team Leadership & Coordination

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team across product development, supply chain, demand planning, logistics, purchasing, and sales operations in Europe, Asia, and North America.
• Establish clear performance goals and ensure departmental objectives align with overall company goals.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and solutions-driven team culture.
• Manage and track timelines and milestones across departments, consolidating them into a unified dashboard for global oversight.

2. Supply Chain & Inventory Management

• Develop and implement supply chain strategies that balance cost efficiency with service excellence.
• Oversee inventory planning and optimization to support DTC, retail, and wholesale channels.
• Collaborate with production facilities and third-party logistics providers (3PLs) to ensure timely global distribution.
• Implement best practices for inventory tracking, leveraging ERP systems for real-time visibility and accuracy.

3. Demand Planning & Purchasing

• Lead demand planning processes in collaboration with Sales and Marketing teams to ensure accurate forecasting.
• Utilize market trends, historical data, and promotional activities to refine demand forecasts.
• Oversee the purchasing process, ensuring timely procurement aligned with forecasts and production schedules.
• Develop strong supplier relationships to secure competitive terms, reliable deliveries, and high-quality materials.

4. Sales Operations Oversight

• Work closely with the Head of Sales Operations to ensure seamless coordination between Sales, Marketing, and Operations.
• Improve sales operations tools and processes, including CRM and ERP integrations.
• Develop and manage efficient order management, forecasting, and fulfillment processes.
• Establish KPIs to monitor and optimize sales operations performance.

5. Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)

• Establish and lead the S&OP process to align product development, sales, demand forecasts, and financial targets.
• Optimize delivery schedules from production facilities to distributors and warehouses in the US, EU, and Asia.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Development, Sales, Supply, Marketing, Finance) to create a unified operational plan.
• Monitor and adjust plans dynamically based on market demand, production schedules, and logistical challenges.

6. Logistics & Delivery Optimization

• Develop global transportation strategies for sea, air, and express shipments, ensuring cost-effective and reliable deliveries.
• Optimize warehouse and distribution operations to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Work closely with 3PLs to streamline logistics and improve service levels.

7. Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Utilize ERP systems and data analytics to monitor performance, identify inefficiencies, and drive continuous improvement.
• Implement best practices across operational functions to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
• Develop and track KPIs to measure success and ensure alignment with business goals.

8. Financial Oversight & Compliance

• Partner with Finance to manage budgets, optimize cost efficiencies, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Work with Sales and Product Development teams to set pricing targets and margin strategies.
• Ensure compliance with global trade laws, tax regulations, and operational policies.

Key Objectives:

• Achieve seamless alignment between supply chain, sales, and product development teams through effective planning.
• Optimize supply chain processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance delivery timelines.
• Successfully implement and drive the S&OP process for better cross-functional collaboration.
• Strengthen supplier relationships and purchasing processes to support business growth and profitability.
• Develop efficient inventory management strategies for DTC online channels.
• Ensure high levels of inventory accuracy and operational efficiency across all regions.
• Deliver on-time, high-quality products and services to customers and distributors.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Experience: 10+ years in supply chain, operations, logistics, purchasing, sales operations, and inventory management, with leadership experience in demand planning and S&OP.
• Industry Knowledge: Proven experience in the footwear industry, with a strong understanding of product development, logistics, and global markets.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in ERP systems, CRM tools, data analytics, and performance dashboards.
• Core Competencies: Strong leadership, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Passion for Action Sports: Interest in skateboarding, sportswear, or action sports is a plus.

Why Join NDK Skateboarding?

This role offers the opportunity to lead and optimize global operations in a dynamic, fast-growing company within the skateboarding and action sports industry. If you have the leadership, strategic vision, and operational expertise to drive NDK Skateboarding’s growth, we’d love to hear from you