JOB SUMMARY:
The Director, Operations will oversee daily execution across logistics, product development, purchasing, and quality functions in the Shanghai office. This individual ensures effective coordination, timely reporting, and operational discipline so that technical experts remain focused on their specialties. The Director monitors supplier execution across Asia, drives process improvements, and manages issue escalation and resolution, while supporting the Vice President with operational execution and coordination. This position also serves as a bridge between Shanghai operations and U.S. headquarters, providing leadership across functions and ensuring alignment with company objectives.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Oversees daily operations of the Shanghai office, including logistics, product development, purchasing, quality, accounting, and administration, ensuring that all functions operate efficiently, meet deadlines, and comply with company policies and regulatory requirements.
- Drives alignment across functions to ensure projects and orders are delivered on time, at cost, and to quality standards, while identifying potential bottlenecks and implementing solutions to optimize workflow and resource allocation.
- Monitors supplier execution across Asia, follows up on performance, and resolves operational issues in partnership with technical experts and the Vice President, while maintaining strong relationships with key suppliers and identifying opportunities to improve quality, cost, and lead times.
- Establishes and maintains clear reporting structures, metrics, and updates for Shanghai office leadership and U.S. colleagues, providing actionable insights that inform decision-making and enhance transparency across functions.
- Manages staffing, including hiring, training, evaluating, coaching, and disciplining employees to ensure effective performance, while fostering a culture of accountability, development, and continuous improvement.
- Partners with the Vice President on regional budgets and business processes, monitoring financial performance, controlling costs, and recommending adjustments to achieve operational and strategic objectives.
- Leads process improvement initiatives to enhance sourcing workflows, vendor communication, and cross-team handoffs, identifying gaps, implementing best practices, and driving adoption across the office.
- Acts as the first point of escalation for day-to-day issues, ensuring resolution while enabling senior leaders to focus on strategic priorities, providing guidance and support to functional leaders to prevent disruptions.
- Provides operational reports, performance analysis, and improvement recommendations to senior management, highlighting trends, risks, and opportunities that support continuous operational excellence.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, textiles or related field is required; master's is preferred
- Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in sourcing, supply chain, or operations management, preferably in textiles, apparel, or consumer goods
- Demonstrates a hands-on, pragmatic approach with a focus on execution and results; adds tangible value rather than performing administrative tasks
- Combines creativity and strategic thinking with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Possesses a solid background in supplier management and operations within China/Asia, with credibility and respect from technical teams
- Exhibits a collaborative and facilitative leadership style
- Fluent in Mandarin and English, with experience working effectively in multinational teams
- Willing and able to travel locally and internationally as required
- Current residency in China is required
- Demonstrates strong financial acumen and the ability to analyze operational metrics to drive informed decisions
- Proven ability to lead process improvement initiatives and implement operational best practices
- Effectively manages internal and external stakeholders, communicates clearly, and influences across functions and cultures
- Experience leading and developing cross-functional teams in a complex, multinational environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Ability to withstand prolonged periods sitting at a desk
- Frequent use of upper extremities to perform keyboard functions and work on a computer
- Ability to occasionally stand/walk