Location
San Rafael CA
Job Type
Full-Time Regular

ELSA L, Inc.

JOB DESCRIPTION - OPERATIONS MANAGER

Revised 8/10/22

POSITION SUMMARY

Overall management and leadership direction to the Operations Department to successfully promote customer service, maximize company profitability, and achieve growth with stability. Manage the complex daily operations in US and interface with Asian factories producing products in China.

SUPERVISION, RECEIVED & DELIVERED

The Operations Manager reports to the CEO. Supervisory responsibility is applicable to subordinates within the Operations Departments and other employees/areas that may be assigned by the CEO.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Operations Manager is responsible for the successful planning, budgeting, managing and delivery of expected results within Operations for the Company. The incumbent must be tactful, resourceful, and ethical in dealing with internal and external personnel. Within policy guidelines, the incumbent exercises considerable discretion and independence in accountability to the duties and responsibilities described herein: Expected to use initiative and judgment in organizing and prioritizing work to accurately meet deadlines & Departmental needs.

  • Adaptable, open and a quick study to fluid changes within the retail industry
  • Exercise common sense when making collaborative decisions;
  • Demonstrate initiative regarding what is in the best interest of the Company;
  • Has a thorough understanding of his/her limitations (i.e. time management, subject matter knowledge) and knows when to rely on others for support or expertise
  • Must be able to handle multiple tasks in a timely manner, with minimal direction;
  • Must demonstrate problem solving and “flexibility” skills and be open to new challenges or ideas;
  • Must be able to communicate in a clear and transparent manner;
  • Must understand and respect the confidentiality of the information/data exposed to during his/her day-to-day activities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Manage Internal operations
  1. Maintaining files, records, process documents and expediting the flow of activities relating to the Company’s Operations processes and procedures.
  2. Manage all purchase orders are timely and ship on time.
  3. Manage POs by full containers.
  4. Ensure inventory at 3PL is accurate and cycle counts performed bi-annually
  5. Anticipate & manage all timelines in order to meet program set dates
  6. Hold weekly production meeting with entire staff
  7. Continuous improvement of SOP to ensure Operations supports all internal Depts
  • Support Product Development
  1. Understand product development technical and cost associated
  2. Understand the product tariffs and challenge as need be.
  • Support Sales
  1. Full familiarity with customer profiles, allowances & requirements.
  2. Manage production to program timeline as given by Sales
  3. Understand different packaging/pallet needs that impacts cost/freight
  4. Work with Sales on our inventory and ensure a 3.5 turn
  5. Regular monthly review, and year-to-year comparisons; on expense drivers on chargebacks, defectives and logistic expenses. Negotiate and dispute related fees.
  6. Work closely with CEO, Sales and Finance to meet contract obligations and inventory requirements.
  7. Regular updates to CEO in order to solve manufacturing issues and to help achieve operational excellence.
  • Timely, via verbal & written communications keeps Management Team if, informed of ongoing Departmental activities, issues and problem resolution.
  • Supervise and manage all manufacturing, purchasing, compliance policies and procedures within the Operations function.
  • Work closely with overseas agent to improve efficiencies in our manufacturing process, reporting and auditing of factory output and compliance
  1. Responsible for all factory compliances, testing protocols and corrective actions.
  2. Automate information flow between Agent & Company
  3. Be in the pulse on all cost drivers in manufacturing
  4. Monthly calls with Agent to go over risks & factory issues in production
  5. Build production at factories which includes forecast & commitments by retailers
  6. Assess & negotiate cost savings with each factory on volume purchases, etc
  • Manage Logistics: 3PL & Freight Forwarder
  1. Ensure we have a good team to support our shipping & receiving needs.
  2. Monthly review and approve all expenses with the 3PL warehouse before submitting to CEO for sign off.
  3. Build a working relationship with our freight forwarders.
  4. Regular review of all freight rates and negotiate. Monthly/Quarterly reporting to the CEO/Finance
  • Manage Costing & Inventory

Team and Staff Development

  1. Lead, mentor and initiate training and cross training of staff to establish a knowledgeable and strong operations team.
  2. Be an active member of the company’s management team.
  3. Increase self-knowledge of all Sales and Product Development processes in the company.
  4. Work closely with CEO, PD, Finance, and Sales departments to optimize interdepartmental communications, improve systems and processes.

Systems

  1. Fully understand workings of ELSA L’s Frame Master software system and electronic data interchange (EDI) systems of different vendors.
  2. Make recommendations for upgrading system.
  3. Maintain knowledge of system and software enhancements and technology. Evaluate the benefits of upgrades and changes to the operations systems.
  4. Evaluate manual processes versus automation. Systematically recommend to automate

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS REQUIRED

  • Minimum 5 years progressive experience in management positions related to responsibilities listed above.
  • Minimum 5 years progressive experience in developing and implementing strategic operating plans.
  • Minimum 5 years profit and loss analysis and management experience.
  • Experience in fast-paced entrepreneurial environment with short lead times, frequent collaborative meetings and changing retail environment
  • Experience managing Asian contract manufacturers including travel to Asia, Logistics, compliance, QA, inventory, capacity, and contract negotiation.
  • Demonstrated management expertise including the ability to motivate, mentor and lead change within assigned areas of responsibility.
  • Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced, results-oriented, deadline driven environment
  • Strong leadership skills, self-confidence, and excellent communication skills
  • Strong experience with warehousing and manufacturing for “big box” retailers
  • Strong experience with QA, factory compliance, and factory audits
  • Open minded and adaptive team mentality and willingness to work collaboratively with all functions within the company
  • Computer proficiency to include Microsoft Office and EDI.

Education

  • A. degree required

ADA Essential Job Functions

  • Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
  • Computer usage 70%
  • Overseas travel required

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Pursuant to the Company’s ‘at will’ employment policy, employment with the Company is not for a specified period of time and can be terminated by the Employee or the Company at any time with or without cause or advance notice. This employment ‘at-will’ policy shall not be modified by any statements contained in this or any other document such as Employee Handbook, employment application, Company memorandum or other material provided to Employees in connection with their employment. None of those documents, whether singly or combined, shall create an express or implied contract requiring just cause to terminate employment. Furthermore, nothing contained in this document, Employee Handbook, employment application, Company memorandum, or any other material provided to Employees in connection with their employment shall require the Company to have cause to terminate Employees, or otherwise restrict the Company's right to terminate Employees at any time or for any reason.

Except for the Company’s President, no Manager, Supervisor or Representative of the Company has any authority to enter into any agreement for employment for any specific period of time or to make any agreement contrary to the foregoing. Only the President of the Company has the authority to make any agreement contrary to the foregoing, and then only in writing.

The information contained in this Job Description denotes ‘essential functions’ in accordance with the guidelines of The Americans with Disabilities Act. The essential functions of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to those specifically identified in this description. The position and its essential functions may change over time and these changes may not necessarily be reflected in this position description. The Company may, at its sole discretion, add to, change, or expand the essential or marginal functions of the position.

I hereby certify that I have read and understand my job description and understand that these duties (as well as my position) may change from time to time, with or without notice to best serve the Company. In addition, I accept the responsibility of this position and acknowledge that I have received a copy of my job description.

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Employee Signature Date