Head of Operations

Head of Operations | Fast-Growth Lifestyle Brand | Manchester

The Client

Our client is an ambitious, fast-growth challenger brand making its mark in the consumer lifestyle space. With a distinctive brand identity, a loyal and growing customer base and an increasingly international presence, the business has built real momentum and has plenty more in the pipeline.

Entrepreneurial in its approach and ambitious in its outlook, this is a business that isn't afraid to challenge convention, move quickly and do things differently. As it continues to expand into new markets and unlock further opportunities, it's an exciting time to join a brand that is still evolving, with the ambition and appetite to go much further.

The Role

This is a broad leadership position for someone who enjoys operating at the intersection of commercial strategy and day-to-day execution. As Head of Operations, you'll take ownership of the operational ecosystem, bringing together logistics, supplier relationships, systems and performance to ensure the business can continue to grow efficiently.

Working closely with the Operations Director, you'll have considerable influence over how the function develops, from reviewing the effectiveness of existing partnerships to identifying opportunities to improve performance, manage costs and introduce better ways of working.

You'll need to be comfortable moving between the bigger commercial picture and the detail of operational delivery. It's a hands-on opportunity for someone who enjoys taking ownership, making decisions and having a visible impact on a growing international business.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the wider operation: Take responsibility for the performance of the operational function, ensuring the right processes, partnerships and resources are in place to support the business.
• Manage the partner network: Lead relationships with third-party providers, including logistics and supply chain partners, ensuring service levels, capacity and commercial agreements remain aligned with business requirements.
• Drive commercial performance: Review operational expenditure, negotiate supplier agreements and identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency without compromising service.
• Support international growth: Oversee the operational requirements of an expanding international business, ensuring cross-border movements, customs processes and supporting documentation are managed effectively.
• Elevate operational standards: Introduce clear performance measures, establish accountability across external partners and address areas of underperformance.
• Improve the customer journey: Work with internal teams to identify operational issues affecting customer experience, addressing underlying problems and improving service delivery.
• Develop systems and infrastructure: Partner with internal Systems teams to ensure ERP functionality, data and operational workflows support the needs of the wider business.
• Champion continuous improvement: Use operational reporting and performance data to identify opportunities, challenge existing practices and implement meaningful improvements.

What We'd Like to See

• Senior-level experience within operations, ideally gained in a fast-growing lifestyle, fashion, retail, e-commerce or wider consumer business.
• A broad understanding of operational and supply chain functions, with experience overseeing multiple areas rather than operating within a single specialism.
• Strong experience managing third-party providers, including negotiating commercial terms, managing contracts and driving service performance.
• A track record of improving operational efficiency, introducing better processes and managing change within a growing business.
• Experience working with ERP systems and an understanding of how technology and data support effective operations.
• Knowledge of international logistics, including cross-border movements, customs documentation and Incoterms.
• Strong commercial and analytical skills, with the ability to assess performance, manage costs and identify opportunities for improvement.

What We'd Also Like to See

• Experience supporting international expansion, ideally across the UK and US.
• Exposure to multi-channel or multi-market operating environments.
• Experience reviewing and evolving third-party partnerships as a business scales.
• A confident, solutions-focused approach, with the ability to influence stakeholders and turn operational challenges into practical improvements.

Start date: ASAP

Location: Manchester // Hybrid

Salary: £85,000–£95,000 + bonus

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.