Operations & Logistics Manager 17638

Role: Operations & Logistics Manager (Custom Merchandise)

Working hours: Monday to Friday 9-5 London time
Salary: $1500-2500

About the company:
Specialises incrafting custom high-end commercial clothing and merchandisefor leading contemporary brands.

Role Overview

This is not an assistant role. You will take ownership of the full operations lifecycle from supplier sourcing to final delivery. Your goal is to build optimize and eventually run the entire custom merchandise operation independently.

You are expected to proactively identify inefficiencies solve problems before they escalate and make decisions that improve cost speed and reliability.

Core Responsibilities

1. Supplier & Procurement Management

• Source vet and negotiate with suppliers (Alibaba local and international)

• Manage supplier relationships long-term (not just transactional)

• Compare quotes negotiate pricing and optimize for margins

• Track:

  • Product specs and codes

  • MOQ unit cost and lead times

• Identify backup suppliers to reduce risk

2. International Logistics & Fulfillment (Key Upgrade)

• Own end-to-end logistics from China/overseas to Europe/other regions

• Decide on shipping methods (air vs sea vs courier) based on cost and urgency

• Coordinate with freight forwarders and suppliers

• Understand and manage:

  • Incoterms (EXW FOB DDP etc.)

  • Customs clearance and duties

  • Delivery timelines and risks

• Proactively flag delays bottlenecks or cost overruns

3. Client & Order Management

• Act as the main point of contact for clients post-sale

• Ensure fast clear and professional communication

• Oversee order execution:

  • Confirm specs with suppliers

  • Monitor production timelines

  • Ensure on-time delivery

• Maintain a zero-miss mindset: no lost orders no missed deadlines

4. Operations Systems & Process Improvement

• Build and improve SOPs across sourcing ordering and delivery

• Identify inefficiencies and recommend better workflows/tools

• Eventually manage operations independently without supervision

5. Finance & Admin Oversight

• Ensure accurate invoicing and supplier payments

• Track costs margins and order profitability

• Maintain organized documentation (invoices receipts contracts)

6. Outreach & Growth Support

• Monitor and manage outbound systems (Instantly)

• Ensure campaigns are running properly (deliverability open rates)

• When bandwidth allows:

  • Support lead generation and outreach

  • Identify new industries or opportunities

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong experience in operations logistics (especially China to EU/US shipping)

• Proven background working directly with suppliers and manufacturers

• Familiar with Alibaba sourcing freight forwarders and global shipping workflows

• Understands cost optimization lead times and risk management

• Highly proactive structured and detail-oriented

• Comfortable making decisions not just executing tasks