VP of Operations

Title

Vice President of Operations

Description
At GUNNER® we build the best dog products in the world to give our dogs the lives they deserve. Overbuilt in the USA™, we engineer them for your dog and build them for your peace of mind. If you join the pack, you’ll have the opportunity to create fun, meaningful work, on our way to becoming a world-class brand that strengthens our bond with Man’s Best Friend.

Energized by this exciting mission? GUNNER® is on the hunt for an experienced, entrepreneurial Vice President of Operations who’s ready to thrive in a fast-paced environment and continue to support our high growth. Our Vice President of Operations will be a galvanizing leader, providing clear and regular strategic direction to their team of 10+ people. As an integral member of the GUNNER® Leadership Team, this role will lead our Operations department end-to-end including supply chain, warehouse operations, and systems & technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a progressing, collaborative, and winning culture across a team of 10+ people, including 3 direct reports who oversee supply chain, warehouse operations and information systems

  • Supply Chain: domestic and international contract manufacturers and inbound and outbound logistics

  • Warehouse Operations: receiving, returns, inventory management, assembly/kitting, personalization, pick, pack, fulfillment, and facilities management

  • Information Systems: warehouse management system (Deposco), enterprise resource planning system (NetSuite), integration software (Celigo), sales channel connectivity (Shopify, marketplaces, etc.), project management software (Asana), and communication software (Slack)

• Oversee day-to-day operations of our Warehouse Operations such as staffing (including temp labor agencies), workflow, inbound and outbound guardrails, and systems connectivity

• Oversee end-to-end Supply Chain including ownership of procurement, purchasing, contracts, vendor negotiations, trade compliance, frameworks for vendor evaluation, vendor relationships/engagement, and support R&D in vendor selection/RFPs

• Develop creative strategic initiatives across Operations teams to support high-growth through smooth and reliable supply chain management, warehousing and systems (e.g., warehouse locations/size, alternative suppliers, streamlining operations, etc.)

• Develop department budgets and KPIs including COGS, expenses, freight projections and inventory levels with an emphasis on both initial accuracy and regular reforecast communication

• Build a strong partnership with cross-functional departments, regularly and proactively communicating with CX, Marketing, Finance and other key downstream stakeholders of warehouse guardrails, inventory levels, staffing, systems statuses, etc.

• Negotiate pricing and contracts with suppliers including contract manufacturers, parcel carriers, LTL/FTL carriers, technology providers, etc.

• Build systems, process and accountability in preparation for Omnichannel strategy, including overseeing dropship, wholesale and marketplace logistics and EDI automation for external clients

• Oversee inventory reconciliations across all WMS, POS and ERP systems, establishing auditing and governance processes to monitor inventory and vendor performance to drive continuous improvement

• Evaluate tech, operations and facilities vendors, negotiate pricing and contracts and lead to research, source and negotiate services and equipment to achieve the best price and SLA’s for the company

• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of the organization's technology infrastructure, ensuring the security, integrity, and availability of data and information with operational efficiency and competitive advantage in mind

The Ideal Candidate

• Has a strong, entrepreneurial spirit mixed with the proven ability to lead high-performing, game-changing teams

• Leverages past experience and uses strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with other members of the Leadership Team

• Demonstrates mastery of the financial impact of Operations and consistently works to improve operating efficiency, profitability and improved customer experience

• Is a self-starter who excels at strategy, prioritization and directing on-time executional excellence

• Thrives in a fast-paced, fun environment with proactive and reactive elements of the job keeping teams on their feet and the customer at the center of all decisions

• Can negotiate hard but maintains excellent relationships with vendors and service providers across technology providers, fulfillment partners and suppliers.

• Is equal parts detailed, resourceful, high-level strategic thinker and fast-paced, moving the business forward while getting the best result in the most efficient ways possible

• Is passionate about building the best dog products in the world and a world-class brand experience across every touchpoint

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of Operations experience directly managing Supply Chain, Inventory and Warehouse Operations

• Experience managing or a deep working understanding of Information Technology including retail technology systems/stacks, ecommerce platforms, EDI, WMS and ERP

• Strong cultural leadership and effective management of teams of 10+ in size, including professional development of both individual contributors and managers

• Managed a multi-million dollar budget, reforecasts and demonstrated experience driving operational efficiencies and cost reductions while scaling

• Experience with supporting high-growth omnichannel expansion efforts from a supply chain, fulfillment and systems standpoint

• Demonstrated experience leading inventory position forecasting and managing towards goals at the category and product level

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business or equivalent

GUNNER® Core Values

• Overcomes obstacles: is resilient, takes initiative, and solves problems

• Exceeds expectations: goes above and beyond the call of duty

• Is authentic: true to themself and brings their best selves everyday

• Is a team player: willing to help others and put the team before self

• Is customer obsessed: puts the customer at the center of every decision

Departments & Supervisor

This role will report directly to the CEO and be a member of the Leadership Team. This role will manage (3) direct reports (10+ total reports) who oversee supply chain, warehouse operations and information systems.

Location

On-site at GUNNER® HQ in Nashville, TN.

Compensation

• Salary based on experience

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• 401k plan

• Paid Time Off - Includes vacation, sick, and personal days.

References

• Resume

• 3 Professional References (requested later in process)

GUNNER® requires all applicants to be eligible to work within the US. GUNNER® is a Monday-Friday, Disabled, and Vet EEO/AA Employer. (Applies to all positions in the U.S.)

Website: Gunner.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gunnerkennels

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gunnerkennels/

Address: 5207 Linbar Drive, Suite 704, Nashville, TN 37211