Director / VP of Operations (Arts & Crafts)

Director / VP of Operations (Arts & Crafts)

Job Title: Director / VP of Operations (Arts & Crafts)

Location: Boston area

Industry: Premium Arts & Crafts

Channel: Wholesale to specialty stores

Reporting to: Owner

Direct Reports: Team of about 20 people including around 15 in fulfillment, printing & production

Job ID: ZR_9549_JOB

Objective of the Role

Support the next phase of the company’s evolution by owning day‑to‑day execution, strengthening people management practices, and building a more structured operating cadence across functions. Long‑term career opportunity with a meaningful profit‑sharing path tied to sustained performance.

Ideal Profile

Hands‑on operator with strong people leadership skills and the ability to bring structure, accountability, and measurable execution into a growing, founder‑led environment. Comfortable balancing tactical oversight with process improvement, credible across functions, and can lead through clear expectations, follow‑up, and practical systems. Experience in a product‑driven business with fulfillment and light manufacturing/production complexity is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily oversight of the fulfillment operation, ensuring on‑time, accurate, and consistent delivery execution.
• Implement a clear employee performance framework, including goal setting, regular feedback, and measurable accountability.
• Oversee accounts receivable collections directly and through delegation, strengthening process discipline and visibility into cash flow performance.
• Establish KPIs and a measurement cadence for the social media and branding function, tying activities to outcomes and priorities.
• Lead the company’s representation at relevant industry trade shows.
• Build and run an inventory and supply chain operating system, including forecasting, purchasing, vendor management, and inventory controls.
• Lead external contractors and internal stakeholders to improve integration of order management, fulfillment workflows, and shipping systems.

Additional Scope for Exceptional Candidates (Optional)

• Source, evaluate, and execute acquisitions in adjacent or near‑adjacent spaces.
• Identify and help launch new product lines, leveraging market relationships and existing capabilities.
• Lead initiatives to expand sales beyond the U.S. and Canada, including operational readiness and channel execution.
• Drive equipment sourcing and procurement to expand direct manufacturing and production capabilities.

Requirements

• Demonstrated interest in the arts and crafts category or a closely related end market.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and comfort working with operational metrics.
• Highly detail‑oriented, operationally rigorous, and intellectually honest.
• Proven ability to lead a small team, create accountability, and improve execution through practical systems and follow‑through.
• Willingness to work on‑site in the Boston area.

Seniority Level

Director

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Management, General Business, and Production

Industries

Retail Art Supplies and Wholesale Luxury Goods and Jewelry