Associate Director, Operations

Wella

5d•$140,000 - $164,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Managing Director and serving as a key member of the ghd North America Leadership Team, the Associate Director, Operations will lead the NA Operations function with end-to-end responsibility for supply operations across the region. This role oversees all aspects of Logistics for North America, including demand planning, 3PL management, order-to-cash execution (order, shipping, billing), global and manufacturing supply chain coordination, inventory management and customer allocation, quality control and returns, customer service, warehouse operations, new customer setup, samples, and packaging planning. As a critical business leader, you will own ghd NA Supply Operations, ensuring operational excellence in service of our customers while enabling continued growth and optimizing cost, cash, and service levels. Success in this role requires rapid adoption of systems and processes to effectively assume ownership of operations, along with a continuous improvement mindset to drive efficiency and cost optimization. Equally important, this leader will operate as a fully integrated member of the ghd team—demonstrating passion for the brand and a strong commitment to winning in the North America market.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required (Business Administration or Supply Chain preferred).
7–10+ years of Supply Chain and/or Operations experience.
Proficiency in Microsoft Dynamics; strong Excel and PowerPoint skills.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to drive cross-functional outcomes in complex environments.
Strategic thinker with the ability to execute at both tactical and operational levels.
Agile and adaptable, with the ability to quickly learn new systems and processes.
Highly analytical, detail-oriented, and effective in prioritization and time management.
Strong collaborator with the ability to build effective partnerships across diverse teams.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end portfolio governance across Supply Chain, including program and budget management, performance tracking, reporting, and analytics.
Define and execute the Supply Network optimization roadmap (make vs. buy, local vs. global production, customization) to improve service, cost, and cash flow.
Establish clear KPIs and performance management routines to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Translate strategy into action through strong communication and influence, aligning senior leadership and co-creating long-term plans.
Identify and model improvement opportunities, driving accountability for results and operational outcomes.
Oversee day-to-day supply operations, including customer service, returns management, order fulfillment, logistics, and shipment tracking.
Partner closely with global teams on POs, invoicing, and inventory flows; act as primary liaison with 3PLs and warehouses across the U.S. and Canada.
Manage inventory, allocation, and quality control processes, proactively addressing risks and optimizing inventory health.
Support product lifecycle operations, including new item setup, packaging changes, and sample management for commercial teams.
Build and lead a high-performing team, fostering development, accountability, and engagement.
Act as a key member of the ghd Operations team, driving execution excellence and contributing to sustained business growth in North America.