Chief Operating Officer

One to One personnel Limited; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A global brand management company in Southend-on-Sea seeks an accomplished Chief Operating Officer (COO) to drive operational excellence. The ideal candidate will bring over 15 years of experience in operations and supply chain, leading high-performing teams and overseeing demand planning, procurement, and logistics. This senior role offers a competitive salary ranging from £150,000 to £200,000 along with comprehensive benefits including generous leave and workplace pension scheme.

Benefits

25 days of annual leave

Workplace Pension Scheme

60% Discount on products

Annual pay review and/or bonus

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience with at least 3-4 years of leadership experience.
• Proven senior leadership experience in operations or supply chain.
• Experience managing 3PLs, warehouses, and order management systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee order management and customer service processes.
• Lead the demand planning function and run monthly demand cycles.
• Manage procurement of finished goods and supplier relationships.
• Drive productivity and cost optimization in logistics.
• Build an integrated operating model across departments.

Skills

Leadership experience

Demand planning expertise

Procurement skills

Logistics management

Strong communication skills

Job description

Central London | Monday-Friday | 40 hours | Up to £200,000

One to One Personnel are pleased to be working with our client, a Group Company with globally recognised brands who is seeking an accomplished Chief Operating Officer (COO) to drive operational excellence and growth. Reporting to the CEO, the COO will oversee Sales Operations, Demand Planning, Procurement, Logistics and Fulfilment, ensuring seamless execution, efficiency and service across all channels.

To be considered for this role, please ensure your skills and professional experience closely match the requirements outlined.

The ideal candidate will have 15+ years of relevant experience, including senior leadership in operations, supply chain or general management within consumer goods, retail, fashion, footwear or FMCG. Strong expertise in demand planning, procurement, logistics, fulfilment and 3PL/warehouse management is essential. You will lead high‑performing teams, implement scalable processes and drive operational strategy in fast‑moving, high‑growth environments.

Experience & Skills

• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience with at least 3‑4 years of leadership experience
• Proven senior leadership experience in operations, supply chain, or general management within consumer goods, retail, fashion, footwear, or FMCG
• Strong background in demand planning, procurement, logistics, or fulfilment
• Demonstrated ability to build, run, and improve end‑to‑end operational processes
• Experience managing 3PLs, warehouses, and order management systems
• An understanding and experience on long lead time and product sourcing
• Excellent cross‑functional leadership and communication skills
• Comfortable operating in fast‑moving, high‑growth or transformation environments
• Hands‑on, structured, and able to simplify complex operational challenges
• Preference will be given to someone from sportswear, fashion and footwear experience

Roles and Responsibilities

Sales Operations

• Oversee order management, allocation, and customer service processes
• Ensure accurate order entry, tracking, and fulfilment across B2B and eCommerce
• Maintain strong communication with commercial teams to align demand, availability, timelines, and customer expectations
• Improve workflow efficiency, order accuracy, and service levels
• Implement and govern standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all sales support activities

Demand Planning

• Lead the demand planning function to deliver a reliable, data‑driven forecast
• Coordinate with Sales, Product, and Supply Chain to align forecasts with market trends and business targets
• Run the monthly demand and S&OP cycle, ensuring decisions are made and communicated to all stakeholders
• Improve forecast accuracy, reduce variability, and drive better availability and inventory efficiency

Purchasing

• Manage procurement of finished goods and trade items from suppliers
• Ensure timely purchase order placement, tracking, and inbound coordination
• Optimise supplier relationships and lead‑time performance
• Align procurement decisions with inventory strategy, demand plan, and budgeted commitments
• Maintain visibility of supplier capacity, production windows, and delivery risk

Logistics & Fulfilment

• Own the performance of all 3PL partners, warehouses, and transport providers
• Drive productivity, throughput, and cost optimisation in B2B and B2C channels
• Ensure service level agreements (SLAs) for shipping, picking, packing, returns, and delivery are achieved
• Oversee inbound logistics, customs, and handover processes from factory to warehouse
• Prepare the network for seasonal peaks, promotions, and large account deliveries

Operational Strategy & Process Leadership

• Build and maintain an integrated operating model across Planning, Procurement, Logistics, and Sales Ops
• Introduce performance management frameworks, KPIs, and clear governance
• Simplify processes, eliminate duplication, and improve data quality across systems
• Lead operational readiness for new product launches, market expansions, or structural changes
• Ensure strong cross‑functional collaboration with Sales, Marketing, Product, and IT

Team Leadership

• Lead a multi‑disciplinary operational organisation across planning, procurement, logistics, fulfilment, and sales operations
• Build capability, coach leaders, and develop succession plans
• Establish a culture of discipline, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Ensure teams have clear priorities and operate with a calm, structured cadence

Key KPIs

• Forecast accuracy
• Service levels (On time Availability, OTIF, order accuracy, fulfilment time)
• Inventory availability and turns
• Logistics cost per unit
• Warehouse productivity and throughput
• Customer satisfaction for B2B and eCommerce
• Supplier on‑time delivery
• Process adherence and operational stability

What’s in It for You?

• £150,000 to £200,000 (depending on qualifications & experience)
• 25 days of annual leave + bank holidays
• Additional days holiday between Christmas and New Year if the Directors decide to close the business
• Standard working hours 9 to 5:30 - 30 min lunch = 40 hours a week
• 1-day WFH after probation and training at the company’s sole discretion (non‑contractual)
• Workplace Pension Scheme
• 60% Discount on our products that we have on Ecommerce
• Sample sales 2+ times a year
• Short Leave – with pre‑approval from Line Manager to take up to 2 hours off without deduction from holiday allowance
• Statutory sick pay
• Annual pay review and/or bonus at the Directors discretion

If you are a results‑driven operations leader ready to shape the future of a leading global brands, reach out to Louise with your CV and cover letter detailing your experience and achievements.