Operations Director - Maternity Cover

Emilia Wickstead; London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury fashion brand in London is seeking an experienced Operations Director to ensure smooth daily operations and strategic planning. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership experience within the luxury fashion or retail sector, with a strong ability to manage critical paths and guide teams effectively. This role offers an opportunity to lead operations and collaborate closely with the CEO and senior leaders, fostering a positive work culture while driving business success.

Qualifications

• Experience in directing operations within fashion, retail, or luxury environments.
• Strong track record of managing critical path timelines effectively.
• Ability to design and implement business strategies aligned with company objectives.

Responsibilities

• Manage the company critical path and ensure team deadlines are met.
• Run the business strategy in collaboration with the senior leadership team.
• Provide operational oversight of supply and logistics.

Skills

Proven leadership at senior level

Critical path management

Strategic planning expertise

Commercial and solutions focus

Workload and resource management

Analytical and results-driven

Stakeholder and team leadership

Luxury brand understanding

Job description

Overview

The Operations Director is a key part of the Emilia Wickstead business that ensures the smooth running of the business day to day. This role is the point of contact for the senior leadership team when problems arise, to brainstorm solutions or raise higher any red flags. They are also the first point of call for the CEO and are a supportive and reliable colleague for her to call on.

The Role

• Day to day management of the company critical path. Making sure that teams know their deadlines, that they have the support to achieve them and that they are on track to flag anything that is not going to meet a specific deadline.

• Set and run the strategy for the business alongside the senior leadership team. Monitor progress of the business against these KPI’s with each of the HoD’s and lead the team to achieving the objectives.

• The Operations Director is to be fluent in each plan and know exactly where the business stands at all times.

• Overview of problems encountered and how these are being addressed operationally to find solutions.

• To take care of the teams needs when possible by giving support and guidance and reassurance and to boost other Heads of Departments to do so too during important milestones and critical times.

• Regularly brief CEO on deadlines, calendar progress and how each is being effectively managed. Work with each HoD to prioritise urgent tasks for the CEO to review.

• Protect CEO from excessive problems and workloads especially during critical creative periods.

• Operational oversight of supply & logistics, working cross-functionally to consolidate the supply chain.

• Alongside the HR Manager, run all annual reviews, pay structures, hiring and termination procedures.

• Create a culture of positive feedback to nurture, guide and celebrate the team.

• Maintaining good company morale; interface with the team to celebrate the events of the company and the big and small achievements of teams and individuals for and on behalf of the business.

• Creating performance frameworks and developing management to help the team to meet those goals.

• A supportive and reliable colleague to call on for the CEO.

• Lead the organisation to underpin a healthy work environment.

Person Specification

• Proven leadership at senior level – Demonstrates experience in directing operations within fashion, retail, or a related fast-paced luxury environment.

• Critical path management – Strong track record of managing and driving critical path timelines, ensuring on-time delivery across multiple functions.

• Strategic planning expertise – Ability to design, implement, and deliver business strategies aligned with company objectives.

• Commercial and solutions focus – Skilled in identifying operational challenges and implementing effective, pragmatic solutions that balance creativity with efficiency.

• Workload and resource management – Proven ability to prioritise, delegate, and balance workloads to meet deadlines under pressure.

• Analytical and results-driven – Capable of interpreting business performance data to make informed, proactive decisions.

• Stakeholder and team leadership – Strong interpersonal skills to inspire, influence, and build collaboration across cross-functional teams and external partners.

• Luxury brand understanding – Deep appreciation of the unique demands of the luxury fashion sector, including quality standards, brand positioning, and customer expectations.

Please complete your application with confirmation that you have the right to work without restriction in UK, stating your salary expectations and your notice periods.

If you do not hear back from us within 2 weeks, unfortunately you have not been shortlisted for this role.