Job Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Location: Florence
Department: Operations
Reports to: CEO / Board of Directors
Contract Type: Full-time / Permanent
Role Overview
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will oversee and optimize operational activities, including managing production, supply chain, distribution, retail, and digital operations. Working closely with the CEO and leadership team, the COO will implement strategies to support the brand’s growth while maintaining high standards of quality and craftsmanship. The COO will develop and execute manufacturing and procurement strategies to ensure service excellence, high-quality products, and achievement of margin and inventory objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and lead strategies for demand, logistics, shipping, production, and sourcing to provide competitive advantage and contribute to financial plans, inventory investment, and service level goals.
- Implement global operational strategies aligned with company goals.
- Evaluate and optimize supply chains, streamline production capabilities, and reduce costs.
- Oversee manufacturing, focusing on cost reduction and productivity. Lead restructuring, relocation, or transformation of production facilities as needed.
- Design and manage operational processes, promote continuous improvement, and leverage IT solutions including AI to measure supply chain effectiveness. Monitor performance with scorecards.
- Align forecasting, production planning, lead times, inventory, and customer service metrics.
- Develop and implement a Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process to optimize systems and processes, aligning with customer expectations.
- Manage strategic relationships with sourcing partners to enhance capabilities and reduce costs.
- Establish a global fulfillment network (Europe and USA) to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Oversee sales administration and enhance customer service experience.
- Lead the management team and direct reports with performance-oriented objectives, fostering leadership skills.
- Ensure safety and environmental compliance in manufacturing processes.
- Analyze financial statements (Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) to identify areas for improvement.
Candidate Requirements
- Proven experience as a COO or senior management role.
- Experience in the luxury industry; knowledge of knitwear and RTW sectors is a plus.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and business acumen skills.
- Understanding of corporate finance and ambitious growth planning.
- Ability to manage multimillion-dollar projects, aligning business objectives with technological solutions.
- Expertise in agile and traditional project management methodologies.
- Track record of delivering results on time and within budget.
- Leadership with a focus on people development.
- Fluent in Italian and English.
What We Offer
A key leadership role in the growth of a luxury brand expanding internationally, in a dynamic, excellence-driven environment emphasizing craftsmanship and quality. Competitive compensation, professional growth opportunities, and strategic impact.