Head of Operations

THE/STUDIO; Johannesburg; Remote; ZAR 2,481,000 - 3,804,000; Full time

Job summary

THE/STUDIO is a fully remote, globally distributed company building the operating system for product creation. We seek a Head of Operations to oversee Manufacturing, the Global Factory Network, Customer Service, and Customer Success.

You will treat operations like an engineering problem, leveraging AI and automation to scale throughput in a remote-first setting. You will lead distributed teams across manufacturing, customer service, and success, collaborating with Product, Engineering,

Qualifications

• 6+ years of operational leadership experience in high-growth startups, e-commerce, or tech-enabled supply chains.
• Proven ability to architect scalable operations with AI and automation.
• Strong data-driven decision making and KPI tracking.
• Exceptional cross-functional collaboration with Product, Eng, Marketing, and Sales.
• Comfort with remote-first, distributed teams.

Responsibilities

• Revolutionize the supply chain by building and optimizing a factory network and manufacturing process.
• Serve as the cross-functional engine enabling faster execution across departments.
• Leverage data, AI, and automation to drive efficiencies and KPI dashboards.
• Map and redesign the customer journey from quote to delivery to ensure a superior CX.
• Lead and scale globally distributed teams creating a culture of excellence.

Skills

Supply chain leadership

Data analytics

Cross-functional collaboration

Operational strategy

Remote team leadership

Tools

AI & automation tools

Data visualization

Job description

Location: 100% Remote (Global)

Timezone / Hours: Flexible, significant overlap with US business hours

Engagement Type: Full-Time Independent Contractor

The Vision: Building the Operating System for Product Creation

Since 2013, THE/STUDIO has been building the definitive operating system for product creation. We are combining modern SaaS technology with custom manufacturing to make producing physical goods as seamless, fast, and scalable as launching software.

We operate two core platforms: Customize Now (our best-in-class, on-demand manufacturing platform) and Source Anything (our new SaaS product that enables customers to seamlessly work with global factories beyond our own network).

We are a profitable, previously Silicon Valley-backed, fully remote company, and we are not just looking to improve manufacturing, we are looking for a visionary operator to help us truly revolutionize the global supply chain.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an elite, systems-thinking Head of Operations. You will sit at the absolute intersection of bits and atoms, directly overseeing Manufacturing, our Global Factory Network, Customer Service, and Customer Success.

We don't need a traditional manager; we need an operational architect. You will treat operations like an engineering problem, using leverage, AI, and automation to scale throughput. If you are

What You’ll Do

• Revolutionize the Supply Chain: Build and optimize a factory network and manufacturing process that redefines industry standards. You will uphold our core manufacturing principles: radical customer-centricity, ultra-low MOQs, unparalleled quality, and lightning speed.
• Be the Cross-Functional Engine: Act as the ultimate enabler for the business. You will work in lockstep with Product, Engineering, Marketing, and Sales to build workflows that allow every department to move faster and execute flawlessly.
• Leverage Data & AI: We need someone "super cracked" at using modern tools. You will evaluate, implement, and leverage AI, automation, and deep data analytics to drive operational efficiencies and track meaningful KPIs across all your departments.
• Architect the Customer Experience: Map, break down, and rebuild the entire user journey from the first quote to final delivery. You will obsess over UX, ensuring that the customer is the absolute hero of their manufacturing journey.
• Lead Global Teams: Build, mentor, and scale high-performing, distributed teams across manufacturing, customer service, and success, creating a culture of excellence and high-velocity output.

Who You Are

• The Tech-Enabled Operator: You have built your career at the intersection of complex physical operations (supply chain, manufacturing, or logistics) and modern technology/SaaS.
• A Systems Thinker: You don't just throw bodies at a problem. You solve bottlenecks with better software, better data, and better processes.
• Highly Analytical: You are incredibly fluent with data. You know how to extract insights, define complex KPIs, and use those metrics to drive organizational change.
• A Cross-Functional Powerhouse: You know how to speak the language of engineers, marketers, and factory managers, bringing diverse teams together to execute a unified vision.
• Experienced & Autonomous: You have 6+ years of operational leadership experience, specifically within high-growth startups, e-commerce platforms, or tech-forward supply chain companies. You thrive in a fast-paced, remote-first environment.

The Profile We’re Looking For (Our Core Pillars)

Our CEO defines our top performers by three distinct traits. If this describes how you operate, you will thrive here:

• Raw Intelligence & Problem-Solving: High processing power, business acumen, and logical reasoning. You can think on your feet, connect complex ideas, and break down ambiguous problems quickly.
• "Give a Shit" Energy (Extreme Ownership): You take 100% accountability for your domain and outcomes. You don't make excuses or blame external factors. You look inward, find solutions, and push across the finish line.
• Rapid Adaptation & Radical Candor: You embrace blunt, constructive feedback and pivot instantly without ego. You excel in a fast-moving environment where you need to act with urgency without waiting for hand-holding.

Compensation & Terms

• Flexible & Competitive: We don't let rigid corporate salary bands get in the way of hiring elite, high-ownership talent. We offer competitive, outcome-driven compensation packages tailored to the candidate's level of impact. / or indicate OTE for sales roles
• Engagement Type: Full-time, exclusive independent contractor role.

Our Hiring Process

• Submit Application: IMPORTANT! Please submit your resume/CV in English
• Initial Screen: Brief intro chat to evaluate mutual fit, communications, and expectations.
• Hiring Manager / Team Interview: Deep dive into your hard skills, past track record, and problem-solving approach.
• Assessment / Case Study: (If applicable for the role) Practical demonstration of your capabilities.
• Final Executive Interview: Conversation with key team members.
• Reference Checks: Verification of past performance with former leaders and CEOs.

THE/STUDIO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive, high-performance culture free from discrimination.