Job: Director / VP of Operations (Arts & Crafts)

Company Description

Our client is a Boston-area designer, manufacturer and distributor within a specialized segment of the arts and crafts market. The business has over 20 years of operating history and strong brand recognition among end users. Products are positioned at the premium end of the category and primarily serve a traditionally female customer base. The company has a consistent track record of launching new product lines and delivering strong growth. The organization employs approximately 23 people across fulfillment, printing/production, design, and marketing.

Objective of the Role

Our client is seeking an on-site operational leader to support the next phase of the company’s evolution. This leader will own day-to-day execution, strengthen people management practices, and build a more structured operating cadence across functions. The role is designed for a candidate who views this as a long-term career opportunity and is motivated by the potential to develop into a foundational leader with a meaningful profit-sharing path tied to sustained performance.

Ideal Profile

The ideal candidate is a hands-on operator with strong people leadership skills and the ability to bring structure, accountability, and measurable execution into a growing, founder-led environment. This individual is comfortable balancing tactical oversight with process improvement, is credible across functions, and can lead through clear expectations, follow-up, and practical systems. Experience in a product-driven business with fulfillment and light manufacturing/production complexity is beneficial. Possible relevant background from arts & crafts, candles, soaps, jewelry, fashion, accessories, or any similar space…

Responsibilities

Core responsibilities:

• Provide daily oversight of the fulfillment operation, ensuring on-time, accurate, and consistent delivery execution.
• Implement a clear employee performance framework, including goal setting, regular feedback, and measurable accountability.
• Oversee accounts receivable collections directly and through delegation, strengthening process discipline and visibility into cash flow performance.
• Expanded responsibilities (expected as scope matures, typically Director-level):
• Establish KPIs and a measurement cadence for the social media and branding function, tying activities to outcomes and priorities.
• Lead the company’s representation at relevant industry trade shows, ensuring strong preparation, execution, and follow-through.
• Build and run an inventory and supply chain operating system, including forecasting, purchasing, vendor management, and inventory controls.
• Lead external contractors and internal stakeholders to improve integration of order management, fulfillment workflows, and shipping systems.

Additional scope for exceptional, more senior candidates (optional):

• Source, evaluate, and execute acquisitions in adjacent or near-adjacent spaces.
• Identify and help launch new product lines, leveraging market relationships and existing capabilities.
• Lead initiatives to expand sales beyond the U.S. and Canada, including operational readiness and channel execution.
• Drive equipment sourcing and procurement to expand direct manufacturing and production capabilities.

Requirements

• Demonstrated interest in the arts and crafts category or a closely related end market.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and comfort working with operational metrics.
• Highly detail-oriented, operationally rigorous, and intellectually honest.
• Proven ability to lead a small team, create accountability, and improve execution through practical systems and follow-through.
• Willingness to work on-site in the Boston area.