The Textile Institute

Head of Operations

Head of Operations - The Textile Institute

ABOUT US

Fermoie is an innovative textile designer and manufacturer. We design, print and sell beautiful bespoke fabrics, lampshades and accessories.

We create original fabrics; from weaving, dying and inspirational first studio drawing to a unique take on original printing, alongside delightful home accessories which bring our fabrics to life.

Creative thinking, unparalleled care and the highest of quality are intrinsic in all we do. We are a small and close-knit team, with our design and manufacturing operations located in Marlborough, and flagship showroom in London.

THE ROLE

We are looking for a dynamic, enthusiastic and talented person to lead Operations on our Marlborough factory site.

The successful candidate will have a solid operations, manufacturing and continuous improvement background, strongly aligning with our Company values of ‘People First’, ‘Every Interaction Matters’, ‘Planet Before Profit’ and ‘Detail is Everything’.

They will have a solution-focused approach, excellent experience in managing and developing people, and outstanding communication skills.

REPORTING TO

Managing Director

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership

To motivate and lead an Operations team of c. 30, through 4 direct reports:

      • Production Manager, with accountability for our print operation
      • Accessories Manager, with accountability for our cushion and lampshade-making department and Health & Safety
      • Despatch Manager, with accountability for inspection and despatch of all fabrics and of sampling
      • Project Manager with accountability for site management, sustainability and special projects.

To coach, develop and support direct reports, ensuring the delivery of their roles to a high standard.

To ensure training needs are identified and delivered across the Operations team, utilising multiple delivery methods, including on the job training, manuals and courses.

End-to-end Supply Chain Management

The delivery of strong supplier management across Fermoie’s key suppliers, ensuring all incoming goods meet stringent quality control specifications.

Personally owning the supplier management of base cloth raw materials; ordering cycle, issue resolution, future development.

Ensuring all manufacturing units consistently deliver OTIF targets.

The continuous improvement of all manufacturing processes to drive efficiency gains (issue resolution, time savings, waste reduction etc).

Strong focus on delivering annual cost savings within budgets.

Sustainability

Overseeing the Project Manager to deliver the sustainability strategy and roadmap, within timescales to budget.

New Product Development

Ensuring the delivery of Studio timelines for launches, supporting with raw materials availability, production time and expertise, supplier management and issue resolution

SKILLS

  •  An experienced leader, with a strong background in people management and development
  • Experience in running all areas of a supply chain; procurement, manufacturing, warehousing and logistics, all within budget
  • A continuous improvement mindset with the ability to analyse processes and drive improvements
  • Excellent organisation, attention to detail and prioritisation skills
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to meet issues head on and identify long term solutions for short term problems
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate and influence at all levels within the business
  • A fast learner, with the ability to thrive in a fast paced and dynamic environment

INTERFACES

  • The Board of Directors
  • Fermoie Studio
  • All Production units
  • Fermoie Suppliers
  • External contacts eg consultants

WHAT YOU’LL GET

  • C. £70,000
  • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata)
  • Company Nest Pension Scheme
  • Private Healthcare upon passing your probation (usually 3 months)
  • Death in Service insurance
  • Generous staff discount

TO APPLY

Please send CV and covering letter to careers@fermoie.com

APPLICATION DEADLINE

17/03/2024

Fermoie.com

Want to advertise a vacancy?

If you have a job you would like to advertise, let us know.

All paid/Corporate Member vacancies are also shared via our mailing list and social media.

The following fees apply:

  • Corporate Members: FREE simply email tiihq@textileinst.org.uk with your vacancy details.
  • Companies & Individuals: £100 (excluding VAT) per month – Members of The Textile Institute receive a 20% discount.
  • Agencies: contact tiihq@textileinst.org.uk for prices

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