At Anything Possible Brands (APB), our mission is to inspire people to go outdoors and enjoy fishing. We have a passion for the outdoors and a passion for building gear that makes fishing easy and exciting for everyone. We're looking for a Vice President of Operations to lead our dynamic operations organization as we continue to win market share and accelerate growth. Reporting directly to the CEO, the Vice President of Operations will be the senior executive responsible for all operational functions, including supply planning, purchasing, logistics, supply chain, distribution, sourcing, inventory management, and quality assurance. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the VP of Operations will play a crucial role in shaping and executing strategic initiatives to support the company's rapid growth.
The VP of Operations must be a modern leader at the forefront of operational best practices, continuously seeking innovative solutions to drive efficiency, quality, and profitability improvements. The role will require a strong focus on analytical problem-solving, process optimization, and strategic planning. Success in this role looks like improved fill rate, operational agility, cost reduction, product quality, customer satisfaction, and significant revenue growth. This individual must be hungry to win and ready to roll up their sleeves delivering both strategic leadership and tactical involvement. If you are motivated to join a young, fast-growing outdoor company and develop a high-performing operations team, we want to meet you.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Operational Leadership:
Lead all operational functions, including supply chain management, purchasing, distribution, sourcing, inventory control, and quality assurance.
Lead demand and supply planning (SIOP) meetings and processes to ensure accurate purchasing, agile supply chain responses, and optimized inventory levels.
Manage the operational team and build a culture of accountability, speed, and high performance.
Act as a strategic advisor to the executive team, contributing to company-wide growth initiatives and long-term business planning.
Supply Chain Management:
Lead global supply chain operations with a strong focus on sourcing and supplier relationship management in China. Negotiate supplier agreements, ensuring optimal cost structures and favorable contract terms.
Build strong relationships and negotiate with key suppliers, focusing on quality, timely delivery, and cost-effectiveness.
Travel as necessary to manage supplier relationships, ensure quality, conduct audits, and secure supply.
Quality Assurance:
Develop and implement a best-in-class quality program from the ground up, addressing critical product quality issues and reducing risk to the business.
Establish quality standards, processes, and metrics for both manufacturers and the company's distribution center, ensuring end-to-end product integrity.
Order Fulfillment & Agility:
Improve order fill rates by optimizing supply planning and addressing inefficiencies that lead to stockouts and cancellations.
Enhance operational flexibility to respond swiftly to in-market demand and customer needs.
Reduce lead times and drive continuous improvement initiatives to ensure timely product availability for retailers and end consumers.
Cost & Risk Management:
Lead cost-saving initiatives across the supply chain, from sourcing and transportation to distribution and inventory management.
Oversee chargeback fee reduction efforts and optimize the overall cost structure of the operations department.
Manage risk across the supply chain, proactively identifying and mitigating potential disruptions.
Technology & Innovation:
Leverage advanced technology tools and modern operational best practices to monitor, evaluate, and optimize operational performance.
Champion the use of AI, data analytics, and other technology platforms to drive continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and real-time decision-making.
Stay ahead of industry trends and innovations, applying them to enhance business performance and maintain a competitive edge.
Proactive Operational Analysis and Problem-Solving:
Relentlessly improve performance by continuously monitoring key operational metrics, analyzing data, and detecting early warning signs of potential issues.
Proactively investigating the root causes of performance variances, quantifying the potential impact of these issues, and developing solutions before they escalate into significant problems.
Apply critical thinking and data-driven decision-making to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and ensure consistent operational excellence.
Hands-On Leadership and Deep Operational Involvement:
Beyond overseeing operations, the VP is expected to immerse themselves in the day-to-day details, developing a deep understanding of every function they manage. This means not just directing teams but personally engaging with the processes, systems, and challenges, providing actionable insights and hands-on support where necessary.
Make a material impact by actively driving improvements, leading from the front, and being directly accountable for the success and evolution of operations.
Foster teamwork, robust debate, and alignment across departments to achieve operational and company objectives.
Cross-functional Collaboration:
Partner closely with Sales, Finance, Marketing, and Product Development teams to align operational strategies with broader company goals.
Support new product launches by ensuring operational readiness, from sourcing and production to distribution and quality assurance.
Performance Metrics & Reporting:
Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for all areas of operations, providing regular updates to the executive team.
Implement rigorous performance tracking and reporting mechanisms to ensure accountability and transparency across operations.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience:
10+ years of operational leadership, with experience in a senior operational role in a consumer goods company.
Proven experience managing a global supply chain with a strong focus on sourcing from China.
Demonstrated success in leading quality programs and building them from the ground up, with a track record of driving improvements in product quality and safety.
Experience in fast-paced, high-growth environments, with a strong focus on agility and flexibility in operations.
Strong financial acumen, with the ability to manage operational budgets, optimize costs, and increase profitability.
Skills:
Strategic thinker with a strong ability to execute and drive results.
Deep knowledge of supply chain management, procurement, inventory control, and distribution best practices.
Technologically savvy, with experience leveraging analytics to improve operational efficiency.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and familiarity with ERP systems; ability to leverage these tools to analyze data, create reports, and present insights.
Exceptional negotiation skills and the ability to build and manage supplier relationships effectively.
Strong leadership and team-building skills, with a proven ability to mentor and develop high-performance teams.
Analytical and data-driven decision-making capabilities, with a relentless focus on continuous improvement.
Travel:
Ability to travel to China and other international locations as needed to manage supplier relationships and oversee the global supply chain.
LOCATION
This role is based out of our APB headquarters in Springfield, MO
WE OFFER
Salary Range: $150,000 - $175,000
Competitive Bonus
Company Equity Stake
Comprehensive Benefits Package
About Anything Possible Brands
APB is the go-to source of innovative and on-trend gear that makes fishing easy and exciting. APB is viewed in the market as the up-and-coming category disruptor, rapidly capturing market share by delighting consumers with affordable, high-quality and on-trend products and delighting retail partners with its agility and high level of service.