About Us
[vrsn] is a new Hong Kong-based brand on a mission to create the most versatile, insanely comfortable footwear on the market today. After a successful Kickstarter launch earlier this year, were excited to launch our eCommerce storefront for global distribution, targeting a Q1 25 launch. Right now were focused on building out our core team.
Excited to help us build from the ground up Lets talk!
About the Role
As Operations Lead, youll oversee our entire supply chain, including production, logistics, and customer experience. From demand planning and inventory management to freight and customer shipping, to returns and customer remediations, this role will oversee them all. Youll work hand in hand with our Founder/CEO on product development and sourcing, and our Marketing Lead to ensure our tech stack integrates seamlessly with operations. This role is crucial to scaling our business and will involve both high-level strategy and hands-on execution.
What Youll Do: General Responsibilities
This role requires a player-coach capable of both strategic oversight and day-to-day operational management. Key areas of ongoing ownership:
- Lead Global Supply Chain Operations: Manage the production of goods in China and oversee distribution to customers globally
- Inventory & Demand Forecasting: Partner with marketing to develop inventory forecasting and demand planning tools to ensure alignment with sales targets and cash flow.
- Customer Experience Management: In partnership with our CX Lead (who will report to this role), oversee and improve the customer experience team, processes, and systems to ensure high service standards and customer satisfaction
What Youll Do: First 100 Days
What does a successful first 100 days on the job look like Here are a few of the key initiatives youll accomplish:
- Integrate Operations with eCommerce Storefront Launch: Collaborate with marketing to ensure our new Shopify storefront and tech stack are fully integrated with operational systems (3PL, returns, inventory), supporting smooth daily operation
- Develop Global Returns Process: Build a global returns infrastructure that is both efficient and customer-friendly.
- Optimize Inventory Management: Implement an inventory management and forecasting system that aligns with sales and marketing forecasts, minimizing stockouts and overstock.
- Build Customer Experience Infrastructure: Set up the foundation for our customer experience team, including hiring, systems, and processes.
- Supplier & Production Redundancy: Ensure redundancy in our supply chain to minimize disruptions, working directly with production partners in China.
Who this job is NOT for
This role comes with meaningful upside and autonomy, but its not for everyone. In particular, this role may not be for you if you:
- Are uncomfortable leading cross-functional teams or making high-impact decisions independently.
- Have no experience with global supply chain management, particularly in the eCommerce industry.
- Are uncomfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment where priorities and strategies may shift rapidly.
- Lack of experience with international shipping logistics, air shipments, or handling 3PLs.
Key Requirements (Who You Definitely Are)
Below are the qualities that were looking for at a minimum:
- 4+ Years of eCommerce Supply Chain Experience: Youve successfully managed supply chains for eCommerce brands, ideally producing goods in China and distributing them globally
- Experience with 3PL & International Shipping: You have experience working with third-party logistics providers and handling international shipments, including air freight.
- Experience with Shopify & Operations Tech: Understanding how to integrate tech systems like Shopify with logistics and supply chain management.
- Customer Experience Management: Youve managed customer experience teams or processes in the past.
- Strong Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: You can manage inventory forecasts, cash flow, and logistics with data-driven decision-making.
- Proactive & Resourceful: You have a pronounced Bias for Action, and when faced with an unfamiliar task or project youre the type of person who can quickly figure it out.
- Strong Fluent Verbal & Written English (C2 or Fluent): Youll engage with our internal team and external vendors/clients/media in English on a daily basis. C2/Fluent, confident English is required.
Strongly Preferred (Who You Maybe Are)
While not required, its *strongly* preferred if you have:
- Management Experience: youve managed others before, either internally (teammates) and/or externally (agencies/freelancers)
- Experience Leading/Owning Initiatives: You have experience, and are comfortable, owning projects and initiatives with a high degree of autonomy
- Experience in Footwear or Apparel eCommerce: Familiarity with our product vertical is a big plus.
- Experience with Scaling Operations: Youve helped eCommerce businesses scale operations, especially in a high-growth, startup environment.
What We Offer
- Competitive Salary + potential for equity upside
- Fully remote work environment
- PTO & Local Holiday Observances
- Opportunity to grow into a key leadership position as the company scales
- A startup culture where smart failures are celebrated, and the best ideas win.
Our Leadership
[vrsn] is the brainchild of our Hong Kong-based Founder & CEO, Justin Kuok, who is joined by his partner, US-based President Omar Rada. Together, they have extensive experience starting, operating, and investing in brands that have done well over $250M USD at retail globally.
Our Name
Why the brackets around our name A founding principle of [vrsn] is constant improvement. We're not perfect, and never will be, but we'll always strive to be better. The square brackets [ ] in our name, which often are used as placeholders, highlight this.
Note: We've shared the job description and key details with you. Please take some time to review them before our chat. If you have any questions, feel free to bring them up during our interview we're here to help!
FAQs
Digital Presence:
You might be curiouswe dont have a website or online presence just yet. We're still in the early stages and are focused on building our founding team before making our debut.
What We Expect:
Were looking for proactive, adaptable individuals who thrive in fast-paced, startup environments. If youre ready to bring your skills and ideas to help us build something great, youre in the right place.
Application Process:
- Initial Interview: If your application stands out, well invite you for a preliminary interview to get to know you better and see if were a good fit.
- Final Interview with the Founders: If things go well, youll have a chance to meet with our CEO and discuss how your goals align with our vision and what leadership means to you.
- Reference Check: We'll conduct a comprehensive reference check, ideally with a previous manager or direct supervisor.
- Test Task / Case Study: You might be asked to complete a small task or case study related to the role. Its a great way for you to show us your skills in action!
- Job Offer: If all goes well, well extend a formal job offer with all the details you need to make your decision.
