vacancies

IT and Operations Director

Launched in November 2006, Ethicalsuperstore.com is a ground breaking internet business. The online shop lists over 3,500 fair trade, organic and eco-friendly products - the widest range available in the UK. Ethicalsuperstore.com is operated by PointOV Ltd, an ethical trading company established in 2003. The company also provides e-commerce services, fulfilment and wholesale products to leading brands and ethical trading companies. PointOV is passionate about people, honest in all aspects of its approach and visionary in the e-commerce leadership it provides. With a staff team of 26, the company is growing at 300% a year.

This is a unique opportunity to join our rapidly expanding team and a senior level. The ideal candidate will be an experienced professional who can effectively and efficiently direct the fulfilment and IT operations of our fast growing business.

Key responsibilities are:

Plan, develop and implement strategy for the organisation’s operational management and development so as to meet agreed organisational performance plans within agreed budgets and timescales covering:

• Quality assurance and control
• Inbound logistics, bulk storage and call off
• Pick, pack and despatch
• Outbound logistics and returns processing
• Information handling and processing
• Data and information security
• Disaster recovery and risk planning

Championing continuous improvement in the use of technology and business processes to deliver excellence in customer service. Maintain appropriate systems for measuring necessary aspects of operational management and IT development.

With relevant managers monitor, measure and report on operational issues, opportunities and development plans and achievements within agreed formats and timescales

Manage and develop direct reporting staff including IT manager, Head of Sourcing and Quality, warehouse manager and other staff as developing organisational plans emerge

Manage and control departmental expenditure within agreed budgets to achieve agreed KPIs and investment return

Liaise with other managers and directors so as to understand all necessary aspects and needs of IT and operational development, and to ensure they are fully informed of IT and operational objectives, purposes and achievements

Maintain awareness and knowledge of contemporary IT and operational development theory and methods and provide suitable interpretation to directors, managers and staff within the organisation

Contribute to the evaluation and development of IT and operational strategy and performance in co-operation with the executive team

Ensure activities meet with and integrate with organisational requirements for quality management, health and safety, legal stipulations, environmental policies and general duty of care.

Other Tasks

• Working closely with the Chief Executive and Board on projects in line with the business’ evolving needs.
• Take on team responsibilities and task as part of the organisation’s senior management team.
• Carry out other duties, which may or may not be related to the job, as reasonably requested by Management.

CANDIDATE SPECIFICATION

Qualifications and Experience

• A degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline.
• At least 5 years senior operational experience.
• Extensive experience of people management at all levels.
• A quick thinker who makes successful commercial decisions to meet targets.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills

Desirable

• Experience of managing IT resources.
• Member of a relevant professional institution.
• Experience of online or direct to consumer product fulfilment.
• Experience working in a creative or fast moving entrepreneurial work environment.

Personal Qualities

• An ability to ‘make things happen’.
• Confident leader.
• Able to cope with change and work under pressure in stressful situations.
• Sympathy with the PointOV mission and goals