Partners Junior Operations Manager

ZipRecruiter; Havant; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job description

Job Description

Role: Partners Junior Operations Manager

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Location: Havant, Hampshire, PO9 1QJ

Working Arrangements: Hybrid Working (3 days per week office based)

Who are we?

For over 30 years, we’ve travelled, we’ve laughed, we’ve grown. We believe life is for living and more fun with those we love. We are Made for Life.

Our mission statement:

Crafting clothes for life’s everyday adventures. Today, tomorrow and always.

Our Product formula:

Trusted Quality. B Corp certified.

Equality is not an aspiration but the standard. We promote and drive equality within our workforce to ignite an inclusive foundation for us all to build from and truly connect with our customers, colleagues, and communities alike. You play a key part in creating an environment free from prejudice, racism, sexism, harassment, bullying and any other form of marginalisation in our workplaces.

Role Summary

The Partners Junior Operations Manager will support the Head of Partners in maximising full-price sales and profitability through efficient operational processes and systems. This role will be responsible for working alongside key stakeholders, both internally and externally, to enhance partnerships and drive new growth opportunities within the UK and internationally.

Role Responsibilities

• Assist the Head of Partners in identifying, exploring, and implementing new UK and international partnerships, understanding their profitability and operational requirements.
• Support the end-to-end onboarding process for new partnerships, collaborating with all relevant stakeholders at both FatFace and Next.
• Manage and share data and imagery for all partners in line with both FatFace and partners’ critical paths.
• Ensure all partner image and data requirements are met and adopt new PIM (Product Information Management) tools to improve efficiency.
• Set up and maintain accurate wholesale trackers and monitor fulfilment progress.
• Oversee the wholesale allocation process via OGM, ensuring 100% fulfilment with clear communication to Next DC and the TP team.
• Provide wholesale partners and pre-retailers with regular delivery updates, identifying opportunities and mitigating risks.
• Organise all partner shipments, including shipment paperwork and booking processes.
• Maintain strong relationships with the Next DC team, providing weekly dispatch packs, long-term forecasts, and supporting process improvements.
• Assist the Head of Partners with wholesale budgeting and financial re-forecasting.
• Act as the key contact for Finance regarding wholesale invoicing and payments.
• Maintain and analyse key reports within the team and wider business, leveraging Excel and Power BI.
• Support business change initiatives and collaborate with project teams to ensure Next DC systems align with current and future business needs.
• Align self to companies social and environmental mission and champion any actions that you can directly impact at all times.

Skills and Experience

• Strong knowledge of partnership operations and ways of working.
• Experience using Next systems, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and content/image management systems.
• Advanced Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.
• Effective decision-making skills and the ability to lead operational meetings.
• Strong brand and commercial awareness.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills, with the ability to adapt to changing business needs.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and high attention to detail.
• Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Understanding and interest in the FatFace customer, competitors, and product range.
• Experience in people management and working collaboratively within a team.

Role Competencies

• Strategic and analytical thinking.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Proactive problem-solving and adaptability.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in reporting.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple tasks.
• Customer and commercial focus.
• Leadership and stakeholder management.

Key Contacts and Relationships:

Internal: Buying, Merchandising, Garment Technology, Ecommerce, NEXT Distribution Centre (DC), Finance, IT.

External: All partners and external agencies.

Accountable for Resources:

• Wholesale allocation and fulfilment accuracy.
• Data and imagery management for partners.
• Shipment and logistics coordination.
• Financial reporting and invoicing processes.
• Operational process improvements and business change support.
• Partner relationship management and communication.

FatFace Benefits:

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Perkbox our online platform to use from day one (this includes amazing online discounts, home workouts, wellbeing content, popular brand discounts etc.)
• THRIVE – Our learning management system- access from day one with 1000’s of pieces of learning
• Dental Insurance (employee funded)
• Pension scheme
• EAP support around the clock- UNUM/Retail Trust/ Fashion Textiles Support
• Income Protection/Death in service for Salaried staff
• Sick pay allowances
• O2 phone discount
• Eye Tests/contributions to glasses
• Sabbatical leave in line with service
• Enhanced Family Friendly policies i.e. Maternity Leave
• Refer a friend scheme