SVP of Operations / COO

Job Description

Job Description

Bandit Running is a pioneering technical performance brand committed to creating innovative, high-quality apparel and gear for goal-driven runners. Our mission to “Evolve Running” guides everything we do, always putting the needs of the global running community first. As the fastest-growing brand in the sport, we challenge conventional brand-building norms, prioritizing an extremely high bar for disruptive excellence across product, experiences and content. Our vision is to build an enduring, iconic brand that breaks down barriers and inspires greater passion and participation in the sport we love. As we continue our rapid growth and global expansion, we are seeking a visionary Chief Operating Officer (COO) to drive operational excellence, enhance customer experiences, and support our ambitious growth plans.

The COO will be a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive global supply chain, sourcing, production, fulfillment, and logistics strategy to support a rapidly scaling omni-channel business. This role will oversee and optimize operations across owned retail stores, wholesale, international distributors, DTC eCommerce, pop-up activations, and large-scale events while leading a long-term margin expansion strategy, improving on-time delivery, and building the operational foundation for global scale.

*Important Note:*

This is not a generalist COO role. We're looking for a leader with deep, hands-on experience building and scaling production, sourcing, supply chain, fulfillment, and omni-channel retail operations within high-growth apparel companies. The strongest candidates will also have experience in technical performance, outdoor, or fitness apparel.

If your background is broader across general business operations but does not include these functional areas, this role is unlikely to be the right fit. We encourage you to explore our other opportunities as they become available.

Requirements

Global Supply Chain & Logistics

• Design and implement a scalable global supply chain strategy to support international growth.
• Lead and optimize apparel sourcing, production, logistics, and fulfillment from factory through customer delivery.
• Operationalize and continuously improve international distributor relationships, ensuring scalable systems, accountability, and performance.
• Expand and optimize Bandit's international 3PL fulfillment footprint to improve speed, cost efficiency, and customer experience.
• Select and manage global logistics, fulfillment, and distribution partners to ensure efficiency, resiliency, and cost-effectiveness.

Global Omni-Channel Operations

• Build and scale a true global omni-channel operating model spanning owned retail, wholesale, international distributors, DTC eCommerce, pop-ups, and large-scale events.
• Develop scalable back-end systems and processes supporting inventory visibility, order orchestration, and operational excellence across every channel.

Customer Service Operations

• Develop and lead customer service strategies to enhance customer satisfaction and retention.
• Implement tools and processes for efficient issue resolution and proactive customer engagement.

Retail & Wholesale Expansion

• Partner with the CEO to drive strategy and execution for international retail and wholesale growth.
• Build and maintain relationships with global retail partners to ensure mutual success.

Margin Expansion & Financial Performance

• Lead long-term gross margin expansion through sourcing optimization, operational efficiency, factory negotiations, and disciplined cost management.
• Drive world-class on-time delivery performance while improving profitability across the supply chain.
• Monitor and manage operational budgets to ensure alignment with annual financial plans.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Build and lead a high-performing team across key operational functions.
• Recruit, retain, mentor, and develop world-class talent while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders across Product, Marketing, Finance, and Retail to align operational strategies with business objectives.
• Balance near-term execution with long-term capability building to support sustained global growth.

What We're Looking For:

• 15+ years of senior leadership experience in operations, supply chain, sourcing, or logistics within premium apparel or consumer brands.
• Demonstrated success building and leading complex apparel sourcing, production, and supply chain systems.
• Deep experience negotiating commercial terms with factories and suppliers to enable efficient scaling and margin expansion.
• Proven track record of scaling global operations for an omni-channel retail brand, including international wholesale and distributor expansion.
• Extensive existing relationships with high-quality technical performance apparel factory partners across multiple regions.

Benefits

• This is a full-time, in-office role based in our Greenpoint, Brooklyn headquarters
• Competitive base salary + equity
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits and flexible PTO
• Rocket-ship level momentum with a career-defining opportunity at-hand

At Bandit, we’re building an incredible culture rooted in our three core values—Trust, Empathy, & Excellence. We believe that in order to build the best team, our baseline is an environment where everyone can bring their full & authentic selves to the table. We are committed to fair hiring practices where we hire team members for their potential & advocate for diversity, equity, & inclusion. We do not discriminate based on your race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, marital status, disability, or any other protected class.

Salary Range: $225,000 - $300,000 + equity