Title: SVP Operations
Report to: COO
Department: Operations
FSLA Status: Exempt
Imperial is seeking a Senior Vice President of Operations to join the senior executive team. A strategic and operational business partner to the Chief Operating Officer and other members of the executive team, the SVP of Operations helps develop, communicate, and execute the strategic vision of the company. This position is responsible for setting the overall operational execution of the company ensuring alignment with long term strategic goals. It also plays a critical role in shaping the culture and success of the organization. The right leader will have a blend of people skills, strong sense of culture, sourcing/procurement expertise, domestic manufacturing/distribution, and lean deployment.
Salary: $150-185k base, up to 20% Bonus Potential
Location: Bourbon, Mo. (Hybrid)
Travel: 25% – 50% – Domestic travel to manufacturing sites (Bourbon 3-4 days/week, other domestic sites 1-2 days/week)
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee all manufacturing, distribution, and quality activities across the network.
- Implement site rationalization and optimization.
- Drive improvements in manufacturing excellence, site consolidation/optimization, material and quality improvements, and operational speed.
- Focus on team member engagement and continuous improvement.
- Lead succession planning for sites and embroidery growth.
Strategic Vision
- Drive topline sales and EBITDA through operational execution of sales strategies.
- Enhance operations team through coaching and optimization of resources.
- Own the vision and execution of the domestic operational supply chain.
Team Leadership
- Cultivate and lead a high-performing team that embodies our culture and values.
- Implement succession planning and talent development initiatives across the operations organization.
- Champion leadership development programs that drive growth and excellence throughout the company.
Strategy & Planning
- Partner with Commercial and Product Development teams to introduce innovative processes and products.
- Lead business development efforts aligned with our strategic goals.
- Optimize both domestic and international supply chains to support our diverse product and sales channels.
- Collaborate with vendors and customers to exceed execution expectations across all channels.
- Maintain a safe, scalable, and efficient domestic manufacturing footprint.
- Develop and manage capital plans that drive our business objectives.
Financial Performance (P&L Management)
- Drive cost center performance across all operational sites and functional areas.
- Develop and manage short-term and long-term financial projections to support business growth.
- Review performance metrics and create action plans to ensure continuous improvement and achievement of targets.
Operational Excellence
- Oversee daily operations across all sites and supply chain activities.
- Develop and maintain KPIs that fuel business growth and operational excellence.
- Lead inventory management strategies that enhance cash flow and business performance.
- Implement 5S and safety strategies that ensure optimal site performance.
- Foster a culture of engagement and accountability at all levels—we seek winners and drivers, not passengers.
Continuous Improvement
- Lead and inspire continuous improvement initiatives across the company.
- Drive improvement through kaizen activities and challenge teams to adopt lean strategies.
- Support problem-solving and training initiatives across all channels, empowering employees to contribute to our success.
Critical Relationships:
- CFO
- President of Imperial
- Marketing Team
- Sales Teams
- Design Team
- Channel Leaders
- Director of Human Resources
Qualifications
- 5+ years in a Director-level role with multi-site responsibility preferred.
- 5-10 years Experience in a General Manager role or higher will be considered
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred but not required.
- Proven track record in managing large single-site operations (300-400+ team members and $100 million topline).
- Background in high mix, high volume manufacturing environments preferred.
- Lean manufacturing, team development, problem-solving, quality systems, planning, and distribution.
- Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.
- Urgency, tenacity, and passion for problem-solving and continuous improvement.
- Effective communication skills.
Benefits
- Free Hats
- 401K with company match
- Health care (medical, dental, vision)
- Employee Assistance Program
- PTO (vacation, personal days, 9 company holidays)
- Opportunities for continuing education
- Employee product discounts
- Relocation to the greater St. Louis area (as needed)
To apply, please click “apply” or reach out to [email protected] email for any additional information! We look forward to meeting with you.
Company Overview
Since 1916, Imperial has epitomized luxury, authenticity, and individuality by crafting premium headwear, apparel, and accessories with an unwavering dedication to quality and detail. Our team is committed to excellence–serving customers in golf, retail, corporate, and destination/leisure markets. We are available in the top resorts, golf courses, national sporting events, and retail locations nationwide. As the #1 headwear brand* in the golf market and an entrusted licensing partner for companies including Nike, Adidas, and Peter Millar–Imperial is leading the industry in decorative apparel.
*Voted by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) and reported by Golf Datatech
Our Mission: We create consumer products that enrich and embellish people’s lives. Our responsiveness, continuous improvement, and empowerment of all team members are the pillars of our success.
Imperial is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds.