Operations Manager, VFF

Description

Vibram FiveFingers is redefining how people connect with movement and the world beneath their feet. Rooted in Vibram's legacy of innovation in technical rubber and performance footwear, FiveFingers was built on the belief that feet are designed to feel, move, and interact naturally with the ground. The brand inspires a growing natural approach to movement across running, training, outdoor adventure, wellness, and everyday life.

We are looking for an Operations Manager to join our Vibram FiveFingers team based in our Boston Office. Reporting to Head of Sales, the Operations Manager is responsible for coordinating the operational processes that support Vibram’s U.S. business, including inventory planning, supply chain execution, distribution, ERP and EDI transactions, forecasting, and business reporting.

This role ensures that inventory, orders, product data, logistics, and financial transactions are managed accurately and efficiently across internal systems, distribution partners, factories, and external service providers. The Operations Manager works cross-functionally with Sales, Customer Service, Finance, E-commerce, and international teams to support business continuity, improve operational performance, and provide reliable information for commercial decision-making.

Responsibilities

Supply Chain and Distribution Operations

• Manage operational coordination with Barrett and other distribution partners, including advance shipping notices (ASNs), item creation, short-order management, shipping discrepancies, physical inventory, and inbound/outbound forecasting.
• Monitor shipping errors, inventory discrepancies, and distribution issues, coordinating resolution with relevant partners.
• Manage logistics from factory to distribution center and validate inventory movements between distribution and e-commerce systems.
• Coordinate distributor order fulfillment, including purchase orders, ex-factory timelines, shipping instructions, production updates, order forms, product images, make-to-order sales orders, invoicing, and packing lists.
• Monitor operational costs, invoices, approvals, and required supplies.

Inventory Planning and Product Management

• Coordinate demand planning, sell-through forecasting, inventory projections, and product availability across B2B and DTC channels.
• Manage product and SKU creation, UPCs, item setup, and product data accuracy.
• Coordinate purchase orders and product buys with factories.
• Monitor production reports and supply availability to support sales planning and fulfillment.
• Manage inventory-related system feeds and support the accuracy of website inventory.
• Coordinate applicable tax and product data uploads, including Avalara.

ERP, EDI, and Systems Administration

• Oversee operational SAP activities, including material setup, price list management, inventory transactions, invoice monitoring, missing-order and invoice investigation, and month-end confirmation.
• Monitor EDI transactions and automated flows, including 940/945 fulfillment processes, invoice transmission, and exception resolution.
• Coordinate new customer EDI onboarding, SPS fulfillment management, and inventory feeds for applicable wholesale accounts.
• Maintain business partner setup and commission configuration and approvals.
• Manage relationships with operational technology and service providers, including Barrett, SPS, OIA Logistics, and Data Hub.
• Identify system issues, coordinate troubleshooting, and support improvements to data integrity and process efficiency.

Reporting, Forecasting, and Business Analysis

• Prepare and maintain sell-through analysis, inventory projections, and monthly budget allocations.
• Support latest-estimate forecasting, sales projections, and demand planning.
• Maintain prebook tracking and reporting to support wholesale planning.
• Monitor customer service KPIs and return analysis where assigned to Operations.
• Develop accurate, timely reporting that helps Sales Leadership evaluate performance, inventory position, and business needs.

Cross-Functional Process Management

• Partner with Sales and Customer Service to ensure alignment between customer demand, inventory availability, order processing, and fulfillment.
• Coordinate with Finance on invoice approvals, cost tracking, commissions, and month-end processes.
• Work with international teams and external partners to resolve operational issues and maintain continuity.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, improve system reliability, and increase operational efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Logistics, or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in sales operations, supply chain, inventory management, or business operations, preferably in footwear, apparel, or consumer products.
• Strong understanding of inventory planning, distribution, order fulfillment, and wholesale operations.
• Experience with ERP platforms, preferably SAP, and EDI, preferred B2B portals systems knowledge. 
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in forecasting, reporting, and data management.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Ability to manage complex operational processes, investigate discrepancies, and drive timely resolution.
• Ability to travel occasionally based on business needs to office locations.

 Vibram is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.