Operations Manager - Santa Monica - Counter

Description

About Us

We are a startup revolutionizing the beauty industry by defining the standard of "clean." Our premium skincare, makeup, and body care formulations combine uncompromising safety, efficacy, and environmental responsibility. Our vision goes beyond products—we aim to empower and inspire confident individuals to drive meaningful change. Our innovative community-commerce ecosystem connects customers, beauty enthusiasts, and loyalists, allowing them to align with our brand in ways that authentically reflect their values and aspirations. From our formulas to our advocacy efforts to our community connection, we lead clean.

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Operations Manager to oversee logistics (inbound and outbound freight) and fulfillment operations with third-party logistics partners (3PL). This is a critical role that supports our rapidly growing beauty business by ensuring timely delivery of products, managing inbound and outbound flows, and supporting the resolution of daily operational issues.

Key Responsibilities

Inbound Freight Management

• Plan and manage inbound shipments (international and domestic) including freight bookings, load consolidation, carrier selection and route optimizations to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of inventory.
• Supervise Logistics Coordinator (direct report) to ensure all business logistics needs and deadlines are met or exceeded.
• Maintain a network of carrier partners to obtain and compare freight quotes to optimize shipping costs and service levels.
• Manage air freight operations, including tracking and analyzing air freight spend to identify cost-saving opportunities; collaborate with air carriers to negotiate favorable rates and maintain the air freight tracking reports.

Customs & Compliance Coordination

• Coordinate with customs brokers and freight forwarders to ensure smooth customs clearance for international shipments.
• Prepare and maintain all required shipping and customs documentation (e.g. bills of lading, commercial invoices and packing lists) and ensure proper HTS classifications for imported goods to comply with import regulations.
• Coordinate and manage execution of established SOPs with 3PL to ensure inbound shipments release timing is in alignment with internal quality assurance compliance processes.

Receiving & Delivery Coordination

• Schedule and confirm outbound carrier shipments for transfers between 3PLs, Contract Packaging partners and Retail locations.
• Ensure inbound shipments are compliant with 3PL warehouse receiving requirements (labeling, pallet configuration, etc.) to avoid delivery delays or non-compliance fees.

Freight Claims Management

• File and Manage freight claims for any lost, damaged or delayed inbound shipments.
• Oversee claims process for outbound DTC shipments to ensure 3PL or carrier compensation is successfully completed for all eligible shipments and validated with 3PL freight invoice credits.

Internal Orders Support

• Oversee logistics for internal stock movements, including product sample orders and headquarters (HQ) supply orders.
• Validate internal orders meet approval and accounting requirements prior to entering NetSuite (ERP). Manage 3PL
• Ensure these internal shipments are executed efficiently, with proper documentation and tracking, to meet the needs of marketing, events, or other departments.

Wholesale Logistics Operations

• Support wholesale and retail channel operations by coordinating logistics for partner orders (e.g. Retail Sites, Amazon and other Wholesale Retail accounts).
• Coordinate with 3PL and carriers to ensure compliance with each partner's shipping guidelines and routing requirements, helping to minimize delays and avoid additional fees or chargebacks.

Cross Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with cross-functional teams – including Sourcing, Product Development, Inventory Management, Planning, and Sales/Wholesale – to align inbound logistics with product launch schedules and inventory needs.
• Provide expertise in logistics planning and troubleshoot supply chain issues to support overall business objectives.

Qualifications & Experience

• 4+ years of experience in inventory or supply chain operations, beauty or CPG experience preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of domestic and international freight modes, incoterms, and import/customs regulations. Hands-on experience coordinating global shipments and customs clearance is required.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in supply chain contexts. Proactive in identifying issues (delays, shipping discrepancies, etc.) and driving solutions to maintain supply continuity.
• Proficient in ERP and supply chain software, experience with NetSuite is strongly preferred.
• Skilled in Excel and data analysis capabilities. Comfortable generating reports and using data to drive decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized and process-oriented, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage up and work independently while also supporting team execution.
• International experience is a plus, particularly in global supply chain management and logistics.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive compensation, annual performance-based bonus eligibility, and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), flexible paid time off, and employee discounts.
• Fast-paced, collaborative work environment with opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.
• The opportunity to make a significant impact on a growing and innovative beauty brand.

Counter is a people-powered movement that starts with those behind it We're building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, where every individual is respected, supported, and empowered to thrive.

We know that different backgrounds, identities, and perspectives make us stronger, more creative, and better equipped to drive change. That's why we're committed to fostering an inclusive culture where everyone belongs.

Counter is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender/gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We encourage all individuals to apply and join us in shaping a cleaner, more inclusive future for all.