Operations and Business Support Manager - Grand Rapids - Camira

Description

About our company

Camira are a multi-award-winning textile manufacturer with two centuries of heritage and a forward-thinking approach to innovation and sustainability, Camira designs and manufactures environmental fabrics for the commercial, public transport and residential sectors.

Purpose of the role

The Operations & Business Support Manager is a critical, multi-functional role responsible for overseeing daily operations across Camira's North American business. This individual will directly manage the warehouse team, lead purchasing, coordinate with UK operations, oversee inventory levels, and support commercial decision-making.

With the President frequently travelling, this role will act as the primary day-to-day operational leader, ensuring the business runs smoothly, issues are resolved quickly, and communication flows effectively across teams and time zones.

This position is ideal for a hands-on, highly organised, commercially aware operator who thrives in a varied role and can confidently step in to keep the business moving.

The day to day

• To adhere to the Camira Code of Conduct and comply with all relevant quality, environmental, health & safety, data protection, and corporate legislative requirements

Operational Leadership & Business Support

• Serve as the operational lead when the President is travelling, ensuring continuity across all business activities.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with Sales, Customer Service, Warehouse, Planning, Finance and UK teams.
• Support execution of business priorities, operational improvements and commercial initiatives.
• Provide structured updates, escalate risks early and maintain alignment with leadership.

Warehouse Management & Team Leadership

• Directly lead the warehouse team, overseeing staffing, scheduling, training and performance management.
• Ensure efficient receiving, storage, picking, packing, dispatch and returns processes.
• Implement clear standards for accuracy, safety, organisation and housekeeping.
• Identify process improvements to increase throughput, reduce errors and enhance service levels.
• Maintain compliance with all health & safety standards and internal procedures.

Purchasing & Supplier Coordination

• Manage purchasing of bought-in fabrics, sample components and operational supplies.
• Maintain accurate purchase orders, lead times and supplier communication.
• Resolve supply issues, quality problems or delivery delays proactively.
• Work closely with UK supply chain teams on replenishment, stock forecasts and supplier performance.

Inventory Planning & Data Accuracy

• Oversee inventory levels, SKU performance, aging stock and inventory turns.
• Analyse demand patterns and support decisions on stock adjustments and purchasing requirements.
• Ensure ERP data accuracy for stock, pricing, cost and lead times.
• Support new product launches with initial stocking and sample inventory planning.

Cross-Functional Liaison with UK Teams

• Act as the operational bridge between US and UK for planning, purchasing, supply chain and logistics.
• Communicate operational priorities and issues clearly, ensuring timely resolution.
• Maintain strong relationships with UK production, planning and customer service teams.

Customer Service & Sample Management Support

• Work closely with Customer Service to ensure strong service levels, accurate order flow and timely communication.
• Manage the relationship with the external sample provider and ensure SLA adherence.
• Support sales teams by ensuring adequate stock of sample books, memos and promotional materials.

Commercial Insight & Reporting

• Provide operational and inventory reports to support forecasting, budgeting and decision-making.
• Track warehouse KPIs, purchasing performance, service metrics and sample turnaround.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities, efficiency improvements and service enhancements.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Required

• 3–7 years' experience in operations, warehouse leadership, supply chain or purchasing.
• Hands-on leadership experience managing hourly warehouse staff.
• Strong organisational and multitasking skills across varied responsibilities.
• Experience with ERP systems (NetSuite, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics or similar).
• Strong Excel and analytical capability.
• Excellent communication skills; confident working across teams and geographies.
• Ability to operate independently, make decisions and manage workload with minimal supervision.

Preferred

• Experience in textiles, manufacturing, distribution or materials-based industries.
• Background supporting commercial or customer service teams.
• Experience liaising with international teams or suppliers.

Key Competencies

• Leadership & Ownership: Takes responsibility for people and processes; dependable under pressure.
• Commercial Awareness: Understands stock health, costs and service impacts.
• Problem Solving: Quickly identifies issues and resolves them proactively.
• Communication: Clear, timely, structured communication with US and UK teams.
• Organisation & Accuracy: Maintains high-quality documentation, stock records and processes.
• Adaptability: Comfortable wearing multiple hats and shifting between tasks.

Camira Values

Our success lies in our customer's success. We focus on building long lasting relationships and delivering a brilliant customer experience to a global market; using digital technologies, providing high-quality products, support and services that add value, inspire, and exceed expectations.

Our commitment to quality, health & safety, and environmental standards ensures we consistently deliver products and services that meet both customer and regulatory requirements. We do the right thing, no matter how hard. We uphold integrity, honesty, and transparency with our customers, our people, and the planet. We respect our resources and commit to making pioneering fabrics and delivering value added services that contribute positively to a more sustainable future.

Apply today

At Camira, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of our values. We adopt a workplace where every team member feels valued and respected. Our inclusive culture ensures all employees have equal opportunities for growth and development. If you require any adjustments and/or additional support during the interview process, please let the talent team know.

Join Camira and be part of a company that values your unique skills and supports your professional journey. Apply now and contribute to our mission of delivering exceptional fabrics.