Operations Director
Kering Eyewear · Chennai
Kering Eyewear, part of the global Luxury group Kering, is the most relevant player in the Luxury Eyewear market segment. We design, develop, manufacture, and distribute eyewear that blends creativity, innovation, and quality. Our portfolio spans a wide range of iconic brands including Gucci, Cartier, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, McQueen, Valentino, Chloé, Alaïa, Montblanc, Dunhill, Puma, and our proprietary brands LINDBERG, Maui Jim, and Zeal Optics. By combining industry expertise with a commitment to sustainability, we help our brands redefine design and craft eyewear that captivates consumers worldwide.
At Maui Jim, you can expect, a unique culture, a well-known brand, and the opportunity to grow with a company that has a great reputation. We offer an inclusive, collaborative and “high touch” work environment that values the members of our ‘Ohana. We work hard to develop our leaders who in turn develop their team members to reach their full potential, and we are committed to building a team that focuses on solid customer service.
If you would like to be part of an amazing adventure that is Maui Jim, check our current job openings and browse the site to learn more about our culture, benefits , and our Maui Jim 'Ohana! Aloha~
The overall objective of the department in which this position works is:
To lead, scale, and optimize all operations within the Maui Jim India Distribution Center. Our team focuses on building efficient logistics infrastructure to support an expanding market, while providing industry-leading customer service and operational support to our local sales representatives and account partners
The major function of this position is:
To provide strategic leadership and hands-on oversight for all operational, logistical, and administrative functions of the Maui Jim satellite office in Chennai, India. This role is critical to executing the department’s growth strategy, ensuring seamless daily distribution operations, and maintaining high standards of service for local accounts and sales teams.
The essential responsibilities and duties of this position are:
Oversee and manage the end-to-end daily operations of the Chennai branch office and facility to ensure peak efficiency and a safe working environment.
Deliver world-class customer service to all accounts; manage order processing workflows and resolve escalated customer inquiries in close coordination with the Account Sales Support Representative and Accounts Receivable Analyst.
Lead, mentor, and manage current and future office support staff, fostering a high-performance culture focused on exceeding customer expectations.
Direct the shipping and receiving functions by providing strategic oversight to the Warehouse Manager to ensure the precise processing, preparation, packaging, and timely dispatch of all customer orders
Compile, analyze, and communicate comprehensive weekly and monthly operational reports to corporate headquarters in Peoria.
Manage and maintain positive ongoing relationships with local legal counsel and external advisors to ensure corporate compliance.
Develop the annual branch budget and conduct quarterly variance analyses to explain actual vs. budgeted financial performance.
Monitor the accounts receivable aging report and collaborate with the Accounts Receivable Analyst, National Sales Manager, and Brand Ambassadors to successfully recover past-due balances.
Analyze and oversee all credits and returns, partnering with the Warehouse Manager to ensure strict compliance with global corporate policies.
Forecast, determine, and supervise the receipt of monthly product and Point of Purchase (POP) vendor orders to maximize inventory turns, track regional stock levels, and eliminate customer back-orders.
Manage the regional repair department to ensure all product repairs are completed efficiently and in alignment with global brand standards.
Maintain open, consistent communication channels with the Distribution department at the Peoria corporate office to align on operational workflows.
Cultivate vendor relationships while ensuring all invoice coding, approval, corporate submission, and local filing comply with Indian regulatory and statutory rules.
Reconcile and manage petty cash usage, replenishment requests, and the processing of Brand Ambassador expense reports.
Proactively identify, recommend, and implement continuous operational improvements to elevate service levels within the Indian marketplace.
Coordinate directly with external logistics provider partners and shipping entities as required.
Maintain operational agility to step in and execute the duties of other facility personnel during peak times or staff absences.
Keep leadership apprised of shifting market trends, industry developments, and regulatory changes within the Indian geographic region.
Perform other work-related tasks, projects, and administrative duties as requested or required by management.
Special Physical Requirements:
Ability to navigate and inspect both office environments and active warehouse settings frequently throughout the day.
Communication: Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively across all levels of the organization, from warehouse staff to global executive leadership.
Executive Desk Work: Ability to operate a PC terminal, analyze digital inventory/financial systems, and perform standard desk/office tasks for extended intervals.
Operational Agility: Occasional ability to assist with physical inventory audits or cross-functional facility tasks as required by business exigencies. (Note: This removes the specific "50 lbs" and "extended periods of packing" language, which screams "laborer" rather than "Director").
Preferred Qualifications & Skills,
Education & Experience
Education: University degree or equivalent qualification preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive management experience, with a proven track record of running daily operations within a distribution, logistics, or satellite branch environment.
Language Proficiency: Complete professional fluency in both English and Hindi (written and verbal).
Industry Knowledge: Prior experience or familiarity with the eyewear, retail, or consumer goods industry is highly preferred.
Core Skills & Competencies
Leadership & Autonomy: Strong managerial skills with the ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and confidently make business decisions.
Time Management: Exceptional organizational skills with a proven ability to prioritize tasks, multitask, and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Professional Integrity: Highly dependable, responsible, and committed to maintaining a high standard of business ethics and integrity.
Communication: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with local teams, clients, and global headquarters.
Technical Proficiency: Strong computer literacy, including hands-on experience with standard business software and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (specifically Word and Excel).
Work Shift:
Special Language Requirement (If Applicable):
Salary is only one component of total compensation at Maui Jim! You will also gain an amazing benefits package. Rounding out our benefits and compensation is our Aloha culture work environment.
Benefits Included:
Low Insurance Premiums on Medical, Dental, and Vision
Flexible Spending Accounts
Health Savings Accounts (with Company Match)
Short Term and Long-Term Disability
Voluntary Critical Illness, and Accident Coverages
Tuition Reimbursement
Paid Paternity and Maternity Leave
Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays
Company Paid Life AD&D Insurance
Voluntary Life & AD&D Insurance
401K Match
Paid Bereavement
Employee Assistance Program
The benefits listed above apply to U.S. roles and may vary by state or country.
Compensation and benefits are determined based on several factors, including job level, market location, job-related knowledge and skills, individual performance, and experience. All plans are subject to eligibility requirements.