About this International Operations Manager role at Waterworks
About Waterworks
Waterworks is the premiere US brand for the luxury bath and kitchen. When you see the world’s most inspiring homes and hotels, you invariably find Waterworks in the mix. For over 40 years, our designs have elevated the bath and kitchen experience, with exquisite fittings, fixtures, hardware and more. We strive to be participants in exceptional design moments not just through our products, but through how our company name shows up in the world at large.
What We Provide
What gives us an edge over our competitors is our people. We work in a highly collaborative, creative environment that values each team member’s contributions to our mission. We empower our associates with extensive training and career growth opportunities.
Growth
Celebrating over 10 years in London, Waterworks is expanding its brand presence in the UK and globally, working on the most exclusive design projects!
The Role
As Waterworks' International Operations Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring the effective and seamless operation of our international business, overseeing the day-to-day operations of our showrooms in Paris, London and, as established, Milan. You will partner closely with the Managing Director to keep all aspects of the international business moving forward, ensuring operational excellence, compliance with local requirements, and alignment with Waterworks' company standards and expectations.
Based in London, this role serves as a central operational point of contact across the international business, partnering with showroom teams and European-based colleagues in Marketing, Human Resources, Accounting and other support functions to facilitate communication, coordinate priorities, resolve issues and ensure that key operational needs are addressed. The Operations Manager will also support the Managing Director on special projects, business initiatives and other priorities as needed.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the operational effectiveness of Waterworks' International showrooms in Paris, London and Milan, ensuring consistent execution of company standards, processes and expectations
- Partner closely with the Managing Director to ensure that operational priorities are identified, coordinated and executed effectively across the international business
- Serve as a central point of contact for operational matters across the European business, connecting showroom teams with International Marketing, Human Resources, Accounting and other support functions as needed
- Establish and maintain efficient operational processes that uphold the Waterworks brand image and support a consistent luxury client and associate experience across all international showrooms
- Ensure compliance with applicable in-country employment, workplace, operational, safety and other business requirements, partnering with appropriate internal or external resources as needed
- Oversee showroom environments, including facilities management, IT services, office supplies, safety, cleanliness and implementation of visual and brand directives
- Ensure each physical showroom is maintained to Waterworks' standards for a luxury client experience
- Coordinate with landlords, contractors, vendors and other third parties and serve as a point person for operational matters and expected visitors or contractors
- Oversee showroom product sample stock, including inventory, reporting, replenishment and processes for incoming and outgoing sample orders and requests
- Ensure appropriate tracking and management of sample activity, including identifying the client, Sales Consultant and/or quote associated with each request and ensuring accurate and successful delivery
- Support showroom leadership with training initiatives and facilitate training on systems, processes or products as assigned
- Oversee showroom inventory management and annual inventory processes, ensuring accurate controls and timely completion
- Provide operational support to showroom teams and back-up sales support as needed
- In partnership with Marketing, oversee the planning and execution of large scale international corporate or brand events, while ensuring adherence to Waterworks branding and company expectations
- Coordinate operational aspects of showroom openings, including the planned Milan showroom, and support the ongoing establishment of processes, vendors, facilities and business infrastructure
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, consistency and communication across the international business
- Establish clear communication and follow-up processes to ensure key operational items are completed, and issues do not fall through the cracks
- Act as a trusted operational partner to the Managing Director, anticipating needs, identifying potential issues and proactively driving solutions
- Role model and promote the Waterworks values and service principles across the international business
- Other accountabilities as assigned
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent
- 5 plus years of proven work experience in operations, business management, showroom management or a related role, preferably within a high-end luxury brand environment
- Experience supporting or overseeing multiple locations, markets or business units preferred
- International or multi-country operational experience strongly preferred
- Strong understanding of working across different cultures, business practices and local requirements
- Proactive and highly organized, with the ability to work independently and effectively across multiple locations and time zones
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and drive projects through completion
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders and cross-functional teams
- Strong relationship-building skills and ability to work collaboratively across functions and geographies
- Self-motivated team leader with excellent coaching, influencing and communication skills
- Ability to take charge, drive for results and make sound decisions quickly
- Ability to identify issues proactively, determine appropriate solutions and escalate when necessary
- Ability to inspire trust, integrity and professionalism
- Exceptional time management and organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and keep multiple priorities moving forward
- Innovative and strategic thinker with strong attention to detail
- Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications
- Interior Design or luxury retail experience/exposure preferred
- Fluency in English required; additional European language skills preferred
- Ability to travel to showroom locations 50% of the time
