Director of Operations (French-Speaking)

TRUDON, the renowned luxury candlemaker from France, is seeking a Director of Operations to join our U.S. leadership team in New York.The Director of Operations will play a pivotal leadership role in building and scaling U.S. commercial operations across all channels. Working directly alongside the Head of Sales, this individual will be instrumental in taking the U.S. subsidiary to the next level — driving operational excellence, fulfillment performance, and boutique retail support. The ideal candidate combines strategic vision with hands-on execution, and is ready to take full ownership of the operational backbone of a fast-growing luxury business.Founded in 1643, TRUDON is the oldest continuously operating candlemaker in the world and was formerly the official supplier to the French royal court. Known for exceptional craftsmanship and high-quality products, TRUDON produces artisanal candles, diffusers, fine fragrances, and body care that are cherished for their captivating scents and exquisite designs. We are committed to preserving the art of candle making while expanding our global presence.Order Management & Customer Administration (ADV):Own the full order-to-invoice cycle across all U.S. sales channels (Department Stores, DTC boutiques & e-commerce, Corporate & Gifting, LATAM, Independents, etc), ensuring accuracy, speed, and compliance.Supervise and develop a team of two Sales Administrators on order workflows, Navision ERP usage, and reporting tools.Manage customer accounts end-to-end: order tracking, delivery confirmations, claims, credit notes, and dispute resolution.Data integrity is important in this role – maintain data integrity within Navision ERP across all transactions and workflows.Proactively manage backorders, out-of-stock situations, and order prioritization in coordination with our warehouse and supply chain.Fulfillment, Logistics & Supply Chain:Monitor inventory levels across all channels, proactively identifying risks and limiting out-of-stock situations.Coordinate inbound shipments (containers, air freight) with the France-based Operations Manager to ensure timely and optimal stock availability.Serve as the primary point of contact with the 3PL warehouse in New Jersey, monitoring service levels and KPIs (minimum one monthly on-site visit required).Manage supply planning for e-commerce and boutiques in partnership with the Head of Sales, ensuring alignment with retail priorities.Oversee product allocation processes to optimize stock distribution by channel and account.Boutique Retail Operations:Provide active operational support to the U.S. boutique network, ensuring seamless stock availability, replenishment, and order flow across all retail locations.Coordinate with boutique managers and the retail team to anticipate stock needs, prioritize allocations, and resolve operational issues in real time.Serve as the operational bridge between the field retail team and the warehouse, ensuring boutique service levels meet luxury standards.Reporting, Tools & Process Improvement:Manage and optimize Navision ERP and MyReport to support performance tracking and management reporting.Prepare and analyze operational, inventory, and sales performance reports for senior leadership.Lead continuous improvement of operational processes and internal controls, contributing to budgeting and planning as needed.Cross-Functional & Strategic Leadership:Act as a senior operational leader and key point of coordination between Sales, Finance, Retail, and France HQ.Work in close partnership with the Head of Sales to shape the operational strategy of the U.S. subsidiary and actively contribute to strategic and commercial discussions.From time to time and at its absolute discretion, TRUDON may require you to perform any other reasonable duties which are commensurate with your job title in order to meet its business needs.What We’re Looking For:Minimum 5 years of operations experience, with a strong focus on fulfillment, logistics, and supply chain in a multi-channel retail or wholesale environment. Experience in production, purchasing, or product development is not required.Navision ERP experienceFrench language proficiency is strongly preferred, given close daily collaboration with our France-based teams, HQ, and IT department.Experience with MyReport or similar BI tools is a plus.Demonstrated team management experience, with a genuine commitment to developing and upskilling direct reports.Proactive by nature — anticipates issues, takes initiative, and drives solutions without waiting to be prompted.Strongly process-oriented, with a track record of building, documenting, and improving operational workflows in a structured and scalable way.Familiarity with third-party logistics partners, warehouse operations, and boutique or specialty retail environments.Entrepreneurial and hands-on, with a strong sense of ownership and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.What We Offer:Competitive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision insurance.Generous paid time-off package and 12-company holidays.401(k) plan with 5% employer match, available from your first month.Yearly performance-based bonus.Transportation reimbursement.Employee discount program and discount on TRUDON-branded products.Opportunities for growth within a fast-growing luxury brand.Job Location: New York City / Hybrid (3 days in office).Salary Range: $100,000 - $115,000 base salary, with eligibility for a 15% annual performance-based bonus.TRUDON is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of our clients and community. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and/or any other characteristics protected by law.