Scaling Operations Through Strategic Recruitment of an Operations Manager

Case Study: Scaling Operations Through Strategic Recruitment of an Operations Manager  
Industry: Premium Grooming Products (D2C & B2B)
Location: West Midlands
Annual Revenue: £3.2 million
Previous Operational Spend: £95,000 annually on third-party logistics consultants and temporary fulfilment staff
Objective: Streamline operations, reduce outsourcing costs, and improve efficiency across supply chain and fulfilment

The Challenge

As a fast-growing D2C and B2B grooming brand, had been relying heavily on third-party logistics consultants and ad-hoc operational support to manage their supply chain and fulfilment processes. While this approach enabled flexibility during the startup phase, it presented several challenges:

  • High Operational Costs: Over £95,000 annually was spent on external logistics consultants and temporary warehouse staff.
  • Lack of Continuity: High turnover and inconsistent support led to operational bottlenecks.
  • Scaling Inefficiencies: Difficulty aligning supply chain operations with fast-paced sales growth, particularly during seasonal spikes.
  • Limited Oversight: Founders were pulled into day-to-day operations, diverting attention from strategic growth.

 

Recognising the need for a more structured and scalable approach, the company decided to hire a full-time Operations Manager.

The Solution

TMR Group was brought on to lead the recruitment of a dedicated Operations Manager. Emma Smith worked closely with the client to create the job description and understand what key strengths a person would need, using her previous experience and background in operations focused recruitment across both consumer goods and e-commerce sectors.

  1. Understanding the Business: Emma conducted detailed discovery sessions with the founding team to understand pain points, growth projections, and the operational specialisms of both D2C and B2B channels.
  2. Targeted Sourcing: Using her network and industry knowledge , Emma identified candidates with experience in warehouse management, supply chain optimisation, ERP implementation, and B2B distribution logistics.
  3. Candidate Vetting: Candidates were evaluated not just on skills but also on cultural fit, agility, and leadership potential in a startup environment.
  4. Successful Appointment: A candidate with eight years of operational experience in FMCG and a proven track record in streamlining fulfilment processes was appointed. The new hire brought both hands-on and strategic capabilities to the role.

The Results

Within the first 9 months of hiring the Operations Manager, the Client realised substantial benefits:

  • Cost Savings: Reduced dependency on external consultants and temp staff, saving over £60,000 annually.
  • Increased Efficiency: Fulfilment times improved by 35%, with fewer errors and returns.
  • Founder Focus: Leadership team redirected their focus to product development and business development.
  • Operational Visibility: Implementation of inventory tracking and ERP software improved forecasting and supplier coordination.

Conclusion

Through a strategic partnership with TMR Group and the recruitment expertise of Emma Smith, a critical hire transformed this clients operational model. This move not only delivered significant cost savings but also built the operational foundation needed for scalable growth.

Considering scaling your team with operational leadership? Contact Emma at TMR Group 01675 489683  or mail at Operations Recruitment  to explore how we can support your growth journey.