Head Of Operations

Location: NY/NJ | Hybrid | Full Time

Harlem Brands Inc is looking for a Head of Operations who will be integral to the operational growth of the company's brands—Harlem Perfume Co. and Harlem Candle Company. In this role, you will lead operations strategy and day-to-day execution, with responsibility for production, procurement, logistics, inventory management, and sales operations. This role reports to the CEO/Founder and works closely with our Sales and Customer Experience Lead.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all manufacturing and operations functions, including supply chain, inventory, and logistics for both brands
• Develop processes and systems that drive operational ROI and workflow optimization as we scale
• Build and improve SOPs, tools, and lightweight automation to reduce manual work
• Track key operational metrics (inventory health, fulfillment performance, production timelines)

Operations, Supply Chain & Fulfillment

• Manage relationships with contract manufacturers, 3PLs, freight forwarders, carriers, and customs partners—including SLAs, performance tracking, contracts, and issue resolution
• Oversee inventory flow, inbound shipments, fulfillment, returns, and logistics
• Ensure on-time, accurate fulfillment across DTC, indie retail, big-box retail, and wholesale channels
• Establish performance standards and best practices with vendors to optimize quality and delivery

Production Management

• Own production planning, timelines, and replenishment cycles for candles and perfume
• Coordinate with vendors to align production with forecasts, launches, and retail commitments
• Maintain a clean master product catalog (SKUs, UPCs, case packs, variants)
• Flag production risks early and propose mitigation plans

Wholesale & Sales Operations Support

• Support wholesale operations including PO tracking, inventory allocation, ASNs, routing guides, and compliance
• Help maintain operational readiness for large retail partners and national launches
• Support sales forecasting inputs and inventory planning across channels

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in operations, supply chain, or business operations
• Hands-on experience with contract manufacturing and third-party logistics
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Comfort operating in a lean, fast-moving, founder-led environment
• Strong communication skills and sound operational judgment
• Resourcefulness—you know how to build relationships that are integral to growth
• You see challenges as opportunities, think outside the box, and flex your resilience muscles

Nice to Have

• Experience in CPG, fragrance, beauty, or candles
• Exposure to wholesale or big-box retail operations
• Familiarity with EDI or retail compliance requirements
• Sales ops or forecasting experience

About Harlem Brands:

Founded by Teri Johnson, Harlem Brands, Inc. is the parent company of The Harlem Candle Company (est. 2014) and Harlem Perfume Co. (est. 2022). The luxury fragrance house celebrates the cultural artistry and creative legacy of the Harlem Renaissance, transforming storytelling into elevated olfactory experiences.

Through handcrafted candles and fine fragrances, Harlem Brands honors the icons, moments, and spirit of Harlem's Golden Era—from the jazz lounges of Lenox Avenue to the bold artistry of modern-day Harlem. Each creation bridges rich cultural history with contemporary sophistication, designed to evoke emotion, memory, and heritage.

Harlem Brands has cultivated partnerships with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, various Broadway shows, and recently debuted at Sephora in June 2025. The company's creations have been celebrated in Oprah's Favorite Things, Elle, Essence, Harper's Bazaar, Oprah Daily, Beauty Independent, and WWD.

How to Apply

If you've read to this point, GREAT! We know some jobs you might look at and think "I'm not fully qualified…" If you've done your research and think you'd be incredible in this role even if you don't check every box, shoot your shot and apply. We're looking forward to meeting you.

Send resume & cover letter to: sales@harlemcandlecompany.com