Operating Officer - Distribution

Job Advert Summary

Yellow Zebra Optical is looking for a commercially astute distribution and supply chain leader to run the operational backbone that supports a large optometry and audiology retail and franchise network.

This is a senior management role with serious commercial weight. The successful person will work closely with the Group Chief Operations Officer and other Group Chief Officers, lead a high-performing team, and take accountability for the discipline behind supplier value, landed cost, stock availability, fulfilment, logistics and distribution performance.

This role owns the supply-side commercial engine: supplier negotiations, sourcing, import economics, cost build-up, inventory, warehousing, logistics, product availability and the service levels that enable Retail to make strong consumer-facing decisions.

The mandate

• Lead supplier negotiations and manage supplier relationships to secure value, quality, continuity of supply and favourable commercial terms.
• Own landed-cost discipline, foreign exchange exposure awareness, stock planning, working capital, supplier rebates and distribution margin inputs.
• Run a reliable, scalable distribution platform across procurement, imports, warehousing, fulfilment, logistics, customer service and cross-border support.
• Provide Retail and the GCOO with accurate cost, availability, stock, margin and service-level intelligence to inform retail pricing and commercial decisions.
• Lead the Distribution leadership team across operations, product, finance and relevant systems support.
• Use data and operational discipline to improve service levels, stock turn, aged inventory, cost-to-serve and order fulfilment quality.

Minimum Requirements

Experience we are looking for

• 8-10 years' senior leadership experience in distribution, supply chain, procurement, logistics, FMCG, retail, healthcare or a related commercial environment.
• Proven experience in supplier negotiation, import/export management, stock planning, cost optimisation and cross-border trade.
• Strong understanding of landed cost, margin management, working capital, foreign exchange exposure and cost-to-serve.
• A relevant tertiary degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Commerce, Business Administration, Finance or a related field.

Success looks like

• Stronger supplier value and clearer commercial input into retail pricing decisions.
• Improved product availability, order fulfilment, stock turn and service-level performance.
• A distribution team that is commercially astute, accountable and operationally disciplined.
• A supply chain platform that supports franchisee success, retail growth and future expansion.

If you enjoy the pressure of commercial negotiation, operational detail and leading teams where every decision has a real effect on stock, service, franchisees and customers, this role offers a rare platform to make distribution a genuine advantage.

Duties and Responsibilities

What this role requires

• Commercial negotiation strength: You can sit across from suppliers, understand the economics, and secure value without damaging long-term partnerships.
• Supply chain command: You understand imports, warehousing, stock, logistics, service levels, working capital and the practical cost of poor availability.
• Operational resilience: You can build rhythm, control and accountability in a busy distribution environment that supports a national network.
• Cross-functional maturity: You can partner with Retail and ensure Retail has the right cost and availability intelligence.
• People leadership: You can lead and mentor capable teams with clarity, urgency, trust, empowerment and high standards.

What this is not

• This is not a warehouse-only role.
• This is not a procurement role limited to chasing price reductions.
• This is not a role for someone who sees distribution as separate from franchisee success and customer experience.
• This is not an executive title appointment; it is a senior management role with a highly visible portfolio and close exposure to Group leadership.
• This is not a role where RSP is owned by Distribution. Distribution owns the cost, supply and service intelligence that enables good retail pricing possible in a separate retail space.