Director of Business Operations – Embroidery Division

Join a Legacy. Lead the Next Chapter.

Kelli’s, a trusted leader in gift shop distribution for over 25 years, is expanding our Embroidery Division — and we’re searching for a proven operations leader to take it to the next level. As Director of Business Operations – Embroidery Division
, you will oversee all aspects of embroidery production, drive process innovation, and build the infrastructure to support sustainable, scalable growth.

This is an opportunity for a strategic, hands‑on leader who thrives on building teams, optimizing operations, and shaping the direction of a growing division within a well‑established organization.

• Serve as the operational and strategic leader for our embroidery and decoration division.
• Design and implement business processes that enhance efficiency, capacity, and profitability.
• Partner with executive leadership to define growth objectives, budgets, and key performance metrics.
• Identify new technologies and decoration methods (including DTF and complementary techniques) to expand our production capabilities.

• Oversee daily embroidery operations — from scheduling and workflow management to resource allocation and quality output.
• Ensure operational readiness through proactive material planning and vendor coordination.
• Implement process improvements that reduce waste, streamline turnaround, and enhance product quality.

• Provide expert oversight on embroidery production, including DST file evaluation and machine optimization.
• Maintain deep understanding of thread, fabric, and equipment dynamics to ensure top‑tier sewn outcomes.
• Establish and enforce rigorous quality control systems that uphold both internal client standards.

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of embroidery professionals to achieve excellence in craftsmanship and productivity.
• Build a culture of accountability, innovation, and pride in every stitch.
• Recruit, train, and develop future leaders as the division continues to expand.

• Partner closely with Sales, Art, and Customer Service teams to ensure alignment between creative intent and production capability.
• Provide operational insight during client planning and product development stages.
• Support company‑wide initiatives for efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction

• 7+ years of progressive leadership in embroidery, apparel decoration, or related manufacturing operations (a must‑have).
• Proven success scaling production teams and optimizing workflows in a fast‑paced environment.
• Deep technical knowledge of embroidery equipment, digitized design files (DST), and production quality standards.
• Working familiarity with DTF, heat press, or screen‑print processes.
• Strong business acumen — able to balance hands‑on operational management with big‑picture strategy.
• Exceptional communication, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.

• Be part of a 25‑year legacy brand poised for its next wave of innovation and growth.
• Lead a key division with autonomy and executive visibility
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• Collaborate with a passionate, creative, and quality‑driven team.
• Influence both the strategy and day‑to‑day performance of a growing production operation.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and long‑term growth potential within a trusted, stable company