Operations Manager

Job Type: Full Time FLSA Status: Exempt, Salaried Department: Supply Chain Location: Bend, OR (on-site) People Leader: Yes This People Leader position is responsible for managing daily operations of Ruffwear’s Return Authorization (RA) and shipping/receiving processes. This role supervises the Returns team and contract workers to execute processes for returned orders, shipping products back to third-party logistics partners, managing inbound/outbound shipments, and acts as a liaison between the Customer Experience, Operations, and Supply Chain teams. Like all roles at Ruffwear, this person has a first-hand understanding of the interactive bond between canines and humans and a passion for the outdoors.

Hire, manage, and mentor the Operations Team to execute return authorizations, shipping/receiving, and order fulfillment processes; including oversight of seasonal employees and staffing agency hires. Oversee and ensure accurate processing of return authorizations, including reconditioning, inspection, and sorting of products for restock, resale, or demo inventory. Create, manage, and maintain inventory of returned products, packaging materials, and replacement parts in the ERP system, including regular inventory counts.

Coordinate outbound shipments and inventory transfers to third-party logistics partners, including accurate documentation of shipment costs and tracking in the ERP system. Operate equipment such as a walk-behind forklift to load and unload trucks for inbound/outbound deliveries at company headquarters. Oversee reconditioning tasks such as cleaning, repackaging, and ensuring resale-quality standards for returned products.

Manage inbound/outbound deliveries at company headquarters, notifying recipients and coordinating with internal and co-working teams as needed. Maintain the Returns Department workspace, ensuring cleanliness and organization by performing light cleaning and maintenance tasks. Serve as a backup role for the Logistics Specialist.

Support special projects and additional job duties as directed by the Senior Manager, Global Supply Chain. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This position is based in Bend, Oregon and available to candidates already authorized to work in the country in which the position is based.

Ruffwear is unable to sponsor work authorization for this position.

Responsibilities

of the employee to do this job.

, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work Environment While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works at a dedicated workstation in a warehouse setting. For salaried, exempt employees, workweeks may fluctuate (sometimes above, sometimes at or below 40 hours) to ensure availability for essential meetings and collaboration.

At least 3 years of experience in shipping/receiving and returns processing, preferably in a retail or warehouse setting. At least 1 year of management experience as a team lead or shift supervisor. Proficiency in data entry, logistics coordination, and inventory management.

Strong verbal and written communication skills. Excellent attention-to-detail, time management, and organizational skills. Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects to meet tight deadlines.

Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Experience using hand trucks and/or pallet jacks. Proficiency in MS Excel and/or Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets).

Preferred Education and Experience High School Diploma or GED. Experience working with NetSuite or other ERP systems. Experience in the outdoor, pet and/or consumer products industry.

Physical Demands Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.