Operations Manager

Full time, Flexible Start, to Start in January 2026 for Ideal Candidate

Pay: Starting at $22.50/hr+, Higher depending on experience level. Lots of room for advancement depending on performance and reliability.

The Operations Manager is a hybrid leadership and support role serving two creative companies, Woodlands (Retail Company) & North Creative (Creative, Design, and Apparel Manufacturing). This position is responsible for overseeing daily operations, logistics, project and design drop coordination, marketing components as requested, employee management, customer communications, inventory management, and sales as needed- allowing the Artist/Designer to focus on high-level creative directions, design, and vision.

This role acts as the central operational hub, ensuring projects and product launches stay on schedule, staff are supported, and business systems run smoothly and symbiotically. Trust us when we say no single day will be the same; it's fun, creative, and fast-paced at times.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Logistics

• Manage day-to-day operational tasks across both companies as they require attention
• Coordinate freight, shipping, and package deliveries, including post office runs or errands
• Track inventory, supplies, and ordering needs
• Maintain calendars, schedules, and deadlines
• Handle bill payments and in-house production communication
• Manage timelines and due dates for important business filings.

Project & Workflow Management

• Keep projects moving forward by tracking timelines, milestones, and deliverables
• Coordinate between production, design, in-house production staff, and clients
• Follow up on approvals, proofs, and outstanding tasks
• Maintain organized project documentation and systems

Client & Customer Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customer inquiries and updates
• Oversee chat on website
• Communicate timelines, expectations, and next steps clearly and professionally to staff and/or clients.
• Handle routine client communication, freeing the Artist/Designer from administrative follow-ups
• Write E-Newsletters when support is needed
• Inbox Management across multiple inboxes

Employee Management & HR Support

• Manage staff schedules and daily workflow
• Support hiring, onboarding, and training of employees
• Act as a liaison between leadership and staff
• Assist with performance tracking and team accountability

Administrative Support

• Maintain organized digital and physical files
• Assist with contracts, invoices, and internal documentation
• Improve and document systems and processes for efficiency

Marketing Support

• Support Content Creation when directed or possible
• Assist with creating content calendars to not miss sharing important business milestones, product or service accountments or events
• Record, Edit/Cut Content when directed
• Take Photographs and Design posts when needed
• Write E-Newsletters when support is needed

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is someone who can anticipate needs and act without constant direction, help turn big ideas into executable and actionable plans, holds team members accountable with clarity and respect, protects the Founder's time and creative focus.

This role is equal parts leadership, execution and support.

• Highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented
• Strong communicator with people and systems
• Comfortable managing multiple projects and priorities
• Experience in operations, project management, or studio management
• Trustworthy, adaptable, and calm under pressure
• Familiarity with creative businesses, production environments, or small business operations is a plus
• Ability to limit distractions and keep projects moving forward
• Valid Driver's License and reliable means of transportation
• Energetic, inspired, and not afraid to ask questions
• Quick-Learning, thinks outside the box, and deeply values the brand and what it stands for

Why We Value This Role

This position directly supports the sustainability and growth of two local, well-established creative art companies in Ketchikan, Alaska, by protecting the Artist/Designer's time, energy, and creative capacity- ensuring the work, the team, and the business can thrive and grow in all the right places.

The right individual will work closely and directly under the founder, serving as the primary point of communication between the owner and the rest of the team across both companies.

This person will help translate vision into action, ensuring ideas are implemented, priorities are clear, and team members follow through. The right applicant will also know when to pivot and creatively problem-solve to maximize earnings, reach company goals, and grow as an individual in their skill set. This role will require initiative, discretion, and a willingness to do what it takes to keep projects, people, and systems moving forward.

Perks & Benefits

We believe in taking care of the people who take care of us and our businesses. This role comes with both practical benefits and meaningful perks!

• Flexible scheduling to start as we learn together, until things ramp up as summer approaches.
• Paid time off (40 hours after 1 year of employment + hourly accrual after that)
• Gift Cards, Meals during long days, Employee Bonuses Based on Performance, and a special SIP (Staff Incentive Program), which rewards staff for completing unique and fun challenges within the company (such as 90-day no sick days, get reviews mentioning your name, or completing a major objective or milestone for personal development or business development / growth).
• Employee discounts on products and services
• Paid Professional Development & Opportunities for growth and increased responsibility (paid classes, travel, etc)
• Creative, supportive, and mission-driven work environment
• Wellness Stipend Quarterly (message, gym package, or mental health)

Unique Perks:

• Direct mentorship and collaboration with the Founder
• A front-row seat to scaling two creative businesses
• Autonomy and trust—your input and ideas matter
• Variety in daily work (no two days are the same, ever!)
• Potential for role expansion.
• Creative Fridays, or Flex Days, when the workflow allows. Get into the massive 4,500 sq. creative warehouse and create something!