Divisional Vice President, Global Operations

Most companies claim to have the best people. We say to them, "Keep dreaming." Our people are second to none. They set us apart with their entrepreneurial spirit and ambition. They come to us from the likes of Amazon, Microsoft, Nordstrom, Starbucks and the sports world, bringing energy, bold ideas and a willingness to dive into the unfamiliar. It's our people that make BDA the top global Merchandise Agency to work for.

DVP Global Operations

Location & Relocation:

• This role is based in Woodinville, WA and follows a 4-day onsite / 1-day remote hybrid schedule.
• We recognize the right leader may be located outside the Seattle area and are prepared to offer a comprehensive relocation package to support the move.
• The Woodinville location and onsite expectations are a requirement of the role and are not negotiable. Candidates must be willing to relocate within reasonable commuting distance of Woodinville if not already local.
• Given the seniority and impact of this position, regular in-person partnership with executive leadership and cross-functional teams is an important part of how this role operates.

About BDA

BDA brings the world’s biggest brands to life through promotional merchandise. Fortune 500 companies come to us to connect with their consumers on an emotional level. We create three-dimensional advertising that people invite into their homes, offices, cars, and classrooms allowing them to see, touch, and experience a brand in a way no other marketing can. We call it the Power of Merchandise.

Our culture is rooted in creativity, accountability, and collaboration. We take great pride in being a workplace that inspires teamwork and innovation while rewarding high achievement. With millions of branded items produced and delivered globally each year, BDA continues to set the standard for creativity, quality, and operational excellence in branded merchandise for the world’s most admired companies.

Position Summary

The Divisional Vice President, Global Operations is a strategic and results-oriented executive responsible for BDA’s Program Management, eCommerce Operations, Retail Operations, Client Implementations, and Acquisition Integration. This leader ensures the successful execution of client programs from implementation through ongoing delivery while driving operational excellence, financial performance, resource planning, scalability, and client satisfaction across the organization.

The DVP leads BDA’s approach to client implementations, ensuring new client programs, significant program changes, eCommerce solutions, processes, analytics, and other value-added services are effectively planned, coordinated, and transitioned into ongoing operations. The role also leads the operational integration of acquired businesses, working across functions to bring teams, processes, systems, and capabilities into BDA while maintaining business continuity and client service.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the DVP partners closely with Client Services, New Business Development, Global Sourcing, Logistics, Compliance, Finance, Technology, Human Resources, and other functional leaders to align operational capabilities with business objectives and support BDA’s continued global growth.

This role is accountable for developing scalable processes, building high-performing teams, improving operational efficiency, strengthening cross-functional execution, and ensuring exceptional execution for clients across all channels and business segments.

The DVP regularly engages with clients in business reviews, strategic planning sessions, operational reviews, implementations, and new business opportunities, serving as a senior leader who connects client needs, business priorities, and operational execution.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Leadership & Execution

• Define and execute the operational strategy across Program Management, eCommerce Operations, Retail Operations, Client Implementations, and Acquisition Integration.
• Establish scalable operational processes, service standards, and performance metrics that drive efficiency, profitability, and client satisfaction.
• Develop organizational structures and operating models that support growth and evolving client needs.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, automation, and operational excellence.
• Ensure alignment across Client Services, New Business Development, Global Sourcing, Logistics, Compliance, Finance, Technology, and other functions involved in client delivery.
• Drive operational readiness for client launches, retail programs, eCommerce initiatives, significant client program changes, acquisitions, and strategic growth opportunities.
• Establish clear ownership, handoffs, and accountability across functions to support consistent execution.
• Serve as a key member of the Operations leadership team and contribute to overall company strategy.

Leadership, People Development & Team Culture

• Lead, coach, and develop a multi-functional team across Program Management, eCommerce Operations, Retail Operations, Client Implementations, and Acquisition Integration.
• Establish a high-performing culture that blends creativity with operational discipline.
• Set and manage goals, KPIs, and talent development plans; ensure succession and capability building across all levels of the team.
• Develop strong leaders who can operate effectively across functions and manage complex client and business requirements.
• Foster an inclusive environment that encourages innovation, feedback, and professional growth.

Program Management & eCommerce Operations

• Lead the Program Management organization responsible for client execution, webstore operations, and overall program delivery.
• Oversee the successful launch, management, and optimization of client eCommerce platforms, company stores, and online merchandise programs.
• Establish best practices for project management, webstore implementation, inventory management, promotions, customer experience, and operational execution.
• Partner with Technology, Sales, Merchandising, and Logistics teams to ensure webstores are effectively maintained, optimized, and aligned with client objectives.
• Ensure client programs and eCommerce solutions are delivered on time, on budget, and in alignment with service level expectations.
• Monitor operational performance, site activity, inventory health, customer experience metrics, and program profitability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on automation, scalability, digital commerce capabilities, and operational efficiency.
• Proactively manage operational risks, escalations, and service challenges across both traditional client programs and eCommerce platforms.

Client Implementations

• Lead BDA’s Client Implementation function and establish a consistent, scalable approach for implementing new clients, programs, services, and significant changes to existing client programs.
• Oversee implementations involving new client programs as well as changes to existing programs, including processes, eCommerce platforms, technology, services, analytics, reporting, and other value-added solutions.
• Establish implementation plans, milestones, ownership, dependencies, risk management, and escalation processes to ensure effective execution.
• Partner closely with Client Services and New Business Development to translate client requirements and commitments into clear, executable implementation plans.
• Coordinate across Technology, Finance, Global Sourcing, Logistics, Compliance, eCommerce, Program Management, and other functions to ensure operational readiness.
• Ensure appropriate resources, systems, processes, inventory, reporting, and support structures are in place prior to launch or transition.
• Establish effective handoffs from implementation into ongoing Program Management, Client Services, and operational ownership.
• Monitor implementation progress, risks, and outcomes and provide visibility to leadership on key milestones and issues.
• Identify recurring implementation challenges and continuously improve BDA’s implementation processes, tools, and approach.
• Ensure implementations are delivered on time, within agreed scope and financial expectations, and with minimal disruption to the client experience.

Acquisition Integration

• Lead the operational integration of acquired businesses in partnership with the COO, Executive Leadership Team, Human Resources, Finance, Technology, and functional leaders.
• Develop and execute integration plans with clear milestones, ownership, dependencies, risks, and measures of success.
• Assess acquired operating models, processes, systems, organizational structures, client delivery models, and capabilities to determine the appropriate integration approach.
• Coordinate cross-functional integration activities and ensure key decisions, dependencies, and deliverables remain visible and move forward on schedule.
• Partner with functional leaders to integrate processes, systems, reporting, workflows, and organizational responsibilities into BDA’s operating model.
• Maintain business continuity and client service throughout the integration process.
• Identify operational risks and resource requirements early and ensure appropriate mitigation plans are established.
• Balance the need for consistency and scalability with the preservation of valuable client relationships, capabilities, talent, and business practices.
• Identify opportunities to leverage acquired capabilities, expertise, and best practices across the broader BDA organization.
• Establish clear transition points from active integration into ongoing functional and operational ownership.
• Monitor integration progress and provide regular updates to the COO and Executive Leadership Team regarding milestones, risks, decisions, and opportunities.

Retail Operations

• Lead the operational strategy and execution of retail and licensed merchandise programs.
• Oversee inventory execution, replenishment processes, retail support functions, and operational performance metrics.
• Partner with Merchandising, Planning, and Supply Chain teams to maximize operational efficiency and retail profitability.
• Develop scalable retail operating models that support client growth and evolving business requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve customer experience, inventory utilization, and financial performance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Sales and Business Development to create compelling client-ready product collections and pitch strategies.
• Collaborate with Global Sourcing to balance creative ambition with manufacturability, margin, and delivery precision.
• Partner with Operations, Logistics, and Compliance to ensure all products are safe, compliant, and delivered on time.
• Serve as the connective link between creative intent and commercial execution aligning stakeholders to shared outcomes.
• Act as a thought partner to the COO and peer executives on overall product and supply-chain strategy.

Client Engagement & Brand Partnership

• Participate in client meetings, business reviews, operational reviews, implementations, and strategic planning sessions.
• Support new business opportunities by demonstrating BDA’s operational capabilities, implementation approach, and execution expertise.
• Partner with Client Services and New Business Development on opportunities requiring operational expertise, solution planning, or cross-functional coordination.
• Ensure proposed client solutions can be effectively implemented, supported, and scaled.
• Develop trusted relationships with key client stakeholders.
• Ensure operational excellence supports client retention, growth, and long-term partnership success.
• Capture and leverage client feedback to improve processes, service delivery, and overall performance.

Business Analytics & Financial Accountability

• Own operational budgets, labor planning, productivity metrics, and financial performance across assigned functions.
• Analyze operational performance, profitability, service levels, inventory utilization, and client outcomes.
• Develop and monitor KPIs that measure operational effectiveness and business performance.
• Partner with Finance to ensure accurate forecasting, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Provide regular reporting to the COO and Executive Team regarding performance, risks, opportunities, and strategic priorities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Client Services and New Business Development to support client growth, new opportunities, implementations, and ongoing program success.
• Collaborate with Global Sourcing, Logistics, Compliance, Merchandising, Planning, and other operational functions to ensure alignment and successful execution.
• Work with Technology to improve systems, reporting, automation, eCommerce capabilities, and scalability.
• Partner with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, labor planning, profitability, and resource allocation.
• Partner with Human Resources on organizational design, workforce planning, acquisition integration, talent, and change management.
• Create clarity across functions regarding ownership, responsibilities, dependencies, and handoffs.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the COO and Executive Leadership Team on operational strategy, organizational effectiveness, client execution, and acquisition integration.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management or related field; advanced degree preferred.

12+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, program management, eCommerce operations, retail operations, client implementations, acquisition integration, or related disciplines.

Proven track record leading large, cross-functional teams in a high-growth environment.

Strong understanding of program management, eCommerce operations, retail operations, inventory management, and operational execution.

Demonstrated success driving operational improvements, organizational effectiveness, and financial performance.

Experience leading complex client implementations, program launches, business integrations, or significant organizational change.

Demonstrated success building scalable processes and operating models that support growth and increasingly complex client requirements.

Ability to lead effectively across functions where success depends on influence, coordination, and shared accountability.

Strong analytical, financial, and business acumen.

Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Experience working with global teams and complex client organizations.

Key Leadership Competencies

Strategic Leadership: Aligns operational priorities with company objectives and long-term growth plans.
Operational Excellence: Drives efficiency, scalability, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Client Partnership: Builds trusted relationships and delivers exceptional client experiences.
People Leadership: Develops leaders, builds teams, and fosters a high-performance culture.
Collaboration: Operates effectively across functions, geographies, and organizational levels.
Business Acumen: Understands financial drivers and makes decisions that improve profitability and performance.
Change Leadership: Leads transformation efforts with clarity, urgency, and discipline.

Position Details

Budget Accountability: Full accountability for operational budgets, labor planning, productivity metrics, and profitability across assigned functions. Partners with Finance and Operations leadership to ensure effective forecasting, resource allocation, and financial performance.

Reports: 4-6 Direct Reports  Approximately 350 Indirect Reports.

Travel Requirements: 15–25% travel for 15–25% travel for client meetings, business reviews, implementations, acquisition integration activities, operational reviews, and leadership meetings..

Work Schedule & Location: Based at BDA Headquarters (Woodinville, WA) with flexibility in accordance with company policy. Global collaboration will require occasional early morning or evening meetings to align with international teams and clients.

Why Join BDA

This is a rare opportunity to shape the sourcing backbone of a global company on track to reach $1B in revenue. You will be joining a culture that values creativity, operational excellence, and bold leadership all while driving the innovation, partnerships, and performance that define the Power of Merchandise.

BDA is a place where creativity, partnership, and customer care come together. For more than 40 years, we have helped some of the world’s most recognized brands create memorable experiences through branded merchandise, gifting, and custom programs. We are proud of the work we do, the relationships we build, and the people behind it all. At BDA, you will find a team that values collaboration, innovation, and a “get it done” mindset — while still making space for creativity, growth, and meaningful impact.

 Our Core Values:

• BDA is a Team and a Family
• Always Strive to Be The Best
• Entrepreneurial Spirit
• Tigger Attitude
• Work Hard, Play Hard
• Make It Happen the Best Way
• Total Client Affinity & Advocacy

 Want to learn more? So much to explore

• BDA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bda_inc/
• Harper + Scott (a BDA company): https://www.harperandscott.com/ & https://www.instagram.com/harperandscott/
• swagup (a BDA company) end-to-end Merch Ecommerce site: https://www.swagup.com/
• Idea Planet (a BDA company): https://www.ideaplanetlp.com/about
• BDA Careers Page: https://www.bdainc.com/careers/
• LinkedIn – BDA page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bdainc/

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We are pleased to share the salary range for this position is $225,000–$300,000, based on experience, skills, and qualifications, plus bonus eligibility. If you are hired at BDA, your compensation will be determined based on factors that may include geographic location, skills, education, and experience. In addition to these factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any offer. In the spirit of pay transparency, the range listed is the full base salary range for the role and hiring at the top of the range would not be typical, in order to allow for future salary growth. The range listed is just one component of BDA’s total compensation and rewards programs, which includes: robust PTO; vacation, a paid volunteer day, holidays and summer Fridays, Benefits; medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance, 401k; tuition reimbursement, mental health and financial wellness programs and professional development opportunities including tuition reimbursement. Certain revenue-generating positions may be eligible for incentive compensation.