Co-owner and lead on commercial strategy

Location: Surrey, UK (please do not apply outside of this area – this is a job with a physical presence and physical stock to manage).
Industry: E-Commerce
Job Type: Equity-Based Partnership

About Us:

Co-business owner wanted to take over day to day running of established start up with 7-figure potential to elevate to new heights [equity only].

We are an established e-commerce business that has been operating for four and a half years, offering gift hampers with a twist. Since we launched, we have built a team of staff, strong and timeless branding, a website, multiple sales channels, an established consumer base, marketing channels, multiple assets, a strong back end software system, a supply chain, and a reputation for excellent customer service (1000 5* reviews). However, despite being profitable in the initial months, hitting 6 figures in 6 months, the subsequent years have been more challenging. The business now loses approx. £800-£1k a month because of overheads that sales simply do not cover. However, in the right hands, this can be turned around – rival businesses (also small and family run) turn over 8 figures, with similar operations to ours.

The market itself is enormous, and we only need a small slice of that pie to return to high profitability. We have expansion potential, new markets to explore (some partially investigated) but very much ripe and marketing channels as yet untouched. We have brand positioning to sort out, USPs that we offer that do not come across as strongly as they could. We know where the money is in this industry, and we are looking for someone who can help us break into these markets.

We have plenty of ideas, and we’re looking for a dynamic, driven business co-owner to take over day-to-day operations and lead our commercial strategy. This is an exciting opportunity for a self-starter who wants to make a significant impact on the future direction of a business. The hard work of building the business and products has been done – it just needs the finishing touches to reach its potential.

The Role:

We are looking for someone to take a 70% stake in the business (vested), and take over the running of the day-to-day business, with a view to turning it around and making it profitable once more, through implementing growth strategies to take us to the next level. We are sitting on a huge potential and asset base, and all our collaborators/agencies who work with rival companies have been enormously impressed and excited, but the team simply do not have the capacity to drive it without extra manpower. You will work with the existing owner as joint partners and co-owners.

As Co-Owner & Operations Lead, you will assume overall responsibility for managing the business' operations and driving its commercial success. This is an entrepreneurial role where you’ll wear many hats, focusing on both operational management and strategic growth. We need someone who can bring fresh ideas and expertise to enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and ensure scalable growth. You will also play a key role in marketing, helping us refine our brand voice, attract new customers, and drive sales.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operations Management:
o Take ownership of all day-to-day operations, including supply chain management, inventory, basic finance management, staff management, customer service and fulfilment, and managing the team who will support you in these day-to-day operations. None of these require special knowledge; full support, guidance and handover will be provided.
o Oversee the management of our e-commerce platforms, including a new one on which we are poised to launch.
o Ideally, you will have space in which to eventually re-locate the business (a few rooms is sufficient), until such a time that commercial space is affordable for us.

• Marketing & Brand Strategy:
o Develop and implement marketing strategies across digital channels (SEO, PPC, email, social media) to drive traffic, customer acquisition, and retention, especially across the corporate sector.
o Take a hands-on approach to content creation and campaign execution.
o Use data-driven insights to refine marketing strategies, track KPIs, and improve ROI.
o Build and manage brand positioning and ensure consistent messaging across all platforms.

• Commercial Leadership:
o Manage pricing, product assortment, and promotions to ensure profitability.
o Identify new revenue streams and business opportunities to drive growth.
o Oversee financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.

• Team Leadership:
o Lead and inspire a small, cross-functional team, fostering a collaborative culture.
o Establish and manage key vendor relationships and partnerships.
o Manage recruitment, training, and development of operational and marketing staff as the business grows.

Who We’re Looking For:

• Experience:
o Ideally experience in e-commerce/start-ups, with a strong background in operations, marketing and brand positioning – storytelling, brand design, GTM strategy, and selling B2B.
o Proven track record of scaling businesses, ideally within the e-commerce sector.
o Deep understanding of e-commerce platforms, digital marketing strategies, and data analytics (a nice-to-have, as we currently have agencies doing this for us).

• Skills & Expertise:
o Strong commercial acumen, with experience in driving profitability and growth.
o In-depth knowledge of digital marketing, including SEO and email marketing.
o Excellent project management skills and the ability to juggle multiple tasks at once.
o A creative, analytical, and hands-on problem solver.

• Personal Traits:
o Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for growing businesses from the ground up. Willing to get your hands dirty, and as comfortable packing boxes as you are having conversations with corporate stakeholders.
o Highly motivated, proactive, and able to thrive in dynamic environment that you own and shape. Unafraid of hard work, and possessor of a ‘can-do’, creative attitude. Thrives in problem solving.
o Strong leadership qualities with the ability to motivate and manage teams effectively.
o Collaborative, resourceful, and resilient with a keen eye for detail – and a bargain! We keep our costs down by being extremely acute on our efficiency…

Must-Have:

• Based in Surrey, UK.
• Willingness to invest time and energy in a long-term partnership (equity stake). Ability to work for equity only until profit is made.
• Passion for e-commerce and growing a brand.

What’s in it for you?

• Equity Share: As a co-owner, you will have a stake in the business and share in its success.
• Growth Opportunity: You will have the opportunity to shape the business’ future and play a key role in its expansion.
• Autonomy & Impact: You will have the freedom to make decisions, implement strategies, and see the results of your work.
• Collaborative Environment: Join a passionate and driven existing owner, who brings sector knowledge and a personal desire to see you and the business succeed.

How to Apply:
This is not a 9-5, but instead a long-term commitment for delayed reward in a business partnership with the existing owner, fuelled by a bottomless pit of determination and drive and hard work, as well as plenty of biscuits and cardboard.

If you’re an experienced professional with a strong commercial background, we’d love to hear from you.

Application Deadline: 30th November 2024.