Manage a Team of Ops Associates for a fast-growing NYC-based custom apparel start-up (Remote)
Hi, this is Arpana, one of the founding members of Fresh Prints. In December 2016, I came across a job post on Naukri from Jacob Goodman, one of the co-owners of Fresh Prints. They were looking for someone to lead their Operations team in India. The post had already been taken down, but I decided to send Jacob an email anyway. To my surprise, he replied, and soon I found myself stepping into what would be a life-changing opportunity.
During the interview process, it became clear just how new everything was. There was no office, no payroll system, no established infrastructure at all. But what struck me was Jacob and Josh’s unwavering belief in the vision they had for Fresh Prints.
They didn’t have all the answers, but their passion was contagious, and I knew I wanted to be part of building something from the ground up.
So, I jumped in. I found an office, figured out payroll, and brought in my childhood best friend to help get things off the ground. There were so many unknowns in those early days, but that’s exactly what made it so exciting.
I had the chance to wear multiple hats, solve problems on the fly, and help build something tangible. What started as a team of two quickly grew, and over the next few years, we scaled operations across Finance, Tech, and Marketing.
As the first employee of Fresh Prints India, I’ve been lucky enough to help shape this company from its earliest stages. After a short break to have my daughter, I returned to lead HR and recruiting. We’ve gone from a scrappy startup to a team of 400+ people across three countries. But the truth is, even with all that growth, we know it’s still day 1.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how we made it through COVID-19 together. I still remember March 15, 2020—Josh, our co-owner and CEO, sent an email to everyone announcing that the office was shutting down indefinitely. Just like so many people around the world, we were suddenly isolated from the routines and connections we relied on. We were nervous and found ourselves staring down a financial cliff.
In a matter of weeks, we went from million-dollar months to zero revenue. All universities closed. All events stopped.
But we’d been planning for the worst for years. From day 1 we knew we’d have to make our balance sheet a strength. We figured negative events were inevitable and our stress test was to always make sure we could operate for at least year of 0 revenue without making layoffs. When Covid hit, we were scared, but felt prepared.
And as we struggled to adapt, something unexpected happened—we pivoted. As PPE demand soared, we initially hesitated, but then realized this was exactly what the world needed. Shifting from tees to PPE wasn’t just a business decision; it was about showing up in a way that mattered. The entire team rallied behind the idea, and our adaptability and speed helped us keep going.
While so many companies were just trying to survive, Fresh Prints not only made it but even grew. It wasn’t easy, but this experience showed me how deeply committed we are to each other and our mission. The grit and determination we built in those tough times, that willingness to adapt and keep each other steady—it's what defines us today.
The opportunities that were available to me when I joined as the first employee are still here today! In fact, they’re bigger now than ever. We’re at an exciting point in our journey, and we’re looking for people who want to have a massive impact on the next chapter of this story.
If you’re someone who sees opportunity and isn’t afraid to chase it, this is the role for you. We’re looking for someone with the entrepreneurial drive to take ownership, challenge the norm, and help us build something that lasts. Fresh Prints is a place where there are no limits. If you’re someone who likes running at challenges head on, this is the role for you. If you’re looking for a clear set of instructions, this role isn’t.
If our story resonates, we want to hear from you!
Here's more about the Operations Manager role:
The operations team handles the most crucial part of the business and is directly responsible for every step in delivering the end product to our customers.
- How do we build a team that drives the business forward?
- How do we motivate Operations Associates to respond to a higher volume of tickets at an even higher quality?
- How do you most efficiently manage incoming requests from printers, customers, and Campus Managers?
- How can we reduce our costs and increase our profit margins overall?
As a member of the Operations Leadership team, you’ll be a driving force behind moving our Operations team forward. You will own an entire area and have a team of people to lead and motivate. You will set and track metrics by which your success will be measured.
We’re looking for someone who has fantastic people management skills, is a quick learner, and isn’t afraid to take on challenges daily. This is a high-impact role that requires excellent leadership and prioritization abilities. We’re on a remarkable growth trajectory and as Fresh Prints grows, you will too. You will be given the autonomy and guidance to have a tremendous impact on your role.
You’ll be managing a talented team of 3 to 7 associates, depending on which team you lead. You’ll be reporting directly to Sasi, who is the head of Operations at Fresh Prints.
Responsibilities
- Fully own a part of our supply chain. That includes any projects, requests from other functions, headcount planning, helping the team realize its full potential and making it future-proof
- Managing a team of Ops Associates
- Managing communications with vendors & customers
- Managing escalations from the team and solving logistical issues
- Setting and tracking team metrics
- Make sure all goals are reached
- One on one meetings with your direct reports and with the AD of Operations
Essential Requirements
- A total of 5 years of experience in operations of which 2+ are in a team lead/people manager role
- Strong analytical and organizational skills
- Able to make decisions without direct supervision
- Ability to negotiate positive outcomes
- Fluency in English and excellent communication skills
- This role requires someone who is comfortable working night shifts
Personal Attributes
- Detail Oriented
- Natural Leader
- Goal-Driven
- Proactive & Problem Solver
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
- Open to change
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive annual salary between USD 15,000 to USD 24,000
- Health insurance
- Mental Health Benefits
- Learning opportunities
- Working in a great culture
Job Location
- This role can be based in India or the Philippines
- Remote Working
Working Hours
- Working hours are 6:30 PM to 3:30 AM IST Monday to Friday
Fresh Prints is an equal employment opportunity employer and promotes diversity; actively encouraging people of all backgrounds, ages, LGBTQ+, and those with disabilities to apply.
