Vice President of Operations

Location: Naugatuck, Connecticut

About TWENTY2

TWENTY2 is a women-led full service wallpaper and textiles partner, our design driven team provides development and manufacturing expertise for private label collections and custom projects. We put our knowledge to work for our partners; when they succeed, so do we.

The Role

We’re hiring a hands‑on, systems‑minded Vice President of Operations to be the operational heartbeat of TWENTY2 and a key partner to the Founders. You will own the day‑to‑day across Production, Design, Business Development, Finance, Shipping & Receiving, Facilities, Technology, and Human Resources Departments —building the rhythm, capabilities, and culture that carry us into our next stage of growth.

You appreciate the artistry and precision behind great design, and you understand how disciplined operations bring creative vision to life. You’re fluent in modern tooling (ERP, smart systems, data, and emerging AI tools) and can translate vision into reliable, scalable execution.

Key Responsibilities

Department Leadership: Directly oversee and manage Production, Design, Shipping & Receiving, Facilities, Technology, and Human Resources.

Culture and Team Development: Mentor and support high-performing teams. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and customer focus.

Operational Excellence: Evaluate, analyze, and streamline workflows to remove bottlenecks, clarify priorities, reduce waste and increase capacity and efficiency.

Process Improvement: Design and implement Lean systems that improve quality, reliability, and on-time excellence while maintaining flexibility for unanticipated, quick-turn projects.

Data and Systems: Oversee ERP and operational tools (Odoo experience a plus). Use AI, automation, and data to track performance and guide decision-making, ensuring technology amplifies human craftsmanship while considering environmental impact and team dynamics.

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Cross-Functional Collaboration: Build strong partnerships with department heads to align goals, improve communication, and drive accountability.

Financial & Capacity Planning: Partner with leadership to develop and manage budgets, capacity models, and key performance indicators.

Continuous Improvement: Drive best practices in production management, Lean methodologies and process automation with measurable impact on cost, quality, delivery speed, and sustainability.

Compliance & Safety: Cultivate a culture of safety andensure compliance of internal policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., OSHA, ISO, ANSI, NIOSH).

Qualifications

● 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations or a related field

● Proven ability to lead multiple operational functions effectively

● Bachelor’s degree in business, operations, or related field (advanced degree a plus)

● Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and operational best practices

● Experience implementing or optimizing ERP systems (Odoo preferred)

● Deep knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles

● Pragmatic and responsible approach to implementing AI and automation within operations

● Demonstrated success leading process improvement and scaling operations

● Excellent communication and leadership skills; able to influence across teams

● Hands-on, decisive, and comfortable in a high-accountability, fast-moving environment

What Success Looks Like

● Clear, consistent operating rhythm across departments

● Improved on-time performance and production throughput

● Transparent data and reporting driving proactive decisions

● Empowered, engaged teams aligned around shared goals

● Sustainable growth and operational stability as TWENTY2 scales

Working at TWENTY2

All of this might sound exciting, but you might still be wondering,

“Would TWENTY2 be a good fit for me?”

“Would I be a good fit for TWENTY2?”

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Our culture is shaped by the same principles that guide our work: we cultivate partnerships built on trust, exceed expectations at every step, drive innovation to challenge the status quo, accelerate growth through learning and curiosity, and think sustainably to create lasting impact.

We’re a team of detail-oriented, design-driven makers who believe excellence is achieved through precision, collaboration, and care. At TWENTY2, you’ll join people who are proud of their craft, inspired by each other, and united by a shared commitment to doing exceptional work - every time.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter (or 2–3 minute video) that helps us get to know you. We’d love to hear:

● A specific example of how you led a team or organization through a period of operational change or growth.

● How you’ve used systems, data, or technology to improve process, quality, or communication.

● What draws you to TWENTY2 and how your leadership style complements a design-driven, collaborative environment.

Please click here to submit your materials.

Job Description:

Territory: Western United States | Travel Required (Domestic & International)

About:
We’re looking for a strategic and driven Sales Manager to lead growth in the Western U.S. territory.
You’ll work closely with interior designers, architects, and hospitality professionals, while also
developing a retail and showroom network to strengthen our brand presence. Hospitality experience is
a plus!

What You’ll Do:
- Develop and execute a strategic sales plan for the Western U.S.
- Build lasting relationships with interior designers, architects, and hospitality professionals.
- Identify new business opportunities and manage the full sales cycle.
- Represent our brand at trade shows, industry events, and client presentations.
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure exceptional client experiences.
- Track market trends and provide insights to leadership.
- Travel extensively within the Western U.S. and internationally for key projects and events.
- Develop and expand a retail and showroom network within the territory.

What We’re Looking For:
- 5+ years of sales experience in the furniture industry.
- Strong connections with design and architecture professionals.
- Hospitality project experience is a plus.
- Proven ability to meet and exceed sales targets.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Ability to travel extensively (domestic and international).
- Proficiency with CRM tools and Microsoft Office Suite.

Why Join Us:
- Competitive salary + commission structure.
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Opportunity to work with a design-driven, innovative brand.
- Collaborative and creative team environment.

About the Company: Vincent Sheppard has been designing and manufacturing indoor and outdoor furniture with exceptional seating comfort since 1992. Our company is worldwide market leader in 'Paper Loom' furniture, a technique where kraft paper is twisted around a metal wire and woven into unique furniture pieces.

Today, our furniture is exported to more than 80 countries on six continents and the number keeps growing. We are proud to say that our furniture can be found in the most beautiful hotels, homes and restaurants all over the world.

Website: http://www.vincentsheppard.com

Contact: scott.burns@vincentsheppard.com

Technical Lighting Specialist, Contract - New York

About the job

Founded in 1874, Louis Poulsen (LP) is a Danish lighting manufacturer born out of the Scandinavian design tradition where form follows function. The function and design of our products are tailored to reflect and support the rhythm of natural light. Every detail in the design has a purpose. Every design starts and ends with light. We believe in passionate craftsmanship that produces quality lighting and design products that are pleasing to the eye and to the light.

In close partnership with designers, architects and other talents like Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, Oki Sato and Gabriel Tan, we have established ourselves as one of the key global suppliers of architectural and decorative lighting. Defying traditional product categories, our products serve and span the professional and private lighting markets for both indoor and outdoor applications.

We are represented all over the world and are now looking for a Technical Lighting Specialist, to provide technical support to the Contract team and customer base at our US office. This role reports to our Head of B2B Partnerships.

Why should you apply for this position?

You will have a unique opportunity to be part of an iconic Danish design company and become the daily contact person for our US team and many customers regarding technical support and guidance, technical drawing creations, and any needs for product presentations.

With a base in the New York area, you will work in the US office located in mid-town Manhattan on a hybrid schedule.

Your Responsibilities

Your tasks will have a wide range, but the primary focus will be supporting our customers with all technical needs.

• Provide technical support and lighting expertise to specifiers, architects, designers, and distributors.

• Develop and review specification drawings, installation details, and project submittals to ensure accurate application of Louis Poulsen products.

• Respond to technical inquiries regarding product performance, dimming systems, wiring, mounting, and control compatibility.

• Assist in the creation and maintenance of technical documentation, including spec sheets, Revit/AutoCAD files, and installation guides.

• Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams to support product presentations and project specifications.

• Troubleshoot product or installation issues in coordination with the factory and engineering teams.

• Support product testing and evaluation for new or customized solutions.

• Maintain knowledge of relevant lighting standards, codes, and control protocols (e.g., DMX, DALI, 0–10V, ELV/phase dimming).

• Provide technical customer service by phone and email, ensuring prompt, professional, and solution-oriented responses.

• Potential need for site visits

About You

• Bachelor’s degree in Lighting Design, Architectural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field preferred.

• 3+ years of experience in architectural lighting, technical sales, or product support.

• Strong understanding of lighting systems, controls, and photometrics.

• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, and Adobe Creative Suite; familiarity with Dialux or AGi32 is a plus.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a service-oriented mindset.

• Ability to interpret electrical and architectural drawings.

• Detail-oriented, collaborative, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Passion for design, light quality, and the built environment.
  

Why join us?

We offer a challenging job in a dynamic but informal organization. An organization that emphasizes good employee conditions and relations. We ensure that you get the necessary knowledge of our company and products through introductory and training programs, where you will learn more about our lighting philosophy, as well as learn about the products and their history.

At Louis Poulsen we value diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.

We regularly review all applications received and reserve the right to close applications prematurely if the right candidate shows up early in the hiring process.

To apply, send an email to: rle@louispoulsen.com