Job Description

Do you dream of running your own DTC apparel or media company one day and want to learn how every part works?

If you're resourceful, curious, proactive, and hungry to learn, this role will accelerate your path to building and growing a creative-led company. This is an ideal training ground for a future Operations Manager, COO or founder.

Join our team at MICHI (michiny.com | @michi_ny), a luxury women's activewear brand where fashion meets performance -- designed for women who move with intention and confidence.

We are seeking a

Founder's Operations Associate

-- a sharp, resourceful, fast learner who treats the business like their own and takes pride in getting things done right. You're the kind of person who notices what's broken, fixes it without being asked, and finds smarter ways to work through the use of systems and AI. You're ready to roll up your sleeves, move between big-picture goals and small details, and build the skills, relationships, and instincts to one day run your own company.

About MICHI

At MICHI, we ignite feminine power through movement. Our fashion-forward designs seamlessly transition from work to play, offering premium performance with style, fit, and function. Known for our sculpting silhouettes, high-quality craftsmanship, and ethical manufacturing, we're here to elevate women through the art of movement.

About the Role

This is a

hands-on, high-exposure role

designed for someone who wants to grow into an Operations Manager or Founder one day. You'll rotate across key functions -- ecommerce, logistics, customer service, wholesale, inventory, marketing support -- while shadowing the Founder and learning how decisions are made in a fast-moving fashion company.

You'll thrive in this role if you:

Proactive and intrinsically motivated -- you don't wait for others to motivate you. Take ownership naturally -- if you see something broken, you fix it without being asked. Can stay calm, focused, and solution-minded even when things get challenging. Curious, open, multi-capable, and hungry to learn. Move easily between big-picture goals and the small details that make them happen. Spot ways to make systems, processes, or workflows better -- and take action. Treat the business like it's your own, showing care, integrity, and reliability in everything you do. Enjoy collaborating closely with a small, fast-moving team where every contribution matters.

Key Responsibilities

Day-to-Day Operations

Support Shopify site updates, product launches, merchandising changes, and ongoing product data accuracy. Monitor daily order flow to ensure a seamless fulfillment process. Coordinate closely with our 3PL on shipping timelines, returns processing, and inventory accuracy. Oversee logistics for domestic and international orders, troubleshooting delivery issues with carriers. Maintain accurate inventory records and assist with quarterly and annual counts.

Customer Experience

Respond to customer inquiries with professionalism, warmth, and a solution-oriented mindset. Track and resolve customer issues related to orders, shipping, returns, and product information. Identify recurring customer pain points and propose process improvements or AI automations that enhance experience without losing the human touch. Develop and refine service SOPs to ensure consistent, exceptional customer interactions.

Process Documentation & Automation

Learn, document, and refine all key operational workflows across ecommerce, shipping, customer service, and inventory management. Identify areas for automation (order tracking updates, returns processing, customer service macros) while ensuring communications remain personal and brand-aligned. Create and maintain SOPs for both manual and automated processes to enable team scalability and consistency. Test and implement tools that improve efficiency, speed, and accuracy across operations.

Founder Support

Assist with meeting prep, follow-ups, and light admin for the Founder. Help organize and execute special projects, from photoshoots to pop-up events. Research vendors, tools, and industry trends to support strategic decision-making.

Cross-Functional Exposure

Assist with wholesale order coordination and showroom organization. Manage press sample requests and returns for stylists, influencers, and media partners. Jump in on any task that keeps the business moving forward -- from urgent shipping requests to last-minute event needs.

What We're Looking For

1-4 years experience (we're looking for character, grit and drive over experience) Demonstrated initiative -- you've built something, led a project, coached teams/ students, or taken ownership in a past role Strong organization skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities Comfortable with ambiguity and fast changes in a start-up environment Excellent communication -- clear, concise, and confident Bonus: Fashion, retail, coaching or start-up background

Why This Role is a Great Fit for You

Learn directly from the Founder -- mentorship and insight you can't get in a large company Build a versatile skill set across operations, logistics, and brand-building Be part of a small, passionate team where your contributions are visible and valued Perfect for a learn-it-all, ambitious future founder or operations leader

How to Apply

Please email your

cover letter and resume

to

careers@michiny.com

with the subject line:

Founder's Operations Associate. .

In your cover letter, share what 'entrepreneurial spirit' means to you, and how have you shown it in your work or life?
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00-$60,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

Bonus pay
Benefits:

Dental care Extended health care Paid time off Store discount Vision care
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:

Toronto, ON M6K 3E3: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

Customer relationship management: 1 year (preferred) E-commerce: 2 years (preferred) Fashion retail: 2 years (preferred)
Language:

English (required)
Location:

Toronto, ON M6K 3E3 (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-08-17
Expected start date: 2025-08-18