2 posts tagged “rhodeisland”

Some of the UK MOO Crew have just got back from visiting our office in Providence, Rhode Island. It was so nice to meet up with our new American colleagues - and more than a little sad to come back with out them. They're doing a great job over there though, and it was nice to see the office doesn't look quite as bare as we'd imagined it, from our numerous video conferences.

We were also happy to see certain MOO traditions making it across the ocean - like Friday lunch for example. Sure enough, when Friday arrived, our fantastic new US Head of Operations, Dan, passed around the menus and got us all together for food and a chat. It's always a good way to see what everyone's been up to, and how everyone's getting along. This week we discussed extremely important topics - like how to get sand out of a clam, for example. (Soak them in salted water with a little cornmeal - the clam will take in the meal and spit out the sand, or, soak the clams in fresh water. As they breathe, the water is filtered, so the clam will push the sand and salt water out together.)

Dan's got a great team together, and we're planning a blog-interview with him soon, so he can tell you more about them. (We might also uncover the mystery of why we all call him 'Dan Cakes'.)

Of course, the other reason we were in Providence this week was the MOO Party! Thanks so much to everyone who came and made us feel so very welcome.

We spoke to lots of interesting people, including John Maeda and the Mayor of Providence! The latter took time out of his busy schedule to honour us with a special citation - which you can see Brian proudly displaying here:

We had a mix of UK and Rhode Island snacks, like mini shepherd's pie and clam chowder. The weather was also a mix of both, I think, starting off a bit cloudy (Rhode Island?) and ending up with rain (London!). Luckily we were well covered - as you can see in this shot, by Megan

All in all the week went by far too quickly - we had time for just two local delicacies - 'Cawfee milk' (nice!) and NY weiners. For the uninitiated, RI's NY weiners come with meat sauce - which is literally, sauce, made of meat. We didn't understand it either, but can confirm that it tastes pretty good!

The one thing we didn't have was Del's lemonade - but in a way, we're quite happy about this. It seems like a very good reason to go back soon.

As usual we always find it difficult to keep a secret. So you may already have heard that MOO is going to open an office in the US later this year.

"Why?" you ask. Well, ever since MOO launched in September 2006, we've had orders from customers around the world.  After a little investigation, we've found that over 50% of you are in the USA. By opening an office there too, we'll be able to ship your orders so much faster! (We think that deserves a *Yay!*, even if we do say so ourselves.)

"When?" you want to know. Well, we haven't opened our doors just yet as we still looking for some great people to join the MOO Crew in the USA.  In particular, we are looking for a new customer service team and an operations manager. If you love MOO and you (want to) live in Providence, Rhode Island, please stay tuned for job descriptions.

**UPDATE** - please see below for details of the Operations Manager role.

As for everyone wondering when we will start printing in the US, you'll have to wait just a little longer. We can't tell you an exact date, but we promise you it will happen before June. So, stay tuned. We'll announce here on the blog and in our newsletter when we officially launch.  

What? You're not signed up to the newsletter? Well. Hurry, sign up now and you won't miss out on the MOO news (and special newsletter promotions). There's a sign up box just there, to your right.

moo.com is looking for an Operations Manager for our new US location!

The Operations Manager will manage a stand-alone dispatch and customer service operation, and will directly impact MOO's success by ensuring quality, productivity, efficiency and customer satisfaction. This position would suit a candidate with significant operational management experience, ideally with a background in a print, mail-order fulfillment, customer contact or service environment.

Responsibilities:
•Overall responsibility for all aspects of your operation including: Production, Quality, Customer Service, Facilities, Systems, Logistics, Materials, Health & Safety and Employment
•Direct, plan and organize all activities for a small dispatch team including: prep, quality checking, order packing and shipping to ensure accurate and timely fulfillment of customer orders
•Oversee a small customer service team and assist with high level case escalations
•Hire and train full-time (non-exempt) and contract employees

Candidate Requirements:
•5-7 years experience managing teams in a production, assembly or other direct labor environment
•Experience with commercial printing a big plus
•Direct experience with process management, inventory control, and quality assurance in a production environment
•Demonstrated ability to work independently and autonomously
•Proven ability to lead and mentor a team
•Experience dealing directly with customers and vendors
•Solid problem solving skills
•Excellent written and oral communications skills
•Experience setting up and troubleshooting basic PC hardware/software
•Excellent skills with internet, email, Microsoft Office and other applications
•Ability to lift 50 pounds
•Must have valid drivers license

Education
•College degree strongly preferred

About the Company:

MOO is an award-winning online stationers based in London, England. We launched in 2006, with one product, the MiniCard. About half the size of a regular business card, MiniCards are made using variable print technology, meaning every card in the set can be different. MOO has subsequently expanded its product line to include Business Cards, Stickers, Postcards, Greeting Cards and Note Cards.

MOO has grown rapidly, enjoying a global demand for its products from day one, and continues to work with some of the web's fastest growing online communities, including Flickr, Facebook, iStockphoto, Etsy and Live Journal to name a few. Today, a team of 35 people develop and operate MOO's services from two London locations. Their mission is simple - deliver remarkable products which delight customers.

MOO ships its products worldwide from the United Kingdom, but plans to launch a second fulfillment and customer service operation in the USA by mid 2009.

MOO is a investor backed startup, with funding from the Accelerator Group, Atlas Venture and Index Ventures.