Our client is one of the country’s leading independent nutritional supplement contract packagers, serving a diverse, worldwide customer base since 1991. Operating out of a 30,000 sq. ft. facility in San Marcos, California, their automated high-speed packaging lines produce over 100,000 bottles and 150,000 packets daily — all in strict compliance with FDA cGMP standards.
With deep roots in the nutraceutical industry and a growing customer base ranging from emerging brands to large-scale supplement companies, they are positioned for significant growth. The company recently completed an Amazon Seller Fulfilled certification, opening new channels for its clients and for the business as a whole. They are is employee-owned, operationally focused, and built on a mission of delivering finished product at the highest level of quality — on time, every time.
THE OPPORTUNITY
We are seeking an experienced Senior Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations in an FDA cGMP-regulated environment. This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role that sits at the center of the business — touching order management, production, warehouse, quality assurance, and customer relationships.
The right candidate will be a proven operator who thrives in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment and takes pride in building systems, leading teams, and delivering results. This person will work closely with the CEO and have a direct line of influence on the next chapter of growth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Operations & Order Management
- Review and process customer purchase orders into the ERP system (IRIS).
- Identify and communicate discrepancies or required corrections with customers.
- Create, update, and convert temporary work orders into active production work orders.
- Release work orders to production and monitor order status.
- Coordinate customer-supplied materials and ensure all required components are available before production begins.
Production Planning & Scheduling
- Develop and maintain production schedules based on customer priorities and manufacturing capacity.
- Prioritize work orders to meet delivery commitments.
- Coordinate daily with production, warehouse, and office staff.
- Monitor production progress and adjust schedules as needed.
- Identify opportunities to minimize downtime and maximize labor and equipment utilization.
Warehouse & Inventory Management
- Ensure warehouse procedures and inventory controls are followed.
- Provide leadership support for warehouse operations when needed.
- Monitor inventory levels to support upcoming production requirements.
- Coordinate inventory availability with purchasing and production teams.
- Prepare customer-specific inventory and usage reports.
Quality Assurance
- Maintain compliance with FDA cGMP requirements.
- Investigate and resolve quality-related issues promptly and thoroughly.
- Communicate quality concerns directly with customers.
- Review and approve QA/QC documentation.
Customer Service
- Serve as the primary operational contact for customers.
- Communicate order status, scheduling updates, and material requirements proactively.
- Build and maintain strong, long-term customer relationships.
- Coordinate with customers regarding outstanding invoices when necessary.
- Work with purchasing and inventory teams to ensure adequate materials are available for production.
Human Resources Support
- Review employment applications and participate in candidate interviews.
- Support hiring decisions and contribute to workforce planning.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- 5+ years of operations or manufacturing management experience in a regulated environment.
- Direct experience with FDA cGMP compliance; nutraceutical, dietary supplement, OTC, food & beverage, or pharmaceutical backgrounds strongly preferred.
- Proven ability to manage production scheduling, inventory, and warehouse operations simultaneously.
- Experience with ERP systems.
- Strong customer communication skills — comfortable serving as an operational point of contact.
- Hands-on leadership style with the ability to work alongside the team when needed.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Bachelor’s degree in operations, supply chain, business, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.