Compounding Manager

Bradford Labs; Broadview (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Bradford Labs is seeking a Compounding Manager to lead liquid, hot pour, and aerosol operations at its Illinois facilities. This hands‑on management role directs day‑to‑day operations, maintains product quality and GMP compliance, and develops a high‑performing, multi‑shift team.

The role collaborates with Operations, Quality, R&D, and Scheduling to meet production targets and uphold standards. Strong leadership, technical, and GMP knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in manufacturing compounding with 2+ years in supervision; 7+ years preferred.
• Experience with liquid compounding; aerosol manufacturing preferred.
• Working knowledge of cGMP principles and documentation requirements in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to lead and develop hourly production teams across multiple shifts.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all compounding operations for liquid, hot pour, and aerosol product lines, ensuring output meets targets.
• Serve as a working manager with direct involvement in formulation execution, equipment setup and troubleshooting, and batch review.
• Monitor throughput, yields, and cycle times; identify and resolve inefficiencies and capacity constraints.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of batch records, logbooks, and documentation in line with cGMP guidelines.
• Manage scheduling and sequencing of compounding runs across shifts; coordinate with Scheduling and Planning.
• Support transition from one-shift to three-shift operation, including staffing and training.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Batch records familiarity

Troubleshooting

Production scheduling tools

ERP/MES familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related technical discipline

Tools

ERP/MES systems

Batch record systems

Job description

Position Description

The Compounding Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of Bradford Labs’ liquid, hot pour, and aerosol compounding functions at the two Illinois manufacturing facilities. This is a working management role — the Compounding Manager is both a hands‑on technical resource and a people leader, responsible for directing day‑to‑day operations, maintaining product quality and GMP compliance, and developing a high-performing team across a growing multi‑shift operation. The Compounding Manager works closely with Operations, Quality, R&D, and Scheduling to ensure production targets are met and standards are upheld.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee all compounding operations for liquid, hot pour, and aerosol product lines, ensuring output meets scheduled volume, quality, and safety targets.
• Serve as a working manager with direct involvement in formulation execution, equipment setup and troubleshooting, and batch review.
• Monitor and optimize throughput, yields, and cycle times; identify and resolve compounding inefficiencies, capacity constraints, and other execution challenges.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of batch records, logbooks, and other compounding documentation in compliance with cGMP standards.
• Manage the scheduling and sequencing of compounding runs across shifts in coordination with the Scheduling and Planning function.
• Support the transition from a one-shift to a three-shift operation, including staffing planning, training, and process standardization.

Quality, Safety, and Compliance

• Ensure all compounding batches meet expected quality standards and pass acceptance testing. Work with the R&D and Quality teams to make appropriate adjustments to batches as needed and in line with acceptable cGMP guidelines.
• Ensure all compounding activities comply with applicable cGMP, FDA, EPA, OSHA, and DOT requirements, including those specific to aerosol manufacturing (propellant handling, pressure vessel regulations).
• Enforce safe handling procedures for flammable, reactive, and pressurized materials; maintain current knowledge of relevant hazard classifications and SDS requirements.
• Ensure team compliance with PPE requirements, lockout/tagout, confined space, and other applicable safety programs.
• Partner with the EHSS function to conduct hazard assessments, support incident investigations, and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain equipment in proper working condition; collaborate with maintenance on preventive maintenance schedules.
• Support internal audits, customer audits, and third‑party inspections; assist in developing and responding to audit findings.
• Directly supervise compounding operators and leads across multiple shifts; provide day‑to‑day direction, performance feedback, and coaching.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and training of compounding personnel; build and document SOPs and training materials.
• Conduct performance evaluations; address performance concerns promptly and in partnership with Human Resources.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cross‑shift consistency and knowledge transfer.
• Develop compounding leads and high‑potential operators for increased responsibility as the shift structure expands.

Process Improvement & Technical Support

• Collaborate with R&D and Quality on new product scale‑up, formula transfers, and process validations.
• Lead or participate in root cause analysis for deviations, OOS results, and customer complaints related to compounding.
• Identify and champion opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and cost through process and/or equipment changes.
• Maintain current knowledge of industry best practices and regulatory requirements for personal care contract manufacturing.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing compounding, blending, or production role, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead capacity. 7+ years preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with liquid compounding operations; familiarity with hot pour and or aerosol manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of cGMP principles and documentation requirements in a personal care, pharmaceutical, or related regulated manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to lead and develop hourly production teams across multiple shifts.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot equipment and process issues.
• Proficiency with batch record systems, production scheduling tools, and standard office software.
• Ability to interpret formulas, SOPs, and technical specifications.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred. Qualified candidates with equivalent combination of education and or hands‑on formulation experience encouraged to apply.
• Aerosol manufacturing experience, including propellant handling, pressure testing, and DOT/EPA compliance a plus.
• Experience in personal care or cosmetics contract manufacturing or related industry.
• Familiarity with ERP or MES systems for production tracking and inventory management.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, and lift in a manufacturing environment; occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs.
• Exposure to chemical compounds, heat, noise, and pressurized systems; appropriate PPE required and provided.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including occasional off‑shift coverage, as operational needs require.
• This is an on‑site role; remote or hybrid arrangements are not available.

Department

Department: Operations Reports to: VP of Operations - IL