Director of Operations

Westwood Laboratories LLC; Azusa (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Westwood Laboratories LLC is seeking a driven, hands-on Director of Operations to lead the transformation of our beauty and cosmetics manufacturing operations. This is a high-impact leadership role reporting to the CEO, focused on advancing operational excellence, quality, and scalable processes.

You will partner with executive leadership to drive KPIs, digital transformation, Lean initiatives, and right-first-time execution while building strong teams in a fast-paced, FDA-regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Direct manufacturing experience in beauty, cosmetics, or personal care is essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Production, Compounding, Warehouse, and Facilities with focus on efficiency, quality, productivity, and cost improvements.

Skills

Direct manufacturing experience

Operations leadership

KPIs & process improvement

Lean manufacturing

Project management

Executive collaboration

Tools

ERP systems

Manufacturing automation

Job description

Director of Operations – Beauty & Cosmetics Manufacturing

Salary Range: $130,000 – $160,000 annually, depending on experience (DOE)

Reports Directly to the CEO

Ready to Lead the Next Chapter of Manufacturing Excellence?

At Westwood Laboratories, we're building the future of our operations, and we're looking for a driven, hands-on Director of Operations to help lead the transformation.

As an established FDA-registered contract manufacturer specializing in beauty, cosmetics, personal care, and OTC products, we're focused on strengthening operational excellence, embracing technology, and building scalable processes for continued growth.

We're not looking for someone to simply manage operations. We want someone who can elevate them.

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment, takes ownership, and knows how to turn challenges into results.

What You'll Lead

• Operational Excellence: Oversee Production, Compounding, Warehouse, and Facilities, driving efficiency, quality, productivity, and cost improvements.
• Quality & Compliance: Champion a quality-first culture, ensuring manufacturing operations consistently meet cGMP, FDA, safety, and customer requirements. Partner closely with Quality and Regulatory teams to strengthen compliance, process controls, and right-first-time execution.
• KPIs & Accountability: Establish meaningful performance metrics, dashboards, and systems that drive measurable results.
• Digital Transformation: Lead the transition from paper-based processes toward automation, improved ERP utilization, and data-driven operations.
• People Leadership: Develop high-performing teams, strengthen accountability, and create a culture of ownership and continuous improvement.
• Strategic Execution: Partner directly with the CEO to translate business priorities into action, lead cross-functional projects, and deliver results.
• Continuous Improvement: Implement Lean manufacturing practices, reduce downtime and waste, and optimize production performance.

What You Bring

• Direct manufacturing experience in beauty, cosmetics, or personal care is essential.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing experience with strong operations leadership.
• Proven success implementing KPIs, improving processes, and driving measurable operational improvements.
• Experience with ERP systems, manufacturing automation, and organizational transformation.
• Strong experience operating in FDA-regulated, cGMP manufacturing environments, with a demonstrated understanding of quality systems, compliance, documentation, deviation management, CAPA, and process controls.
• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing, cGMP, and FDA-regulated operations.
• A self-motivated, solutions-oriented leadership style with strong project management and execution skills.
• A hands-on, solutions-oriented leadership style with the confidence to make decisions, drive accountability, and collaborate directly with executive leadership

Why Westwood?

Because you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact.

We're a company with a strong foundation and an exciting opportunity ahead. You'll work directly with the CEO, influence operational strategy, develop teams, and help shape the next phase of our growth.

Westwood Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer.