Operational Specialist

nextSource; Paramus (NJ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

STD & LTD

401(k)

Discount program

Job summary

nextSource is seeking an Operations Specialist in Paramus, NJ, onsite, to support contract manufacturing relationships and operational execution across a limited network of partners. This service‑oriented role provides a critical link between internal teams and external manufacturers to ensure service reliability, cost efficiency, and product quality.

Responsibilities include serving as the on‑site CM contact, resolving production, shipping, and inventory issues, coordinating documentation in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred
• 3 years of experience in contract manufacturing, filling, blending, packaging, supply chain, or manufacturing operations preferred
• Experience in Cosmetics, Beauty, Personal Care, CPG, or related industries preferred
• Aptitude and willingness for growth within specific areas manufacturing operations, quality processes, supply chain processes, and external partner relationships
• Organized and proactive in supporting cross-functional projects and operational requirements
• Experience with SAP, Oracle, Dynamics, Salesforce or similar ERP and reporting tools

Responsibilities

• Serve as the on-site contact for assigned contract manufacturing partners
• Support Associate Manager of Operations and Logistics Manager with on-site issue resolution surrounding production, shipping/receiving and inventory roadblocks or data discrepancies
• Proactively ensure contract manufacturing partners receive timely, accurate, and actionable information required to successfully execute production
• In person turnover of packaging and formulation samples for quotation and operational feasibility confirmation
• In person review of final artwork files prior to component production
• Regular updates to CMs regarding packaging or artwork updates that could impact production
• Physical and digital IQC standards
• Facilitate the timely turnover of line trial specifications, as well as final fill and assembly specifications
• Precise and accurate documentation within the Salesforce system of all information turnover to CMs and teams
• Escalate and support rapid communication and resolution of manufacturing constraints, supply interruptions, quality concerns, and operational risks
• Build trust with manufacturing partner teams by proactively providing updates and documents well within lead time
• Champion timely responses to CM questions and roadblocks
• Serve as the on-site contact to Quality Assurance, Regulatory and R&D
• Collaborate with PKG and CM Quality teams to ensure alignment in quality processes, required documents and expectations
• Collaborate with PKG Lab and Regulatory to ensure all questions and follow ups for CM R&D Lab have been quickly and completely addressed
• Partner with Quality and Manufacturing teams at both PKG and CM to investigate product deviations, non-conformances, customer complaints, audit findings, and out-of-specification results
• Support change control processes involving formulations, packaging components, raw materials, manufacturing processes, and specifications
• Promote a culture of quality ownership, compliance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across the external manufacturing network
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally
• Support cross-functional teams and contract manufacturers to achieve shared business objectives

Skills

Driver’s license

Organized

Collaborative

Growth mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain/engineering/OPS

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Dynamics

Salesforce

Job description

Location: Paramus, NJ 07652 (100% onsite)

Schedule: Mon – Fri 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Pay Range: up to $35.00/hour commensurate with experience

The Operations Specialist is responsible for supporting CM relationships and operational execution across a limited network of contract manufacturing partners. This is above all a service role, providing a critical link between internal cross-functional teams and external manufacturing partners to ensure service reliability, cost efficiency, and quality compliance. The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative self-starter. This individual is highly conscientious and organized, ensuring manufacturing partners have the information, support, and quality guidance necessary to deliver exceptional service and product quality.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

CM Support - Ops

• Serve as the on-site contact for assigned contract manufacturing partners
• Support Associate Manager of Operations and Logistics Manager with on-site issue resolution surrounding production, shipping/receiving and inventory roadblocks or data discrepancies
• Proactively ensure contract manufacturing partners receive timely, accurate, and actionable information required to successfully execute production. This includes:
• In person turnover of packaging and formulation samples for quotation and operational feasibility confirmation
• In person review of final artwork files prior to component production
• Regular updates to CMs regarding packaging or artwork updates that could impact production
• Physical and digital IQC standards
• Facilitate the timely turnover of line trial specifications, as well as final fill and assembly specifications
• Precise and accurate documentation within the Salesforce system of all information turnover to CMs and teams
• Escalate and support rapid communication and resolution of manufacturing constraints, supply interruptions, quality concerns, and operational risks
• Build trust with manufacturing partner teams by proactively providing updates and documents well within lead time. Champion timely responses to CM questions and roadblocks

CM Support - Quality and Compliance

• Serve as the on-site contact to Quality Assurance, Regulatory and R&D
• Collaborate with PKG and CM Quality teams to ensure alignment in quality processes, required documents and expectations
• Collaborate with PKG Lab and Regulatory to ensure all questions and follow ups for CM R&D Lab have been quickly and completely addressed
• Partner with Quality and Manufacturing teams at both PKG and CM to investigate product deviations, non-conformances, customer complaints, audit findings, and out-of-specification results. Partner with Quality teams during escalation events to minimize business disruptions and customer impact
• Support change control processes involving formulations, packaging components, raw materials, manufacturing processes, and specifications
• Promote a culture of quality ownership, compliance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across the external manufacturing network.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally
• Support cross-functional teams and contract manufacturers to achieve shared business objectives

EXPECTATIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Candidate is ideally located in the Paramus, NJ area for flexible attendance between the Lab in Paramus NJ and local CMs
• Driver’s license
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred
• 3 years of experience in contract manufacturing, filling, blending, packaging, supply chain, or manufacturing operations preferred
• Experience in Cosmetics, Beauty, Personal Care, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), or related industries preferred
• Aptitude and willingness for growth within the specific areas manufacturing operations, quality processes, supply chain processes, and external partner relationships
• Organized and proactive in supporting cross-functional projects and operational requirements
• Experience with SAP, Oracle, Dynamics, Salesforce or similar ERP and reporting tools

ENGAGEMENT TERMS:

• W2 only.
• No C2C or third-party agencies/suppliers.
• No work authorization sponsorship now or in the future.

nextSource is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff…?

nextSource is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].

What nextSource Provides:

• Healthcare Benefits including Medical, Prescription, Vision & Dental Coverage | United Healthcare
• Voluntary STD & LTD | New York Life
• 401(k) Retirement Planning | Fidelity
• Discount Program

You are Eligible to participate in the benefits program if you are considered a full‑time employee of nextSource, working at least 30 hours per week on a consistent basis. Your coverage will be effective on the 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.