Senior Operations Manager

JB Search Partners; San Marcos (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

JB Search Partners is seeking an experienced Senior Operations Manager for a fast-paced nutraceutical contract packing operation in California. You will oversee manufacturing, inventory, and QA in a CDS cGMP-aligned facility, driving order management, production planning, and customer communications.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong attention to detail, and collaboration with the CEO to propel growth and operational excellence.
This is a full-time on-site position in San Marcos, CA.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years in regulated manufacturing/operations management.
• Direct FDA cGMP compliance experience preferred.
• Experience managing production scheduling, inventory, and warehouse ops.
• Proven ERP system knowledge and cross-functional coordination.
• Strong communication with customers and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations in an FDA cGMP environment.
• Review and process customer orders into ERP, manage discrepancies.
• Develop and maintain production schedules based on priorities.
• Coordinate inventory with purchasing and production teams.
• Lead QA/QC alignment and ensure quality standards are met.
• Serve as primary operational contact for customers and relationships.

Skills

FDA cGMP experience

ERP systems

Operations management

Customer communication

Leadership

Detail-oriented

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Education

Bachelor’s degree in operations, supply chain, business, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

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.