Director of Operations

The Director of Operations supports the Badger mission as a results-driven and strategic leader of the manufacturing, supply chain, and quality systems for our growing portfolio of OTC topical products and cosmetics. This role is pivotal in ensuring end-to-end operational excellence across formulation, manufacturing, filling, packaging, warehousing, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will have significant leadership experience in FDA-regulated manufacturing environments and a passion for developing high-performing teams in a fast-paced, consumer-focused business.

Essential Responsibilities: 

Operational Leadership and Department Management

· Oversees all operational functions, including production, supply chain, procurement, quality assurance, and logistics, ensuring alignment with company growth goals and regulatory requirements (FDA, cGMP, ISO).

· Drives operational strategy focused on continuous improvement, lean manufacturing principles, and supply chain optimization.

· Leads departmental change initiatives and drives adoption of company-wide changes within reporting teams.

· Conducts short-term and long-range capacity planning and cost-benefit analysis for systems, facility, and equipment enhancements.

· Partners with R&D and Quality teams to support new product introductions, scale-up of formulations, and technical transfer processes for effective transition to internal operations or third-party manufacturing.

· Oversees supply chain/inventory strategy in coordination with the Inventory Manager and Controller.

· Works with the Quality Manager and Operations Manager to ensure rigorous compliance with FDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), OTC drug monographs, and cosmetic labeling laws.

· Establishes and monitors KPIs across Operations and Quality to track output, cost control, waste reduction, labor efficiency, and quality performance.

· Oversee the sourcing, set-up, and performance evaluations of all third-party manufacturers.

· Directs capital planning, equipment procurement, and facility improvements to support capacity growth and efficiency.

· Owns departmental resource planning and budgeting.

· Ensure safe, ethical, and legally compliant work environments by promptly addressing or escalating safety or ethical concerns.

· Drives environmentally responsible operational practices in line with Badger’s sustainability values.

· Anticipates and manages risks that could impact departmental or cross-functional operations.

People Leadership Responsibilities

· Oversees the Operations Manager, Inventory Manager, Sourcing & Purchasing Manager, and Quality Manager.

· Models company mission and principles through day-to-day actions and strategic decisions, setting a standard for ethical and purpose-driven leadership.

· Provides leadership, training, and guidance to managers and teams, cultivating a healthy, mission-aligned, and productive workplace culture.

· Leads performance management processes, including conducting check-ins for new team members, facilitating Alignment Building Process meetings, managing complex performance issues with HR support, and making exit decisions for departmental staff.

· Drives employee development and succession planning within reporting departments.

· Resolves complex conflicts and facilitates consensus among diverse stakeholders. Makes critical independent decisions and ensures alignment between conflicting parties.

· Facilitates interdepartmental and departmental meetings and develops effective communication strategies to align teams and support organizational goals. Represents departments in Strategy Team meetings and other company events.

· Balances multiple departmental and organizational priorities, effectively resolving competing needs between the business, departments, and individuals.

· Fosters inclusive team environments by actively seeking diverse perspectives during discussions and decision-making processes.

Requirements

· Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field (MBA or advanced technical degree preferred).

· Minimum 10 years of experience in operations leadership, with at least 5 years in a regulated OTC and/or cosmetic manufacturing environment.

· Proven success managing full-scale production, including manufacturing, filling, and packaging of creams, gels, lotions, and liquids.

· Deep understanding of FDA regulatory requirements for OTC drugs and cosmetics.

· Strong working knowledge of cGMP, 21 CFR 210/211, OTC drug monographs, and ISO standards.

· Experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.

· Exceptional leadership and team-building skills with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.

· Strong project management, budgetary, and analytical skills.

· Proficient in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Syspro, NetSuite, SAP) and production planning tools.

Physical Requirements:
Employee should be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations

Minimum starting pay $110,000, commensurate on experience

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Wellness Resources