Role Overview for Director of Operations – Beauty & Personal Care Manufacturing
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a dynamic and innovative leader in the beauty and personal care manufacturing sector. Our client is renowned for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and cutting-edge product development, serving some of the world’s most recognized brands. As they enter a significant phase of growth and expansion, we are seeking a visionary and results-driven Director of Operations to join their executive team in Los Angeles, CA.
This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the entire scope of manufacturing operations, from raw material procurement to finished product distribution. The Director of Operations will be the strategic architect of operational excellence, tasked with optimizing processes, scaling capabilities, and ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency. You will lead a large, multi-functional team and play a critical role in shaping the company’s future by translating business strategy into flawless operational execution. The ideal candidate is a seasoned operations expert with a deep understanding of the complexities of beauty or personal care manufacturing, a passion for continuous improvement, and a proven track record of building and leading high-performance teams in a fast-paced environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a substantial impact on a growing company and drive the operational backbone that supports its continued success in a competitive market.
Key Responsibilities of Director of Operations – Beauty & Personal Care Manufacturing
The Director of Operations will have a broad and challenging mandate, overseeing all facets of the manufacturing and supply chain ecosystem. Success in this role requires a blend of strategic vision and hands-on execution.
Strategic Leadership & Operational Planning
Develop and implement a comprehensive operational strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term goals for growth, profitability, and market leadership. Drive key initiatives in process optimization, technology adoption, and capacity expansion. Collaborate with the executive team to establish annual operating plans and budgets.
Manufacturing & Production Oversight
Assume full responsibility for all plant operations, including production scheduling, resource allocation, and workflow management. Ensure production targets for volume, cost, and quality are consistently met or exceeded. Champion a culture of safety, ensuring compliance with all OSHA and environmental regulations. Implement and refine manufacturing best practices to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
Supply Chain & Logistics Management
Direct all aspects of the end-to-end supply chain, including strategic sourcing, procurement, inventory management, warehousing, and logistics. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. Optimize inventory levels to balance working capital with service level demands.
Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance
Uphold the highest standards of product quality and safety. Oversee the Quality Assurance and Quality Control departments, ensuring robust systems are in place to meet and exceed customer expectations. Guarantee strict adherence to industry regulations and standards, including Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), FDA, and other relevant regulatory bodies. Lead the response to any audits or inspections.
Financial Acumen & Budget Management
Develop and manage the annual operations budget, exercising rigorous cost control and financial discipline. Analyze operational and financial data to identify trends, opportunities for cost reduction, and areas for investment. Prepare regular performance reports for the executive team, focusing on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as OEE, cost per unit, on-time delivery, and inventory turns.
Continuous Improvement & Process Excellence
Be the primary driver of a continuous improvement culture throughout the organization. Utilize methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen to identify and eliminate inefficiencies, streamline processes, and enhance overall operational effectiveness. Foster an environment where innovation and problem-solving are encouraged at all levels.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-caliber operations team, including managers in production, supply chain, quality, and maintenance. Set clear goals and expectations, provide regular feedback and coaching, and foster a collaborative and accountable work environment. Champion talent development and succession planning to build a strong leadership pipeline within the operations function.
Requirements for the Director of Operations – Beauty & Personal Care Manufacturing
We are seeking a candidate with a distinguished career in operations management, specifically within a relevant manufacturing environment. The qualifications below are essential for success in this demanding role.
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 12-15 years of progressive experience in operations management, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role (Director level or above) overseeing a significant manufacturing operation.
Industry Expertise
Direct, hands-on experience in the beauty, cosmetics, personal care, or a closely related consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry with complex batch manufacturing is mandatory. Experience with contract manufacturing is a significant plus.
Technical Skills
- Expert-level knowledge of cGMP regulations and FDA requirements applicable to cosmetics and personal care products.
- Proven mastery of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies. Certifications (e.g., Black Belt) are highly desirable.
- Strong proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
- Demonstrated financial acumen with extensive experience in budgeting, cost management, and financial analysis.
Leadership Qualities
- Exceptional leadership and team-building skills with a proven ability to inspire, motivate, and develop large, diverse teams.
- A strategic and analytical thinker with the ability to solve complex problems and make data-driven decisions under pressure.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, capable of effectively engaging with stakeholders at all levels, from the plant floor to the boardroom.
- A results-oriented mindset with a strong sense of urgency and a commitment to excellence and accountability.
- High emotional intelligence and the ability to navigate a dynamic, fast-paced, and entrepreneurial culture.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Competitive Executive Salary
A highly attractive base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Performance-Based Bonus
A significant annual bonus potential based on individual and company performance.
Equity Participation
Meaningful equity or long-term incentive plan participation, allowing you to share in the company’s success.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and paid holidays.
Professional Development
Support for continued learning, including conferences, certifications, and leadership training programs.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate.
Employee Perks
Generous employee discounts on company products and a positive, collaborative work environment.
How to Apply
If you are a visionary operations leader with a passion for the beauty industry and a track record of driving manufacturing excellence, we want to hear from you. This is a confidential search conducted by JRG Partners.
To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a detailed cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role. JRG Partners is a leader in Beauty & Personal Care Executive Recruiters, and we look forward to connecting with you. Apply today to take the next step in your career with an industry-leading company.
