Company Overview:

A leading innovator in the development and manufacturing of probiotics, nutritional gummies, and custom health products. The company offers comprehensive, cutting-edge solutions across a wide range of VMHS (vitamins, minerals, herbs, and supplements), as well as Beauty and Ready-to-Drink (RTD) formulations and delivery systems that are crafted to align with the dynamic preferences of today’s health-conscious consumers.

Position Title: Chief Operating Officer – Gummy Vitamin/Supplement Manufacturing

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Founder/CEO, the COO will be a key member of the executive team. This role will provide dynamic and strategic oversite to the organization’s development and growth. The COO will bring a confectionery, gummy, vitamin, and supplement operation experience needed to provide direction to all operation ensuring operational efficiency, growth and scalability.

Key Responsibilities:

Facility Launch & Setup

• Lead the ramp-up and implement projects to assist the Founder in building-out the brand-new gummy, vitamin, and supplement manufacturing addition to the facility.

• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure on-time and on-budget launch of manufacturing facility.

Operations Management

• Oversee all aspects of production, quality assurance, supply chain, warehousing, and logistics.

• Implement lean manufacturing practices and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Ensure production goals are met while maintaining high standards of safety and quality.

Team Leadership

• Build, manage, and mentor a high-performance operations team including production managers, quality leads, and supply chain personnel.

• Develop training programs and foster a culture of accountability, safety, and innovation.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with FDA, cGMP, NSF, and other relevant regulations and certifications.

• Lead audit readiness and risk management protocols.

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Align operational goals with company strategy, forecasting, and growth plans.

• Collaborate with sales, R&D, and marketing to manage new product launches and scale production.

Financial Oversight

• Manage operational budgets, analyze cost structures, and drive efficiency and profitability.

• Monitor KPIs and report on operational performance to the CEO.

• Develop and implement strategies to optimize the supply chain, including procurement, inventory management, and logistics, to meet customer demand and minimize costs.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in operations management, business disciplines or related field (MBA preferred).

• 10-15 years in senior operations roles, specifically confectionery or nutraceutical manufacturing environments.

• Proven track record of successfully launching and scaling manufacturing operations.

• Deep understanding of cGMP, HACCP, FDA regulations, and quality systems.

• Strong leadership, team building, and communication skills.

• Strong experience with ERP systems, manufacturing software, and date-driven decision-making.

• Highly competent in developing and managing manufacturing operations, including Supply Chain, Facilities, Logistics, etc.

• Highly skilled in developing and leading high-performing teams.

• Experience in gummy supplement or confectionery production.

• Passion for health, wellness, and consumer products.

• Start-up or fast-growth environment experience.

Additional Details:

• Competitive base salary plus performance-based incentives.

• Equity options

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off and holidays.

• Position located in Kenosha, WI