SENIOR DIRECTOR of OPERATIONS: Health/Beauty/Cosmetics – Liquid Fill, Hot Pour Salinas, CA

* Category: Operations
* Location: Salinas, CA   
* Relocation: YES 
* Salary Range: Base to 225K plus bonus

Summary

Our client is a manufacturer of beauty and personal care products across multiple categories including: powders, hot pour and liquid filling. The business specializes in natural formulation and is a leader in the industry. Due to expansion, they are looking for an experienced Sr. Director of Operations to oversee two plants located in greater Salinas, CA area.

The Senior Director of Operations will be accountable for day-to-day operational performance at the facilities. Production across two local sites focuses on liquids, hot pour and anhydrous products.  This individual will lead core business functions including operations, engineering, and technical support, and collaborate closely with the CEO to help execute the company’s growth strategy.

This role will champion cultural evolution, develop and implement strategic initiatives, and establish efficient business processes aligned with industry best practices. The ideal candidate brings strong operational expertise, a passion for excellence, and the agility to drive results in a resource-conscious, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage daily site operations across production, technical support, and engineering
• Evaluate current operational capabilities and prepare the business for scalable growth
• Continuously improve performance, profitability, and process efficiency through data-driven insights and strategic planning
• Lead Lean/Six Sigma and TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) initiatives, instilling a culture of continuous improvement
• Ensure full compliance with company standards, policies, and all applicable regulatory requirements
• Partner with functional leaders in supply chain and quality to ensure seamless operations and issue resolution
• Direct capital projects, ensuring delivery on time, on budget, and in alignment with strategic priorities
• Support the development and succession of key talent through coaching, mentoring, and structured programs
• Champion a culture of accountability, empowerment, and performance excellence
• Deliver the SQPCDM metrics across the campuses
• Actively identify operational challenges and lead the implementation of high-impact solutions

Requirements        

• • Must have a Bachelor’s degree
  • Must have 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in the consumer products sector with liquid fill (compounding and filling) exposure
  • Must have a track record of scaling operations and introducing effective systems and processes
  • Must be hands-on, execution-focused leadership with broad cross-functional operational oversight
  • Must have the ability to diagnose challenges and lead turnaround or enhancement strategies
  • Must have a strong background in GMP and regulatory compliance
  • Experience leading a loss elimination culture and results through TPM, Lean or Six Sigma is required
  • Ability to lead in a high-growth, fast-moving, and entrepreneurial setting
  • Strong data analytics capabilities and decision-making skills
  • Exceptional leadership and communication skills across all levels of the organization
  • Must possess strong leadership & communication skills with the ability to work effectively across all levels and departments within a fast-paced and dynamic environment
  • Conversational fluency or higher in Spanish is a plus
  • Previous experience working with a private equity sponsored business preferred

Relocation is available if needed. They will offer a competitive base salary, bonus potential, full benefits and ample opportunity for advancement. Send resume to: jobs@foodemployment.com