WHO ARE WE?
We are the VMS Co-Op, a group of fast growing companies in the Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements (VMS) space. The VMS Co-Op includes OLLY, SmartyPants and future acquisitions to come! This position's home company is OLLY.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Reporting to the Chief Supply Chain Officer, the Senior Director of Operations will lead our Contract Manufacturing, Procurement Operations, and Innovation functions for the Unilever Health & Wellbeing VMS Co-Op. This role is critical to scaling our operations, strengthening supplier partnerships, and driving product innovation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide strategic direction and develop a resilient, efficient, and sustainable supply chain that is future-ready.
- Lead and develop a high-performing team across contract manufacturing, procurement operations, and innovation.
- Oversee external manufacturing partnerships and manage relationships across Operations, QA, and Product Development teams.
- Ensure capacity planning, quality compliance, and cost optimization across all manufacturing partners.
- Drive sourcing strategies and supplier performance across raw materials, packaging, and manufacturing services.
- Lead procurement operations to ensure timely, cost-effective, and risk-mitigated supply.
- Collaborate with Corporate, Legal, and Finance to ensure contract terms align with company policies and risk tolerance.
- Partner with R&D, Marketing, and Commercial teams to bring new VMS products to market.
- Ensure operational readiness for innovation launches, including sourcing, manufacturing, and supply planning.
- Strategic Operations & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Develop and execute operational strategies that support growth, scalability, and margin improvement.
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and procurement.
- Monitor industry trends and bring forward-thinking solutions to enhance VMS operations.
- Collaborate closely with WBC (Corporate) to ensure alignment on strategic initiatives, compliance, and shared services support across operations and procurement.
- Build and mentor a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
CAPABILITIES + SKILLS REQUIRED
- 15+ years of experience in operations, supply chain, or manufacturing, preferably within VMS, food, or CPG industries.
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
- Extensive experience in gummy manufacturing or similar confectionery formats.
- Proven leadership in contract manufacturing and procurement operations.
- Experience managing innovation and product development teams.
- Demonstrated expertise in managing procurement contracts and vendor negotiations.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- A true team player who works cross-functionally to achieve results.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE INTERVIEW PROCESS
- Initial video screen with a member of our Talent team
- Round 1: Conversation with the Hiring Manager + 1-2 conversations with other Ollies on the team
- Round 2: 2-3 conversations with team or cross functional Ollies
- Final Round: Homework*
*At OLLY, our final round is called Homework. Candidates who participate in this round are given 3 questions in advance to answer and present to the interview panel they previously spoke with in the process. We understand every candidate is different. If you need a reasonable accommodation to adjust this procedure, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can evaluate and provide other options that work for your needs
THE DETAILS
LOCATION: San Francisco, CA - Hybrid Schedule 1x/week in office
HOURS: Full time, exempt (salary)
MANAGER: Chief Supply Chain Officer
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
TRAVEL: upto 10%
The base salary range for this role is $206,640.00 - 252,560.00 based off of experience and location.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- An opportunity to work with an intelligent, inspiring, and extraordinarily fun team
- We pay 100% of the premiums for employee-only medical, dental + orthodontics, and vision insurance
- 4 weeks PTO + paid holidays + 12 Mental Health Days per year
- 100% Paid parental leave, Fertility + Adoption Benefits
- Annual Bonus
- 401(k) plan with Employer Match
- Hybrid Work + Wellness + Cell Phone Stipends
- Free product
- And much more!
