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.
ABOUT YOU
You are an experienced and results-driven leader in manufacturing, recognized for your ability to deliver successful commercial launches and fostering high performance in fast–paced environment. You are adept at navigating complex technical challenges, uniting cross-functional groups and guiding technical initiatives to completion. With a strong bias for action and strategic mindset, you promote a culture of continuous improvement.
Reporting to the Chief Product Officer, the Director of Technical Services is responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of gummy production, ensuring that all processes and products meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency. This role involves managing technical teams (internally and externally) and working cross functionally with operations and quality in developing and implementing technical strategies, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee Production Processes: Manage and supervise the gummy manufacturing process, including scale up; ensuring that all production activities are carried out efficiently and meet quality standards.
- Technical Leadership: Provide technical direction and support to the R&D and production teams, including troubleshooting and resolving technical issues as they arise.
- Quality Assurance: Develop and implement in-process procedures to ensure that all products meet the required specifications and standards.
- Research and Development: Lead R&D efforts to improve gummy products and manufacturing processes, including optimization of critical processing parameters, scale up, verification/validation and technical transfers. Lead R&D design at pilot scale for innovation, change management and savings programs including transfer to scale up. Compliance: Ensure that all manufacturing activities comply with industry regulations and company policies.
- Team Management: Recruit, train, and manage technical staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
- Budget Management: Develop and manage the technical budget, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and efficiently.
- Collaboration: Work closely with other departments, such as marketing, sales, quality and supply chain, to ensure that technical requirements are met and aligned with business goals.
CAPABILITIES + SKILLS REQUIRED
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in food manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Technical experience in establishing, scaling and transfer of gummy manufacturing in the nutraceutical industry including the establishment of technical policies, procedures and reports
- Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of gummy manufacturing processes and technologies.
- Leadership: Proven ability to lead and manage technical teams effectively.
- Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Innovation: Ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement in manufacturing processes.
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: Remote, USA
HOURS: Full time, exempt (salary)
MANAGER: Chief Product Officer
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
TRAVEL: upto50%
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!
