Operations Associate

Operations Associate

Location: Miami, FL — Hybrid

Salary: $50,000–$90,000/year, commensurate with experience

Employment Type: Full-Time

Travel:  Some travel required

About the Role

Finnsul is looking for a highly organized, detail-oriented  Operations Associate to own and manage the day-to-day operational processes behind our growing CPG brand.

This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment, can manage multiple vendors and timelines simultaneously, and is comfortable taking ownership across  procurement, production, testing, inventory, logistics, warehousing, and fulfillment .

You’ll work directly with Finnsul’s founders and external partners to ensure products are produced correctly, on time, and efficiently.

Key ResponsibilitiesVendor & Supplier Management

• Own day-to-day communication and relationships with  manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, packaging vendors, testing labs, 3PLs, freight providers, and other operational partners
• Request and compare vendor quotes, pricing, MOQs, lead times, and capabilities
• Negotiate pricing, timelines, and terms when appropriate
• Track vendor deliverables and hold partners accountable to agreed timelines
• Source and evaluate new vendors as operational needs arise
• Maintain organized vendor records, agreements, pricing, and documentation

Purchase Orders & Procurement

• Create, place, and manage  purchase orders across manufacturers, suppliers, packaging vendors, and other partners
• Confirm PO quantities, pricing, specifications, payment terms, and delivery dates
• Track open POs from placement through delivery
• Coordinate deposits, invoices, and payment schedules with internal teams
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and flag discrepancies
• Help forecast purchasing needs based on inventory levels, production schedules, and upcoming launches

Production Management

• Own  production timelines from PO placement through finished goods delivery
• Coordinate production schedules with manufacturers and suppliers
• Track raw materials, packaging components, production runs, and finished goods
• Ensure required components arrive before scheduled production dates
• Proactively identify potential production delays and develop solutions
• Coordinate new product launches and ensure operational deadlines remain on track
• Maintain production trackers and provide clear status updates to leadership

Product Testing & Quality Coordination

• Manage product testing schedules and coordinate with third-party laboratories
• Coordinate sample submissions, documentation, and testing requirements
• Track testing status and results
• Maintain organized records of  COAs, specifications, test results, and other quality documentation
• Work with manufacturers and laboratories to resolve testing or quality issues
• Ensure required testing is completed before product release

Inventory & Warehousing

• Monitor inventory levels across warehouses and fulfillment locations
• Coordinate inbound inventory with 3PL and warehousing partners
• Reconcile inventory discrepancies and investigate missing or damaged inventory
• Monitor inventory levels and flag potential stockouts or excess inventory
• Assist with inventory forecasting and reorder planning
• Manage inventory transfers when necessary
• Maintain accurate operational inventory records

Freight & Logistics

• Coordinate  inbound and outbound freight and shipments
• Manage communication with freight brokers, carriers, warehouses, manufacturers, and suppliers
• Obtain and compare freight quotes
• Track shipments and proactively resolve delays or delivery issues
• Coordinate appointments and receiving requirements with warehouses and 3PLs
• Manage freight claims, lost shipments, damages, and discrepancies

Fulfillment & Order Operations

• Manage relationships and communication with 3PL and fulfillment partners
• Monitor fulfillment performance and resolve operational issues
• Manage escalated orders, returns, replacements, shipping disputes, damages, and fulfillment errors
• Investigate recurring fulfillment problems and implement solutions
• Ensure warehouse and fulfillment processes support a strong customer experience

Systems & Process Improvement

• Build, document, and continuously improve  SOPs and operational processes
• Maintain organized operational trackers, documentation, and reporting
• Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and unnecessary costs
• Implement systems that allow Finnsul's operations to scale efficiently
• Track key operational deadlines and ensure nothing falls through the cracks
• Assist with operational budgeting, cost tracking, and vendor invoice reconciliation
• Support additional operational projects as the company grows

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 2–5 years of operations experience in supplements, wellness, food & beverage, or CPG required
• Experience managing vendors, purchase orders, production timelines, inventory, and logistics
• Experience working with contract manufacturers, 3PLs, freight providers, suppliers, and/or testing laboratories
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Extremely detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple timelines simultaneously
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable negotiating and communicating directly with external vendors
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to resolve operational issues independently
• Comfortable working with spreadsheets, inventory systems, and operational/project management tools
• Ability to work independently and take complete ownership of projects
• Comfortable working in a startup where responsibilities evolve as the company grows

What We're Looking For

We’re looking for someone who  takes ownership and follows through . You should be the type of person who notices that a production run is at risk before it becomes a problem, follows up with a vendor without being asked, catches discrepancies in a PO or invoice, and keeps every operational detail moving.

• This is  not a traditional corporate 9–5 environment . Every day can look different. You’ll wear multiple hats, work directly with leadership, take on significant responsibility, and have the opportunity to help build the operational infrastructure of a rapidly growing brand.