Manager, Business Operations & Strategy

About the Company Our client is a growing, mission-driven candy brand focused on creating products that work—for customers, partners, and the business. As we scale, we’re seeking a highly capable operational leader to help turn vision into execution across the company. The Role We are hiring a Manager of Operations to serve as the CEO’s primary execution partner and integrator. This role is ideal for a proactive, system-minded operator who thrives on ownership, accountability, and building structure in a fast-moving organization. You will oversee core operational functions, translate strategy into action, and ensure the business runs efficiently day to day—while continuously improving how we operate. This is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the CEO. What You’ll Do Operational Leadership & Execution Own day-to-day operations across key functions, including operations, vendors, sales administration, marketing administration, and related areas Build, optimize, and document systems, workflows, and SOPs that remove ambiguity and improve performance Establish KPIs, dashboards, and operating rhythms (monthly/quarterly) to drive accountability and results Ensure strategic priorities are executed consistently across the organization CEO Partnership Act as the CEO’s first path to action—turning ideas into operational reality Anticipate operational gaps and resolve issues before they escalat Increase the CEO’s leverage by owning execution and follow-through on key initiatives Partner on priority-setting and resource allocation aligned with market and internal needs Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Coordination Lead key initiatives and ensure teammates have clear, measurable goals Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, and accountability Improve communication and coordination across departments Model direct, transparent, and respectful leadership Financial & Resource Management Partner with finance on budgeting, forecasting, expense control, and resource planning Maximize ROI and recommend cost-control or efficiency opportunities Ensure operational decisions support growth and profitability Vendor & Business Operations Manage and optimize vendor relationships for core products and services Oversee inventory planning and forecasting for existing and new SKUs Lead vendor reviews, negotiations, onboarding, and transitions as needed Partner with QC to support compliance and risk management efforts Sales Operations, Data, & Tools Oversee sales administration and performance reporting Serve as a liaison between the CEO and sales leadership on metrics and results Ensure sales teams and brokers are aligned on product knowledge, pricing, and updates Oversee third-party tools and platforms supporting sales, certifications, and promotions Analyze syndicated (Spins) and internal data to inform sales, marketing, and operations strategy Marketing Support Assess current marketing efforts and recommend clear priorities Collaborate with leadership to align marketing execution with business goals Who You Are Bachelor’s degree required An operator at heart—you love systems, process, and execution A builder who enjoys creating structure where none exists Strategic and hands‑on, equally comfortable in leadership discussions and day‑to‑day details A natural “CEO multiplier” who amplifies leadership impact A direct, confident communicator who can create clarity and accountability High ownership mindset—you default to action and problem‑solving Experience scaling startups, leading cross‑functional teams, or owning P&L is a strong plus What Success Looks Like Within your first 6–12 months, you will have: Strengthened operating systems that allow the CEO to focus on high‑leverage work Increased efficiency, clarity, and execution velocity company‑wide Built a stable operational foundation through metrics, reporting, and budgeting Fully owned operations, enabling leadership to focus on sales and growth Key initiatives may include: Launching 1–2 new SKUs, fully sellable in the U.S. before Q3 Supporting sales teams in exceeding revenue and expense targets through compelling, data‑driven insights Helping shape and prioritize marketing initiatives that materially impact growth Compensation & Benefits Base salary: $109,450–$128,600 (DOE) plus bonus Performance‑based bonuses tied to revenue growth and expense optimization 90% health insurance coverage 100% dental coverage 401(k) with up to 4% employer match (after 1 year) 3 weeks PTO The salary range provided in this job posting may vary based on a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, qualifications, location, and the specific needs of the company. The stated range is not a guarantee of compensation, and the employer reserves the right to modify or change it at any time. Final compensation will be determined through discussions with the candidate and will be formalized in the offer letter. #J-18808-Ljbffr Bright Talent, Inc.