Director of Operations, Manufacturing

At NeoLife, we give everyone the power to live healthier and happier lives. We are a world-wide nutrition company operating in over 50 countries and in business since 1958. For over 60 years, generations of families around the world have trusted NeoLife to provide leading-edge formulas that are based in nature and backed by science, using only the finest and safest non‑GMO ingredients for nutrition supplements, earth-friendly home care, and organic skin care. Position Summary This position is at our Manufacturing Division located in Hayward, California. The Director operates as a strategic and cross‑functional leader, managing through functional Managers who oversee daily departmental execution. This role ensures alignment across departments, drives operational discipline, supports scalable growth, and builds strong leadership capability within each functional area. Key Responsibilities 1. Strategic Operational Leadership Establish operational vision, priorities, and measurable objectives aligned with company strategy. Lead through Managers to ensure consistent execution across all plant functions. Build leadership capability within each department. Break down silos and drive cross‑functional collaboration. Develop succession planning and talent development within operations. 2. Manufacturing / Packaging Oversight Provide strategic direction to Manufacturing and Packaging departments. Ensure production capacity supports sales forecasts and growth plans. Partner with Product Development to ensure products are operationally feasible and scalable. Ensure manufacturing readiness and targets are achieved. Monitor KPIs including output, efficiency, scrap, labor utilization, and on‑time completion. Ensure a strong safety culture across plant operations. 3. Supply Chain & Logistics Oversight Guide sourcing strategy and vendor management. Ensure inventory strategy balances cash flow and service levels. Oversee shipping and receiving performance and order fulfillment accuracy. Identify risk mitigation strategies for supply continuity. 4. Facilities & Infrastructure Provide direction for preventative maintenance and capital planning. Ensure equipment reliability and infrastructure scalability. Oversee environmental, health, and safety compliance. 5. Operational Compliance Ensure compliance with all applicable food safety and regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, USDA, HACCP, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and other international regulations) following cGMP’s. Maintain audit readiness for domestic and international regulatory bodies and third‑party certifications. Monitor global regulatory requirements and advise leadership on operational impact. Oversee inspection readiness and audit performance. Promote a culture of proactive quality ownership across departments. 6. Financial & Business Performance Develop and manage the plant’s operating budget. Monitor departmental performance against cost, quality, and service targets. Drive margin improvement through efficiency, waste reduction, and cost control. Evaluate and prioritize capital investments. Report operational performance metrics to the executive leadership. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field required. Experience in FDA regulated manufacturing environment, preferably Dietary Supplement manufacturing operation. 8+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience (12+ preferred). Minimum 5 years leading through other managers. Demonstrated success scaling operations in a small or mid‑sized company. Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on understanding of plant operations. Strong leadership through influence rather than direct control. Experience building structure and process in growing organizations. Comfortable operating in environments with limited layers and evolving systems. Decisive, adaptable, and solution oriented. Strong financial and business acumen. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite of applications (Word, Excel, Outlook). To apply, please submit your resume and salary requirements. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. NeoLife offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and more. Visit to learn more. #J-18808-Ljbffr