Director of Operations

W.S. Badger are makers of organic body care. Family owned and operated since 1995. We’re on a journey to create a healthier world. And we are inspired to make healing products and run a healthy business where money is the fuel and not the goal, where fun is encouraged, and where we cultivate good through our actions and advocacy. Our company philosophy flows from the ground up, beginning with our relationship to the grounds that support our building and the landscapes that supply our ingredients. We walk through these spaces gratefully, respectfully, and always with our footprints in mind.

We are currently seeking a Director of Operations to join our team in Gilsum, New Hampshire.

The Director of Operations supports the Badger mission as a results-driven and strategic leader of the manufacturing, supply chain, and quality systems for our growing portfolio of OTC topical products and cosmetics. This role is pivotal in ensuring end-to-end operational excellence across formulation, manufacturing, filling, packaging, warehousing, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will have significant leadership experience in FDA-regulated manufacturing environments and a passion for developing high-performing teams in a fast-paced, consumer-focused business.

Essential Responsibilities:
Operational Leadership and Department Management

• Oversees all operational functions, including production, supply chain, procurement, quality assurance, and logistics, ensuring alignment with company growth goals and regulatory requirements (FDA, cGMP, ISO).
• Drives operational strategy focused on continuous improvement, lean manufacturing principles, and supply chain optimization.
• Leads departmental change initiatives and drives adoption of company-wide changes within reporting teams.
• Conducts short-term and long-range capacity planning and cost-benefit analysis for systems, facility, and equipment enhancements.
• Partners with R&D and Quality teams to support new product introductions, scale-up of formulations, and technical transfer processes for effective transition to internal operations or third-party manufacturing.
• Oversees supply chain/inventory strategy in coordination with the Inventory Manager and Controller.
• Works with the Quality Manager and Operations Manager to ensure rigorous compliance with FDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), OTC drug monographs, and cosmetic labeling laws.
• Establishes and monitors KPIs across Operations and Quality to track output, cost control, waste reduction, labor efficiency, and quality performance.
• Oversee the sourcing, set-up, and performance evaluations of all third-party manufacturers.
• Directs capital planning, equipment procurement, and facility improvements to support capacity growth and efficiency.
• Owns departmental resource planning and budgeting.
• Ensure safe, ethical, and legally compliant work environments by promptly addressing or escalating safety or ethical concerns.
• Drives environmentally responsible operational practices in line with Badger’s sustainability values.
•  Anticipates and manages risks that could impact departmental or cross-functional operations.

People Leadership Responsibilities

• Oversees the Operations Manager, Inventory Manager, Sourcing & Purchasing Manager, and Quality Manager.
• Models company mission and principles through day-to-day actions and strategic decisions, setting a standard for ethical and purpose-driven leadership.
• Provides leadership, training, and guidance to managers and teams, cultivating a healthy, mission-aligned, and productive workplace culture.
• Leads performance management processes, including conducting check-ins for new team members, facilitating Alignment Building Process meetings, managing complex performance issues with HR support, and making exit decisions for departmental staff.
• Drives employee development and succession planning within reporting departments.
• Resolves complex conflicts and facilitates consensus among diverse stakeholders. Makes critical independent decisions and ensures alignment between conflicting parties.
• Facilitates interdepartmental and departmental meetings and develops effective communication strategies to align teams and support organizational goals. Represents departments in Strategy Team meetings and other company events.
• Balances multiple departmental and organizational priorities, effectively resolving competing needs between the business, departments, and individuals.
• Fosters inclusive team environments by actively seeking diverse perspectives during discussions and decision-making processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field (MBA or advanced technical degree preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of experience in operations leadership, with at least 5 years in a regulated OTC and/or cosmetic manufacturing environment.
• Proven success managing full-scale production, including manufacturing, filling, and packaging of creams, gels, lotions, and liquids.
• Deep understanding of FDA regulatory requirements for OTC drugs and cosmetics.
• Strong working knowledge of cGMP, 21 CFR 210/211, OTC drug monographs, and ISO standards.
• Experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong project management, budgetary, and analytical skills.
• Proficient in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Syspro, NetSuite, SAP) and production planning tools.

Physical Requirements:

• Employee should be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations

Compensation:

• Minimum starting pay $110,000, commensurate on experience

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Wellness Resources