Senior Director of Operations

OLLY PBC (part of the Unilever Health & Wellbeing VMS Co-Op) is seeking a Senior Director of Operations to lead Contract Manufacturing, Procurement Operations, and Innovation. This role focuses on scaling operations, strengthening supplier partnerships, and driving new VMS product innovation to market.

• Provide strategic direction to build a resilient, efficient, sustainable, future-ready supply chain.
• Lead and develop teams across contract manufacturing, procurement operations, and innovation.
• Oversee external manufacturing partnerships and manage relationships across Operations, QA, and Product Development.
• Ensure capacity planning, quality compliance, and cost optimization across manufacturing partners.
• Drive sourcing strategies and supplier performance for raw materials, packaging, and manufacturing services.
• Lead procurement operations to ensure timely, cost-effective, risk-mitigated supply.
• Partner with Corporate, Legal, and Finance to align contract terms with policies and risk tolerance.
• Collaborate with R&D, Marketing, and Commercial teams to launch new VMS products.
• Ensure operational readiness for innovation launches (sourcing, manufacturing, supply planning).
• Develop and execute operational strategies to support growth, scalability, and margin improvement.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and procurement.
• Monitor industry trends and propose forward-thinking solutions to enhance VMS operations.
• Collaborate with corporate shared services (WBC) on strategic initiatives, compliance, and support.
• Build and mentor a high-performing, accountable, collaborative culture.

• 15+ years of experience in operations, supply chain, or manufacturing (preferably VMS, food, or CPG).
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Extensive experience in gummy manufacturing or similar confectionery formats.
• Proven leadership in contract manufacturing and procurement operations.
• Experience managing innovation and product development teams.
• Expertise in procurement contract management and vendor negotiations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

• Location: Remote (USA).

• Hours: Full time, exempt (salary).

• Travel: Up to 10%.

• Compensation: Base salary range $206,640–$252,560 annually (converted to an estimated monthly midpoint in the salary field).

• Benefits/perks: 100% employer-paid employee-only medical, dental + orthodontics, and vision; 4 weeks PTO + paid holidays + 12 mental health days; 100% paid parental leave; fertility + adoption benefits; annual bonus; 401(k) with employer match; hybrid work + wellness + cell phone stipends; free product; and more.