Director of Operations

Director of Operations - Contract Manufacturing, Sourcing, Warehouse & Logistics Management and Product Development

Location: Bethesda, MD

Job Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Founder and President

About Dress it Up Dressing

Dress it Up Dressing is a dynamic and innovative CPG company committed to excellence in delivering high-quality salad dressing products to retail and food service companies. We seek an experienced and strategic Operations Director to oversee our contract manufacturing, sourcing, logistics/warehouse management, and new product development functions. This leadership role requires a multifaceted individual capable of managing end-to-end operations while driving product innovation, quality, and efficiency.

Role Overview

The Operations Director will manage and optimize the entire operations process—from product development to contract manufacturing, sourcing, warehouse management, and logistics. This position requires a hands-on leader who can coordinate between internal teams, suppliers, and external partners to streamline processes, drive product innovation, improve cost efficiency, and maintain high standards of quality and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Contract Manufacturing Management
• Lead and manage relationships with contract manufacturers to ensure products meet quality standards and production timelines.
• Oversee the development and execution of production schedules, troubleshooting any delays or issues.
• Monitor manufacturing performance, ensuring adherence to agreed KPIs, and implementing continuous improvement processes.

• Sourcing Strategy and Supplier Management
• Oversee the sourcing strategy for raw materials, components, and finished goods, ensuring cost-effectiveness, quality, and timely delivery.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors to negotiate contracts, secure favorable terms, and ensure supply chain resilience.
• Conduct regular supplier performance evaluations and work to mitigate any supply chain disruptions.

• Warehouse, Inventory & Logistics Management
• Manage third-party warehouse operations, including inventory control, storage optimization, and order fulfillment.
• Oversee logistics operations to ensure timely and cost-effective distribution of goods from suppliers to the warehouse and from the warehouse to customers.
• Implement and refine warehouse and logistics processes to ensure the efficient movement of goods, reducing costs and improving overall throughput.
• Ensure inventory accuracy through regular audits, minimizing stockouts and excess inventory, and maintaining a streamlined and organized warehouse.
• Develop and optimize the logistics strategy, including transportation management, freight negotiation, and international shipping logistics as necessary.

• Product Development
• Collaborate with the product development team to bring new products from concept to commercialization, ensuring alignment with business goals and customer needs.
• Lead the coordination of functions, including recipe development, product design, and marketing, to ensure seamless product development cycles.
• Work with internal team on prototyping, testing, and iterative improvements to ensure products meet quality standards and cost targets.
• Manage timelines for product development to ensure timely delivery to market while maintaining flexibility to adapt to changing customer requirements or market trends.

• Team Leadership & Development
• Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide mentorship, training, and development opportunities to enhance team performance.
• Establish and communicate performance expectations, conducting regular performance reviews.

• Process Optimization and Reporting
• Drive continuous improvement of operational processes and systems across manufacturing, sourcing, warehouse, logistics, and product development functions.
• Leverage data and performance metrics to inform decision-making and optimize operations.
• Prepare regular operational performance reports for senior leadership, highlighting key achievements and areas for improvement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Supply Chain Management or a related field.
• MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• 8 years of experience in operations management, preferably in contract manufacturing, sourcing, supply chain management, or logistics.
• Strong knowledge of business processes, inventory management, warehouse optimization techniques, logistics management, and product development processes.
• Proven track record of strategic sourcing and successful contract negotiations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Proficiency in ERP, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and Transportation Management Systems (TMS).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in CPG and supplying to retail customers is a plus.
• Strong business and financial acumen.
• Very strong Excel acumen is required.
• Knowledge of international sourcing, logistics, and product development lifecycle.
• Keen sense of urgency to quickly identify, analyze, and solve problems