Operations Manager for ALP Nicotine Pouches

Location : In-office in Los Angeles, CA or Remote (PST hours alignment)About the company : ALP is redefining the nicotine pouch industry by building the fastest-growing brand in the market. They are committed to innovation, quality, and delivering the best experience for our customers. As they continue to expand, we seek talented individuals who are passionate about e-commerce, technology, and brand growth.Company culture : At ALP, they operate with a lean, highly skilled team where every member is an expert in their field. As a fast-paced startup, they value initiative, adaptability, and the willingness to go beyond expectations. They are looking for individuals who are excited to build something significant alongside a dedicated team and are ready to contribute their expertise to their shared success.Position overview : ALP is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the planning, procurement, and inventory management of their product portfolio and in-store materials. This individual will play a key role in ensuring optimal product availability, operational efficiencies, and effective cross functional communication. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in inventory planning, vendor relations, and process improvement, with a keen eye for detail and a passion for driving business results.Key Responsibilities 1. Inventory Planning & Demand ForecastingDevelop, implement, and maintain inventory forecasting models to ensure consistent product availability.Monitor stock levels and lead times to optimize reorder points and quantities, balancing supply needs with cost efficiency.Collaborate with the Sales and Marketing teams to forecast demand fluctuations and align inventory strategies with promotional activities and sales goals.2. Vendor Relations & ProcurementIdentify, evaluate, and manage relationships with suppliers and vendors, including those providing in-store POS (Point of Sale), POP (Point of Purchase) materials, packaging, accessories, and merchandise.Negotiate contracts and service-level agreements, ensuring cost-effectiveness and timely delivery.Maintain a strong vendor communication cadence to track production timelines, quality assurance, and delivery schedules.3. Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Marketing, Sales, and other internal stakeholders to gather insights on promotional strategies, sales forecasts, and market demands.Coordinate new product launches and promotional campaigns by aligning inventory management timelines with marketing and sales objectives.Ensure transparent and timely communication of any potential supply or operational issues across relevant departments.4. System & Process ManagementOversee systems to track lead times, reorder dates, inventory levels, and inbound deliveries.Maintain accurate records within inventory management software or ERP systems.Generate regular reports on inventory levels, product movement, and supplier performance, distributing these insights to the appropriate teams.5. Operational Efficiency & Continuous ImprovementAnalyze current operational processes to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement.Develop and implement strategies to improve supply chain efficiencies, reduce costs, and drive overall operational effectiveness.Present findings and recommendations to leadership, outlining clear action plans and metrics for success.6. Risk Management & ComplianceMonitor regulatory and industry compliance requirements specific to the nicotine category, ensuring all operational activities adhere to relevant guidelines.Proactively identify potential inventory or supply chain risks and develop contingency plans.Qualifications & Skills Education & Experience o Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's degree is a plus).3-5 years of experience in operations, supply chain, or inventory management (preferably in CPG or a closely related industry).Proven track record in vendor management, procurement, and demand planning.Proficiency with supply chain management or inventory planning software.Strong Excel and data analysis skills for forecasting, budgeting, and reporting purposes.Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with cross functional teams and external vendors.Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including project management and conflict resolution.Ability to present complex data in a clear, concise manner to stakeholders at all levels.Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.Adaptable, proactive problem-solver with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.