Operations Manager
About The Position
Bright Endeavors is seeking a strategic and hands-on Operations Manager to oversee the daily production, distribution, inventory, and supply chain operations of our growing soy candle and home fragrance social enterprise. This role is responsible for ensuring that production, fulfillment, and quality goals are consistently met while maintaining efficient systems and strong team leadership. The Operations Manager partners closely with production staff and the finance team to ensure accurate inventory management, cost control, and operational sustainability. This is a highly collaborative role that blends people leadership, systems thinking, and hands-on operational execution all in support of a mission-driven workforce development model.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required, OR Associate’s degree with 5+ years of experience, OR high school diploma/equivalent with 7+ years of related experience
- 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, or supply chain management
- 3+ years of experience supervising staff, volunteers, or interns
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment
- Valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and insurance; Daily access to a reliable vehicle
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed
- Ability to stand or sit for up to eight hours, walk up and down stairs, and lift or move items up to 50–60 pounds (or perform these tasks with reasonable accommodation)
- OSHA 40-hour certification (or willingness to obtain post-hire)
- Forklift certification (or willingness to obtain post-hire)
Nice To Haves
- Experience with MRP and/or inventory management systems preferred
- Experience with Shopify, Katana, or similar platforms preferred
- Experience with Microsoft Office and QuickBooks preferred
Responsibilities
- Oversee daily manufacturing, shipping, and receiving operations, ensuring production and fulfillment goals are met
- Manage production schedules and monitor performance using MRP systems
- Coordinate customer orders and invoicing with Sales and Finance partners
- Maintain equipment, safety standards, and efficient use of production and warehouse space
- Manage purchasing, inventory tracking, and material flow
- Ensure inventory accuracy and alignment with cost of goods sold (COGS)
- Monitor product costs, resolve discrepancies, and identify margin improvements
- Partner with Finance on forecasting and vendor management
- Lead inventory counts, audits, and reconciliation processes
- Develop and maintain SOPs and operational systems
- Improve inventory, warehouse, and production processes, including barcode systems
- Train staff on tools, systems, and workflows
- Supervise, coach, and develop Operations Coordinators and production staff
- Support scheduling, coverage, and ongoing performance development
- Ensure effective training for staff and volunteers
Benefits
- Medical insurance with generous employer contribution
- Dental and vision insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance – 100% employer-paid
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for free counseling and resources
- Generous paid time off, as well as 15 paid holidays and half days on Fridays during the summer
- 403b retirement plan with employer match
- Pre-tax transportation benefits
- Professional development support
- Free spiritual direction services
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
