Senior Operations Manager

Senior Manager, Reagent Manufacturing & Planning OperationsLocation: Pacheco, CAEmployment Type: Temp to PermCompensation: $160,000–$175,000 annually + 10–15% bonusAbout the RoleWe are seeking a highly skilled Senior Manager to lead and scale Reagent Manufacturing and Planning Operations in a high-growth, highly regulated environment. This role will be responsible for building the manufacturing organization, optimizing production planning, driving operational excellence, and partnering cross-functionally to enable rapid year-over-year growth. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, a scale-up mindset, and deep experience in GMP/ISO13485 reagent or consumable production.Essential FunctionsBuild & Scale Reagent Manufacturing OperationsDevelop, expand, and mature reagent production processes to support rapid growth.Build a high-performing manufacturing team through hiring, onboarding, training, and talent development.Define long-term manufacturing strategy, including capacity expansion, automation, and facility/equipment scaling.Lead technology transfers from R&D into Manufacturing, ensuring scalable, validated, and repeatable processes.Production Planning for ScaleArchitect a robust end-to-end planning function, including demand review, capacity modeling, MPS creation, and scheduling.Implement planning systems (MRP, forecasting models, dashboards) for both short-term execution and long-term scalability.Strengthen inventory strategy across raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.Identify capacity constraints and develop mitigation strategies for labor, equipment, materials, and process bottlenecks.Operational Excellence & Systems ImplementationDrive a Lean/continuous improvement culture to increase throughput and reduce scrap.Establish SOPs, documentation, training programs, and quality systems that support predictable scale-up.Lead site readiness for audits, certifications, and regulatory inspections.Collaborate with Engineering on automation, process control systems, and technology adoption.Cross-Functional Leadership in a High-Growth EnvironmentPartner with R&D, Product Development, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Finance to align operational plans.Serve as a key contributor to S&OP with forward-looking capacity, inventory risk assessments, and cost insights.Ensure reagent availability to support commercial launches, new product introductions, and changing field demand.Other duties as assigned.CompetenciesScale-up mindset with ability to anticipate future operational needs.Strong people leadership and team development.Operational rigor and process-driven thinking.Effective cross-functional collaboration and influence.Data-driven decision-making (forecasting, dashboards, planning models).Continuous improvement orientation.Proven experience supporting rapid scale-up in volume, product mix, facility capacity, or team size.Strong understanding of GMP/ISO13485 and reagent manufacturing processes.Demonstrated success implementing planning systems, MPS, and capacity models.Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment while building structure for long-term stability.Experience in biotech, diagnostics, MedTech consumables, or related fields preferred.Experience implementing or redesigning ERP/MRP systems preferred.Background in Lean Six Sigma, automation, or continuous improvement initiatives preferred.Success Measures / KPIsBuild a scalable reagent production team and organization structure.Implement or enhance ERP/MRP planning tools and dashboards.Expand reagent manufacturing capacity to meet growth projections.Improve throughput, yield, and batch success rates while reducing scrap and variability.Establish a stable MPS process with high schedule adherence.Enable successful new product launches and technology transfers.Strengthen quality, compliance, and documentation for scale.Supervisory ResponsibilityThis position directly manages the Reagent Manufacturing and Supply Chain/Procurement departments, including hiring, training, performance management, promotions, and reviews.Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/DisabledTo read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:• The California Fair Chance Act• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance