VP, Operations
About the role
The VP of Operations will serve as the COO's primary strategic partner, translating company vision into operational execution across all channels and functions. They will own the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of operational strategies, SOPs, and infrastructure that support scalable, high-velocity growth.
Responsibilities
Own the transition from growth-stage operations to enterprise-level operational excellence across DTC, B2B, and CPG retail channels.
Drive new product launch readiness, ensuring operational capabilities are fully aligned with sales expectations and go-to-market timelines.
Represent operations at the leadership level, contributing to company-wide strategy, planning, and key business decisions.
Oversee all DTC e-commerce operations, including fulfillment, order management, returns, and customer experience touchpoints.
Lead B2B operational strategy, managing the full lifecycle of wholesale and distributor relationships — from contracting and onboarding through ongoing performance management.
Ensure seamless execution across both DTC and B2B channels, maintaining quality, speed, and brand standards at every touchpoint.
Partner with Marketing, Sales, and Product teams to align operational capacity with promotional calendars, new launches, and demand fluctuations.
Identify and implement technology solutions that improve DTC and B2B operational efficiency, including OMS, WMS, and ERP integrations.
Own all CPG retail operations, including partnerships with major national and regional retail accounts across the health and wellness supplement space.
Manage the end-to-end retail supply chain — from production planning and co-manufacturing coordination through final shelf placement and replenishment.
Lead deductions management, chargebacks, and compliance processes across retail accounts, minimizing revenue leakage and maintaining strong account health.
Negotiate and manage contracts, co-op agreements, and trade terms with retail buyers and brokers.
Ensure products are consistently in-stock, correctly positioned, and fully compliant with retail partner requirements and planogram standards.
Drive expansion of retail distribution, identifying new account opportunities and leading the operational onboarding of new retail partners.
Oversee the full supply chain from raw material procurement through finished goods delivery, ensuring continuity, cost efficiency, and quality at every stage.
Develop and manage relationships with co-manufacturers, contract packagers, and ingredient suppliers specific to health and wellness supplement production standards.
Build and maintain demand planning and inventory management systems that balance fill rates, carrying costs, and service level targets across all channels.
Partner with Product Development and Finance to align supply chain capacity with new product launches, seasonal demand, and long-range growth projections.
Own all inbound and outbound logistics strategy, including carrier relationships, freight contracts, routing guides, and cost management.
Lead warehouse operations and 3PL partnerships, driving continuous improvement in throughput, accuracy, and cost per unit.
Establish fulfillment standards and SLAs across DTC, B2B, and retail channels, ensuring all orders are picked, packed, and shipped with speed and precision.
Manage retail logistics compliance, ensuring all shipments to retail partners meet routing, labeling, and delivery window requirements.
Manage 3PL contract negotiations, performance reviews, and escalations, holding partners accountable to service and cost commitments.
Identify and implement logistics technology and process improvements that reduce cost per shipment and improve on-time delivery performance.
Build scalable fulfillment infrastructure that supports rapid volume growth without sacrificing quality or customer experience.
Build strong, trust-based partnerships across Finance, Marketing, Sales, Product Development, and Supply Chain to ensure full operational alignment.
Establish a performance culture grounded in accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Coach and mentor operational leaders, creating clear growth paths and succession plans within the team.
Model Just Ingredients' values in every interaction — building a team that reflects the authenticity, collaboration, and mission-driven culture of the brand.
Qualifications
- 15+ years of progressive operational leadership experience, with at least 3–5 years at the VP level or equivalent senior role with genuine passion for health, wellness, and the supplement industry.
- Proven expertise managing complex, multi-channel operations spanning DTC e-commerce, B2B wholesale, and CPG retail — ideally within the health and wellness supplement or nutrition industry.
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field required; MBA strongly preferred.
- Deep knowledge of CPG retail operations, including major retail account management, deductions, compliance, trade terms, and supply chain execution.
- Strong command of supply chain fundamentals including demand planning, inventory management, co-manufacturing, fulfillment, and 3PL management.
- Demonstrated track record of scaling operations in a high-growth, fast-moving environment — from early stage through significant revenue scale.
- Experience partnering directly with a C-suite executive (COO, CEO, or President) as a strategic operational advisor with the ability to interpret and act on operational dashboards, KPI frameworks, and financial models.
- Expertise in operational technology platforms including ERP, WMS, OMS, and demand planning tools.
- Excellent communication and leadership presence — able to influence at all levels and represent operations clearly to the board, investors, and retail partners.