Pomona, CA | Full-Time | $109,450–$128,600 + Bonus

About the Company

Our client is a growing, mission-driven candy brand focused on creating products that work—for customers, partners, and the business. As we scale, we’re seeking a highly capable operational leader to help turn vision into execution across the company.

The Role

We are hiring a Manager of Operations to serve as the CEO’s primary execution partner and integrator. This role is ideal for a proactive, system-minded operator who thrives on ownership, accountability, and building structure in a fast-moving organization.

You will oversee core operational functions, translate strategy into action, and ensure the business runs efficiently day to day—while continuously improving how we operate.

This is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the CEO.

What You’ll Do

Operational Leadership & Execution

Own day-to-day operations across key functions, including operations, vendors, sales administration, marketing administration, and related areas
Build, optimize, and document systems, workflows, and SOPs that remove ambiguity and improve performance
Establish KPIs, dashboards, and operating rhythms (monthly/quarterly) to drive accountability and results
Ensure strategic priorities are executed consistently across the organization

CEO Partnership

Act as the CEO’s first path to action—turning ideas into operational reality
Anticipate operational gaps and resolve issues before they escalate
Increase the CEO’s leverage by owning execution and follow-through on key initiatives
Partner on priority-setting and resource allocation aligned with market and internal needs

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Coordination

Lead key initiatives and ensure teammates have clear, measurable goals
Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, and accountability
Improve communication and coordination across departments
Model direct, transparent, and respectful leadership

Financial & Resource Management

Partner with finance on budgeting, forecasting, expense control, and resource planning
Maximize ROI and recommend cost-control or efficiency opportunities
Ensure operational decisions support growth and profitability

Vendor & Business Operations

Manage and optimize vendor relationships for core products and services
Oversee inventory planning and forecasting for existing and new SKUs
Lead vendor reviews, negotiations, onboarding, and transitions as needed
Partner with QC to support compliance and risk management efforts

Sales Operations, Data, & Tools

Oversee sales administration and performance reporting
Serve as a liaison between the CEO and sales leadership on metrics and results
Ensure sales teams and brokers are aligned on product knowledge, pricing, and updates
Oversee third-party tools and platforms supporting sales, certifications, and promotions
Analyze syndicated (Spins) and internal data to inform sales, marketing, and operations strategy

Marketing Support

Assess current marketing efforts and recommend clear priorities
Collaborate with leadership to align marketing execution with business goals

Who You Are

Bachelor’s degree required
An operator at heart—you love systems, process, and execution
A builder who enjoys creating structure where none exists
Strategic and hands-on, equally comfortable in leadership discussions and day-to-day details
A natural “CEO multiplier” who amplifies leadership impact
A direct, confident communicator who can create clarity and accountability
High ownership mindset—you default to action and problem-solving
Experience scaling startups, leading cross-functional teams, or owning P&L is a strong plus

What Success Looks Like

Within your first 6–12 months, you will have:

Strengthened operating systems that allow the CEO to focus on high-leverage work
Increased efficiency, clarity, and execution velocity company-wide
Built a stable operational foundation through metrics, reporting, and budgeting
Fully owned operations, enabling leadership to focus on sales and growth

Key initiatives may include:

Launching 1–2 new SKUs, fully sellable in the U.S. before Q3
Supporting sales teams in exceeding revenue and expense targets through compelling, data-driven insights
Helping shape and prioritize marketing initiatives that materially impact growth

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary: $109,450–$128,600 (DOE) plus bonus
Performance-based bonuses tied to revenue growth and expense optimization
90% health insurance coverage
100% dental coverage
401(k) with up to 4% employer match (after 1 year)
3 weeks PTO

Important Note

This opportunity is being managed by Bright Talent. Bright Talent is not the employer of record for this position.

*The salary range provided in this job posting may vary based on a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, qualifications, location, and the specific needs of the company. The stated range is not a guarantee of compensation, and the employer reserves the right to modify or change it at any time. Final compensation will be determined through discussions with the candidate and will be formalized in the offer letter.

Bright Talent, Inc.

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