Softgel Project and Process Improvement Manager

**Please no external recruiters**

Founded in 1984, Best Formulations LLC, a diversified nutraceutical and personal care company headquartered in City of Industry, California, is a contract manufacturer of thousands of branded SKUs, including high quality nutritional supplements including softgels, tablets, capsules, powders, teas, dietary supplements, and vegetarian softgels.

About the role:

We are a trusted partner to our customers when it comes to innovation and have one of the strongest R&D, product formulation and technical teams in the industry. We are recognized as the leader in plant-based softgel innovation and our ability to encapsulate difficult formulas. We seek out innovation across our entire business and pass that knowledge and expertise to our customers.

As a Softgel Project and Process Improvement Manager, will be a strategic and operational leadership role responsible for daily oversight of softgel manufacturing while driving transformational initiatives in lean manufacturing, cost reduction, and productivity. This position leads efforts to optimize OEE, reduce waste, implement innovative technologies, and execute cross-functional projects that improve quality, compliance, and throughput. The role works closely with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, R&D, and senior leadership to deliver measurable business outcomes while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

How will you contribute:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Essential job functions and duties include, but are not limited to:

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT LEADERSHIP:

• Champion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and 5S principles to systematically eliminate waste, increase value-added activity, and improve process flow across the softgel operation.
• Lead and mentor teams to deliver quantifiable cost savings initiatives, targeting yield improvement, scrap reduction, cycle time reduction, and productivity gains.
• Analyze and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) by driving equipment optimization, changeover reduction, and root cause elimination of unplanned downtime.
• Introduce and pilot innovative technologies (automation, inline monitoring, digital dashboards, smart sensors) that enhance operational visibility and control.
• Use structured problem-solving methods (DMAIC, A3, Fishbone, 5 Whys) to address recurring quality or efficiency challenges.
• Plan and execute cross-functional projects including layout redesigns, capacity expansion, process automation, and compliance upgrades.
• Develop project charters, resource plans, and implementation timelines while managing budget adherence and risk mitigation.
• Integrate project initiatives into daily operations to ensure sustained value delivery post-implementation.

SOFTGEL MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS:

• Provide day-to-day support as required to the Softgel Production Manager, assistant managers, supervisors, leads, and operators, maintaining efficient execution of production targets.
• Troubleshoot equipment, formulation, and workflow issues to ensure minimal downtime and quality deviation.
• Drive accountability for production KPIs such as OEE, Downtime, RFT, Yield, Schedule Adherence, and Labor Efficiency.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES:

• Performs a variety of leadership duties and job tasks within assigned department and/or work area,  ensuring that all applicable safety laws/regulations, as well as state/federal employment laws that pertain to position are followed in accordance with Company policies, procedures, standards, and work-rules.
• Deliver timely feedback through performance reviews; provide coaching, disciplinary action, and recognition aligned with HR policy.
• Participate in, or lead daily floor walk-throughs, safety inspections, and participate in incident investigations to maintain a safe work environment.
• Provides coaching, guidance, and training to department employees as required; ensures that employees meets company standards and work expectations as required by job description.
• Sets a positive example of leadership to others within the department and throughout the organization; promotes a leadership style that encourages open communication, positive team-building efforts and employee morale.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Life Sciences, or related technical field.
• Minimum 5+ years of leadership experience in softgel, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, or other regulated manufacturing environments.

Work Environment:

• May involve exposure to allergens such as Soy, Wheat, Fish, Shellfish, Milk, Egg, Tree Nuts and Sesame.
• Routinely required to stoop, bend, kneel, lift, reach, pull, push, and tilt object in the performance of job function.
• Lifting limitations for this position: 25-30 lbs. May have to manipulate heavier containers.
• Noise levels for most work environments can range from low to moderate. Some work areas require hearing protection for an 8-hour workday.

What Best Formulations can offer you:

• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Pet Insurance
• Health & Wellness programs
• Generous time off for vacations

More about us:

As a valued strategic partner, Best Formulations offers a comprehensive program of services, turnkey solutions, and client support that is unmatched in the industry. Our product development team can provide customized, proprietary formulations designed specifically to meet the needs of our customers and their method of distribution. Our vertically integrated manufacturing and packaging process allows us to schedule flexible production runs to respond quickly to shifting market demands. Every step of the way, we are committed to your growth and success!

"To develop and strengthen mutually beneficial relationships with our employees, customers, and business partners by providing the highest quality products and the Best customer service. Together We Grow!"

This position is currently classified as on-site.

Base Salary Range: $85,000.00 – 104,000.00 per year, based on candidate professional experience level. Employees are eligible to participate in Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k), Holidays, Vacation, Tuition Reimbursement Program.

The final salary offered for this position may take into account a number of factors including, but not limited to, location, skills, education, and experience.

In accordance with the CO Equal Pay Act, Colorado Applicants Are Not Permitted to Apply.

The Company reserves the right to modify, update, change and/or make corrections to this job description, at the sole discretion of senior management, at any time during the employee’s employment term, at the sole discretion of management.

EEO Statement

Best Formulations is an equal opportunity employer committed to employing a diverse workforce and providing accommodations for people with disabilities in all parts of the hiring process as required under its Employment Accommodation Policy. Best Formulations will work with applicants to meet accommodation needs that are made known to Best Formulations in advance.

**Please no external recruiters**