Technical Services Manager
Description
WHO ARE WE?
We are the VMS Co-Op, a group of fast growing companies in the Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements (VMS) space. The VMS Co-Op includes
OLLY,
SmartyPants and future acquisitions to come! This position's home company is OLLY.
ABOUT YOU
You are an experienced and results-driven leader in manufacturing, recognized for your ability to deliver successful commercial launches and fostering high performance in fast–paced environment. You are adept at navigating complex technical challenges, uniting cross-functional groups and guiding technical initiatives to completion. With a strong bias for action and strategic mindset, you promote a culture of continuous improvement. Reporting to the Chief Product Officer, the Director of Technical Services is responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of gummy production, ensuring that all processes and products meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency. This role involves managing technical teams (internally and externally) and working cross functionally with operations and quality in developing and implementing technical strategies, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
THE ROLE: TECHNICAL SERVICE MANAGER
Reporting to the Technical Services Director, the Technical Services Manager supports the execution and continuous improvement of VMS Co-Op manufacturing processes (with an initial focus on gummy production). You will lead technical initiatives across scale-up, process optimization, troubleshooting, change control, and technical transfers—ensuring products meet quality, safety, and regulatory requirements and that technical learnings are translated into repeatable best practices . You are a technically strong people leader with a bias for action and a passion for building scalable, compliant manufacturing processes. You thrive in fast-paced environments, partner effectively across Quality, R&D, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams, and are known for structured problem solving and clear communication. You enjoy being close to the work—supporting day-to-day execution—while also improving systems, standards, and capabilities.
THE CANDIDATE
You are technically proficient and are great at forging strong relationships with internal and external partners. You like to own your projects and want to deliver them proudly at the finish line on brief and within budget. You’re confident in your skills and use them with enthusiasm to encourage others to see your vision. You like to solve problems and you want to work as an integral part of a team that makes great things happen. .
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Process & production support
Provide day-to-day technical support for gummy manufacturing operations, helping to ensure safe, efficient execution and adherence to specifications.
Troubleshooting & problem solving
Lead structured investigations of process deviations, yield losses, and quality issues; identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) in partnership with Operations and Quality.
Scale-up & technical transfers
Support pilot-to-production scale-up, verification/validation activities, and technical transfers; document learnings and ensure handoffs enable reliable execution.
Process optimization
Identify and execute opportunities to improve critical process parameters, throughput, consistency, and cost; support savings and continuous improvement programs.
Quality & compliance
Partner with Quality to develop and maintain in-process controls, procedures, and documentation to meet internal standards and applicable regulations.
Change management
Support change control for formulations, materials, equipment, and process changes; assess technical risk and ensure changes are appropriately evaluated, documented, and communicated.
Cross-functional collaboration
Work closely with R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to align technical requirements with business goals and timelines.
Capability building
Train and coach operators and technical staff on process understanding, standard work, and problem-solving tools; contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
Data & reporting
Track key process and technical performance metrics; create clear summaries and recommendations for leadership and cross-functional partners.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Science, Chemistry, or related technical field Experience supporting new line start-ups, commissioning/qualification, or rapid scale-up in a high-growth environment. Experience with technical documentation such as process specifications, control plans, SOPs, work instructions, and validation protocols. Familiarity with sensory, texture, and stability considerations in gummy products
CAPABILITIES + SKILLS REQUIRED
At least 5 years of applicable experience in food, nutraceutical, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing (or closely related industry). Hands-on technical knowledge of gummy (or similar confection/gel-based) manufacturing processes, including equipment, unit operations, and critical processing parameters. Demonstrated ability to lead projects and deliver results within a defined technical scope; comfortable leading cross- functional problem solving. Working knowledge of GMPs, food safety/quality systems, and regulatory expectations relevant to nutraceutical/food manufacturing. Strong analytical skills and structured problem-solving approach (e.g., DMAIC/PDCA, root cause analysis, statistical thinking). Strong data-driven problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, including the use of statistical analysis tools to analyze process performance, variability, and improvement opportunities Clear, concise written and verbal communication skills; able to translate technical detail into actionable recommendations. Ability to prioritize independently and manage multiple technical workstreams in a fast-paced environment.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE INTERVIEW PROCESS
Initial video screen with a member of our Talent team Round 1: Conversation with the Hiring Manager + 1-2 conversations with other Ollies on the team Round 2: 2-3 conversations with team or cross functional Ollies Final Round: Homework* *At OLLY, our final round is called Homework. Candidates who participate in this round are given 3 questions in advance to answer and present to the interview panel they previously spoke with in the process. We understand every candidate is different. If you need a reasonable accommodation to adjust this procedure, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can evaluate and provide other options that work for your needs
THE DETAILS
LOCATION: Remote, USA HOURS: Full time, exempt (salary) MANAGER: Technical Services Director PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
TRAVEL REQUIRED: 20-30%
The base pay range for this position is $ 108,000-162,000 . For this remote role, compensation is determined based on geographic location and experience, and the final offer will reflect these factors within the posted range.
WHAT WE OFFER
An opportunity to work with an intelligent, inspiring, and extraordinarily fun team We pay 100% of the premiums for employee-only medical, dental + orthodontics, and vision insurance 4 weeks PTO + paid holidays + 12 Mental Health Days per year 100% Paid parental leave, Fertility + Adoption Benefits Annual Bonus 401(k) plan with Employer Match Hybrid Work + Wellness + Cell Phone Stipends Free product And much more!