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Senior Manager – Optical Manufacturing Laboratory
Location: Richmond, CA (Onsite)
Salary Range: $150,000 – $175,000 / year
Onsite Role: Currently 100% onsite at the Optical Manufacturing Lab in Richmond, CA — with potential for limited remote flexibility (e.g., 1 day per week) being discussed for the future.
About the Role
Seeking an experienced manufacturing leader to oversee all operations of a high-volume Optical Manufacturing Laboratory in Northern California. This facility processes over 450,000 eyeglass orders annually, averaging 10,000 orders per week, and operates 24 hours per day, 5 days per week with a workforce of 110+ employees and 5 direct reports.
The Senior Manager is responsible for production excellence, employee engagement, quality assurance, operational efficiency, safety compliance, and regulatory adherence. This role requires the ability to lead within a Labor Management Partnership environment while driving innovation, cost efficiency, and high member/customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead and manage a team of 110+ full-time employees and 5 direct reports.
- Foster cross-functional collaboration and effective communication.
- Drive employee development, coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
- Create a high-engagement culture focused on service, quality, accountability, and efficiency.
Operational Excellence
- Translate business plans into tactical goals and execution strategies.
- Track and improve KPIs including Turnaround Time (TAT), first-pass yield, productivity, and quality.
- Remove obstacles and improve workflow to enhance productivity and satisfaction.
- Implement continuous improvement strategies across all departments.
Asset & Inventory Management
- Develop strategic vision for equipment maintenance, inventory systems, ordering, storage, distribution, and returns.
- Ensure all lab equipment is functioning at optimal levels.
- Build business cases for upgrades and new technology procurement.
Financial Planning & Budget Management
- Lead financial strategy, budgeting, and operational cost management.
- Identify opportunities to reduce expenses while maintaining quality results.
- Promote a culture of financial stewardship and cost consciousness.
Safety, Compliance & Quality Control
- Ensure full compliance with all regulatory, federal, safety, and quality standards (e.g., OSHA, ANSI, FDA, ISO).
- Develop and maintain comprehensive safety programs and inspection procedures.
- Monitor production quality and implement solutions when issues arise.
Training & Education
- Design and deliver ongoing training for lab personnel and optical professionals.
- Ensure staff proficiency with equipment, workflows, policies, and safety procedures.
- Maintain contemporary knowledge of optical manufacturing and integrated technologies.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, STEM, or related field and 8+ years in an optical lab or directly related environment
- OR 11+ years of experience in an optical lab or related manufacturing field.
- 7+ years of leadership experience managing direct reports.
- 5+ years in optical manufacturing, eyewear fabrication, CAM, or similar manufacturing discipline.
- At least 1 year managing operational or project budgets.
Knowledge & Skills:
- Optical manufacturing & equipment familiarity
- Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) & eyewear fabrication
- Business acumen & budgeting/financial planning
- Inventory control and strategic asset management
- Quality standards & regulatory compliance