Optical Manufacturing Laboratory – Senior Manager

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

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