Production Operations Lead

Production Operations Lead

Lab Alley, a leading eCommerce chemical distribution company, is seeking a Production Operations Lead to drive efficiency, safety, and compliance across our production and facilities functions. This role is responsible for overseeing down‑packing operations, managing automation maintenance, leading automation initiatives, and, in partnership with our Quality team, developing chemical technicians and production capabilities.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in production management, process optimization, and regulatory compliance, ensuring adherence to OSHA and chemical industry standards. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in a fast‑growing company, enhancing operational effectiveness while supporting Lab Alley's mission to deliver high‑quality products with safety, precision, and innovation.

Essential Responsibilities

• Production Operations & Automation Leadership: Daily production activities, including production planning, down‑packing, workflow optimization, and optimization of automation systems to enhance efficiency, improve product consistency, and reduce labor costs.
• Production Scheduling: Ensuring an optimal amount of product is ready for the Shipping team to package and send to customers. Own the down‑packing/production schedule, working closely with the Shipping team, Inventory, and Supply Chain.
• Equipment Preventative Maintenance: Oversee upkeep and performance of production equipment, establish and manage a preventative maintenance schedule.
• Leadership, Team Development & Continuous Improvement: Mentor and develop the production team, foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement, drive Lean/Six Sigma initiatives, and ensure adherence to certifications (Halal, RSPO, Organic, Kosher, ISO
  9001:2015).

Experience & Knowledge

• 3+ years in a production/operations leadership role, preferably in an e‑commerce, manufacturing, food production, or CPG environment.
• Strong understanding of automation systems and experience implementing or managing automated production lines.
• Demonstrated experience with production planning, workflow optimization, and process improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance programs and experience overseeing production equipment.
• Prior automation or semi‑automation production equipment.

Leadership & Team Management

• Proven leadership and team development skills (hiring, coaching, performance management).
• Ability to foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

Process Improvement

• Working knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.
• Track record of identifying inefficiencies and implementing measurable improvements.

Compliance & Safety

• Strong understanding of quality and safety standards in a production setting.
• Familiarity with OSHA or other relevant regulatory requirements.

Soft Skills

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across cross‑functional teams.
• Problem‑solving mindset and data‑driven decision‑making ability.

Nice to Have

• Spanish speaking.
• Working knowledge on filling machines, calibration, and troubleshooting.
• Background in high‑volume or highly regulated industries (food, pharma, cosmetics, electronics).
• Experience working in startup or scale‑up environments.
• Chemical distribution or chemistry background.

About Us

Inc. 5000 recently awarded/recognized Lab Alley as one of the fastest‑growing private companies in America! We are also one of the fastest growing e‑commerce companies in Austin, TX! We provide easy access to essential chemicals – on‑budget, on‑time, every time. Think Amazon for Chemicals!

Our Workplace Culture

Our core values are an integral part of our success:
Care, Commitment, Genuine, Growth, Initiative, Innovation, Work Ethic.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Short Term Disability
• Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Supplemental Health Insurance
• Wellness program
• Employee discount program
• 401k
• Paid time off
• Organized team events
• Professional development
• Career growth opportunities

Schedule & Reporting Details

Full-time 40 hours per week with occasional overtime. 8‑5 M‑F. Reports to Director of Operations.

• NOTE:
  
  Lab Alley uses E‑Verify for all positions.
• NOTE:
  
  Lab Alley does a background check for all positions.

Seniority Level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

• Full-time

Job Function & Industries

• Management and Manufacturing
• Chemical Manufacturing

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Lab Alley is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. Lab Alley is not accepting unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from staffing agencies for this position. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Lab Alley.

Agencies should not reach out to our team members.

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