Technical Services Manager

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 YOUYou 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 toensure safe, efficient execution and adherence to specifications.​Troubleshooting & problem solving: Lead structured investigations of process deviations, yield losses, and qualityissues; identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) in partnership with Operations andQuality.​Scale-up & technical transfers: Support pilot-to-production scale-up, verification/validation activities, and technicaltransfers; 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 documentationto meet internal standards and applicable regulations.​Change management: Support change control for formulations, materials, equipment, and process changes; assesstechnical 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 technicalrequirements with business goals and timelines.​Capability building: Train and coach operators and technical staff on process understanding, standard work, andproblem-solving tools; contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.​Data & reporting: Track key process and technical performance metrics; create clear summaries and recommendationsfor 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, andvalidation protocols.​Familiarity with sensory, texture, and stability considerations in gummy products ​CAPABILITIES + SKILLS REQUIRED​At least5 years of applicable experience in food, nutraceutical, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing (or closelyrelated industry).​Hands-on technical knowledge of gummy (or similar confection/gel-based) manufacturing processes, includingeq