Position DescriptionJob Title: Compounding Manager
Date: June 30, 2026
Department: Operations
Reports to: VP of Operations - IL
Position Description:The Compounding Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of Bradford Labs' liquid, hot pour, and aerosol compounding functions at the two Illinois manufacturing facilities. This is a working management role - the Compounding Manager is both a hands-on technical resource and a people leader, responsible for directing day-to-day operations, maintaining product quality and GMP compliance, and developing a high-performing team across a growing multi-shift operation. The Compounding Manager works closely with Operations, Quality, R&D, and Scheduling to ensure production targets are met and standards are upheld.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Compounding Operations:- Oversee all compounding operations for liquid, hot pour, and aerosol product lines, ensuring output meets scheduled volume, quality, and safety targets.
- Serve as a working manager with direct involvement in formulation execution, equipment setup and troubleshooting, and batch review.
- Monitor and optimize throughput, yields, and cycle times; identify and resolve compounding inefficiencies, capacity constraints, and other execution challenges.
- Ensure accurate and timely completion of batch records, logbooks, and other compounding documentation in compliance with cGMP standards.
- Manage the scheduling and sequencing of compounding runs across shifts in coordination with the Scheduling and Planning function.
- Support the transition from a one-shift to a three-shift operation, including staffing planning, training, and process standardization.
Quality, Safety, and Compliance:- Ensure all compounding batches meet expected quality standards and pass acceptance testing. Work with the R&D and Quality teams to make appropriate adjustments to batches as needed and in line with acceptable cGMP guidelines.
- Ensure all compounding activities comply with applicable cGMP, FDA, EPA, OSHA, and DOT requirements, including those specific to aerosol manufacturing (propellant handling, pressure vessel regulations).
- Enforce safe handling procedures for flammable, reactive, and pressurized materials; maintain current knowledge of relevant hazard classifications and SDS requirements.
- Ensure team compliance with PPE requirements, lockout/tagout, confined space, and other applicable safety programs.
- Partner with the EHSS function to conduct hazard assessments, support incident investigations, and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain equipment in proper working condition; collaborate with maintenance on preventive maintenance schedules.
- Support internal audits, customer audits, and third-party inspections; assist in developing and responding to audit findings.
People Leadership:- Directly supervise compounding operators and leads across multiple shifts; provide day-to-day direction, performance feedback, and coaching.
- Participate in hiring, onboarding, and training of compounding personnel; build and document SOPs and training materials.
- Conduct performance evaluations; address performance concerns promptly and in partnership with Human Resources.
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cross-shift consistency and knowledge transfer.
- Develop compounding leads and high-potential operators for increased responsibility as the shift structure expands.
Process Improvement & Technical Support:- Collaborate with R&D and Quality on new product scale-up, formula transfers, and process validations.
- Lead or participate in root cause analysis for deviations, OOS results, and customer complaints related to compounding.
- Identify and champion opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and cost through process and/or equipment changes.
- Maintain current knowledge of industry best practices and regulatory requirements for personal care contract manufacturing.
Qualifications & Requirements:- 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing compounding, blending, or production role, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead capacity. 7+ years preferred
- Demonstrated experience with liquid compounding operations; familiarity with hot pour and/or aerosol manufacturing strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge of cGMP principles and documentation requirements in a personal care, pharmaceutical, or related regulated manufacturing environment.
- Proven ability to lead and develop hourly production teams across multiple shifts.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot equipment and process issues.
- Proficiency with batch record systems, production scheduling tools, and standard office software.
- Ability to interpret formulas, SOPs, and technical specifications.
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred. Qualified candidates with equivalent combination of education and/or hands-on formulation experience encouraged to apply.
- Aerosol manufacturing experience, including propellant handling, pressure testing, and DOT/EPA compliance a plus.
- Experience in personal care or cosmetics contract manufacturing or related industry.
- Familiarity with ERP or MES systems for production tracking and inventory management.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Work Environment:- Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, and lift in a manufacturing environment; occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs.
- Exposure to chemical compounds, heat, noise, and pressurized systems; appropriate PPE required and provided.
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including occasional off-shift coverage, as operational needs require.
- This is an on-site role; remote or hybrid arrangements are not available.
