Director of Contract Manufacturing & Commercialization

OUAI means “yes” in that casual, Parisian way. We’re here to give you the confidence to win life YOUR OUAI. Our Hair, Body, and Fragrance products were created for effortless routines and nourishment from head to toe. Founder Jen Atkin’s simple philosophy – “Life is hard. Looking good should be easy.” We don’t use sulfates or parabens—just the good stuff, just for you. Oh yeah and btw, we smell as good as we look. Our product categories, ranging from hair care and body care to fragrances, supplements, and merch, reflect this commitment to easy, effective, and enjoyable self-care. Join us on this journey where 'OUAI' is not just a word; it's a lifestyle." 

What’s it like to work here? 

Our culture is driven by our brand ethos (fun, purposeful and approachable) and our 5 Culture Codes. (1.) We Aren’t Afraid to Go First. (2.) We Don’t Compete, We Collaborate. (3.) We Ask Questions to Find the Best Answers. (4.) We Keep It Real In a OUAI That Feels Kind. (5.) We Go All The OUAI With Work and Play.

Our flexible trust-based culture is rooted in respect, empathy and compassion and is driven by employees who love doing great work and care deeply about the brand and each other. 

OUAI does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.

About the role:

We are looking for a Director of Contract Manufacturing & Commercialization reporting to the Vice President of Operations at OUAI. This position will lead and scale our external manufacturing partnerships while driving operational excellence across product launches and supply chain readiness. This role will manage the Commercialization and Procurement (Purchasing/Production) teams.

Requirements

What you’ll do:

• The Director of Contract Manufacturing & Commercialization will develop and oversee strategic relationships with Contract Manufacturers ensuring they deliver on performance, quality and cost. This role will also serve as the Operations lead in our New Product Development process, collaborating with cross functional departments, CM’s and Suppliers to commercialize new product launches.
• Drive operational excellence, continuous improvement and cost savings initiatives across manufacturing sites and in partnership with component suppliers.
• Ensure the scalability of both component and contract manufacturing capacity required to support growth and market demand.
• Lead the Procurement team in partnership with Demand Planning to anticipate constraints and proactively solve future needs.
• Lead the Commercialization team through Stagegate process ensuring on time/on cost product launches by partnering closely with all cross-functional departments (ie Product Development, Packaging, Procurement, Quality, Brand, Sales & Planning).
• Oversee Bill of Materials and COGS scenario planning throughout the Commercialization process.
• Lead implementation of systems improvements and automation to continually gain efficiency and improve data accuracy.
• Oversee NetSuite Order to Cash process and approve necessary purchasing transactions.
• Join both internal and external weekly meetings with Suppliers and Contract Manufacturers.
• Conduct Quarterly Business Reviews with Contract Manufacturers to review KPIs, operational risks, cost performance, and continuous improvement plans.

What you'll bring: 

• The ideal candidate will fully embrace and live out our “We don’t compete, we collaborate” culture code, 
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, or supply chain, preferably in a high-growth, CPG product company or at a contract manufacturer
• Advanced proficiency in MS Project and NetSuite
• Experience leading Stagegate or other structured NPD/commercialization processes
• Highly collaborative, working cross-functionally across multiple disciplines
• Extremely detail-oriented with excellent problem-solving skills and a strong sense of urgency
• Strong communication skills; written, oral and interpersonal
• Must be willing to travel regularly to CM sites and more up to (~40%)
• Able to lead, motivate and develop direct reports in a highly dynamic, high growth environment
• Remote Locations open to: Los Angeles OR NYC

Benefits

• Annual Base Salary Range is $150K–$160K(based on experience) + potential for yearly bonus

• Medical + Dental + Vision   

• Unlimited PTO   

• 25+ Paid Holidays  

• Matching 401k program  

• Quarterly OUAI Product Stipend + Employee Discounts  

• Flex Fridays  

• Employee HSA and FSA  

• Hybrid work reimbursement  

• Move Your OUAI (Exercise Reimbursement) 

Immigration Sponsorship is not available for this role. OUAI does not sponsor candidates for non-immigrant visas or permanent residency except in some areas that in OUAI’s sole discretion require highly specialized backgrounds.