Senior Manager, Optical Laboratory - Manufacturing - Richmond, California

Senior Manager, Optical Laboratory - Manufacturing
A well-established health organization is seeking a seasoned Senior Manager to lead operations at its Optical Manufacturing Lab in Richmond, CA. This facility is a high-volume manufacturing site producing eyewear with a strong focus on efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction. You will lead a large, unionized team and manage cross-functional initiatives to meet and exceed productivity, safety, and compliance benchmarks. Position is full-time, onsite in Richmond, CA with local relocation support, a salary range of $155,000 - $177,000, up to a 15% annual bonus, no visa support, and approximately 25% travel.

• Oversee all facets of optical lab operations, including production, quality assurance, asset management, and safety compliance.
• Directly manage a team of 5 leaders and 100+ indirect reports across 24/5 operations.
• Drive lab productivity, reduce turnaround time, and ensure consistent product quality.
• Champion employee engagement and leadership development across teams.
• Ensure adherence to safety standards, industry regulations, and organizational protocols.
• Develop and manage operational budgets; identify areas for cost-saving and process optimization.
• Strategically plan for equipment maintenance, upgrades, and procurement.
• Design and implement training programs for technical staff and managers to support skill growth and compliance.
• Translate business strategy into tactical actions to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Analyze performance metrics and lead root cause investigations to improve satisfaction and operational output.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, STEM, or related field (or 11+ years of related experience).
• 8+ years of experience in an optical lab or manufacturing environment.
• 7+ years in a leadership role with direct staff oversight.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in optical manufacturing, CAM, or related production fields.
• 1+ year of experience managing budgets.
• Strong knowledge in safety compliance, financial planning, HR in a union environment, and optical production equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Optician Certification (ABO)
• Six Sigma Green Belt
• Experience in supply chain management or continuous improvement methodologies