Operations Associate

Operations AssociateLocation: Miami, FL — HybridSalary: $50,000–$90,000/year, commensurate with experienceEmployment Type: Full-TimeTravel: Some travel requiredAbout the RoleFinnsul is looking for a highly organized, detail-oriented Operations Associate to own and manage the day-to-day operational processes behind our growing CPG brand.This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment, can manage multiple vendors and timelines simultaneously, and is comfortable taking ownership across procurement, production, testing, inventory, logistics, warehousing, and fulfillment.You’ll work directly with Finnsul’s founders and external partners to ensure products are produced correctly, on time, and efficiently.Key ResponsibilitiesVendor & Supplier ManagementOwn day-to-day communication and relationships with manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, packaging vendors, testing labs, 3PLs, freight providers, and other operational partnersRequest and compare vendor quotes, pricing, MOQs, lead times, and capabilitiesNegotiate pricing, timelines, and terms when appropriateTrack vendor deliverables and hold partners accountable to agreed timelinesSource and evaluate new vendors as operational needs ariseMaintain organized vendor records, agreements, pricing, and documentationPurchase Orders & ProcurementCreate, place, and manage purchase orders across manufacturers, suppliers, packaging vendors, and other partnersConfirm PO quantities, pricing, specifications, payment terms, and delivery datesTrack open POs from placement through deliveryCoordinate deposits, invoices, and payment schedules with internal teamsMaintain accurate purchasing records and flag discrepanciesHelp forecast purchasing needs based on inventory levels, production schedules, and upcoming launchesProduction ManagementOwn production timelines from PO placement through finished goods deliveryCoordinate production schedules with manufacturers and suppliersTrack raw materials, packaging components, production runs, and finished goodsEnsure required components arrive before scheduled production datesProactively identify potential production delays and develop solutionsCoordinate new product launches and ensure operational deadlines remain on trackMaintain production trackers and provide clear status updates to leadershipProduct Testing & Quality CoordinationManage product testing schedules and coordinate with third-party laboratoriesCoordinate sample submissions, documentation, and testing requirementsTrack testing status and resultsMaintain organized records of COAs, specifications, test results, and other quality documentationWork with manufacturers and laboratories to resolve testing or quality issuesEnsure required testing is completed before product releaseInventory & WarehousingMonitor inventory levels across warehouses and fulfillment locationsCoordinate inbound inventory with 3PL and warehousing partnersReconcile inventory discrepancies and investigate missing or damaged inventoryMonitor inventory levels and flag potential stockouts or excess inventoryAssist with inventory forecasting and reorder planningManage inventory transfers when necessaryMaintain accurate operational inventory recordsFreight & LogisticsCoordinate inbound and outbound freight and shipmentsManage communication with freight brokers, carriers, warehouses, manufacturers, and suppliersObtain and compare freight quotesTrack shipments and proactively resolve delays or delivery issuesCoordinate appointments and receiving requirements with warehouses and 3PLsManage freight claims, lost shipments, damages, and discrepanciesFulfillment & Order OperationsManage relationships and communication with 3PL and fulfillment partnersMonitor fulfillment performance and resolve operational issuesManage escalated orders, returns, replacements, shipping disputes, damages, and fulfillment errorsInvestigate recurring fulfillment problems and implement solutionsEnsure warehouse and fulfillment processes support a strong customer experienceSystems & Process ImprovementBuild, document, and continuously improve SOPs and operational processesMaintain organized operational trackers, documentation, and reportingIdentify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and unnecessary costsImplement systems that allow Finnsul's operations to scale efficientlyTrack key operational deadlines and ensure nothing falls through the cracksAssist with operational budgeting, cost tracking, and vendor invoice reconciliationSupport additional operational projects as the company growsQualificationsBachelor’s degree required2–5 years of operations experience in supplements, wellness, food & beverage, or CPG requiredExperience managing vendors, purchase orders, production timelines, inventory, and logisticsExperience working with contract manufacturers, 3PLs, freight providers, suppliers, and/or testing laboratoriesStrong project management and organizational skillsExtremely detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple timelines simultaneouslyStrong written and verbal communication skillsComfortable negotiating and communicating directly with external vendorsStrong problem-solving skills and ability to resolve operational issues independentlyComfortable working with spreadsheets, inventory systems, and operational/project management toolsAbility to work independently and take complete ownership of projectsComfortable working in a startup where responsibilities evolve as the company growsWhat We're Looking ForWe’re looking for someone who takes ownership and follows through. You should be the type of person who notices that a production run is at risk before it becomes a problem, follows up with a vendor without being asked, catches discrepancies in a PO or invoice, and keeps every operational detail moving.This is not a traditional corporate 9–5 environment. Every day can look different. You’ll wear multiple hats, work directly with leadership, take on significant responsibility, and have the opportunity to help build the operational infrastructure of a rapidly growing brand.