Director of Compounding

Overview

Reporting to the Senior Director, Process Engineering, the Director of Compounding is responsible for the oversight of all compounding and batch manufacturing activities in the company. This includes direction, management, and oversight of raw material staging and weigh-up, hot pour (anhydrous) and emulsion batching, in-process control, batch record execution, and release of bulk to filling and packaging. Ensures every batch is made right the first time, on schedule, and in full compliance with cGMP and customer requirements, with the compounding area ready for an unannounced FDA or client audit at all times. Reports operational and quality performance on a regular and timely basis to management. Submits capital purchases and significant proposed actions for approval. Handles special projects as required. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in personal care/cosmetics batch manufacturing with specific hands-on experience in hot pour products such as natural deodorant.

About Us

Founded in 2010 and based in the Austin area, Goodkind is a leading manufacturer of clean and green personal care and beauty products. Goodkind specializes in natural deodorant, skincare, and facial care products. The company has a wealth of experience in the formulation of these products and can develop according to a variety of guidelines from consumer organizations such as Ecocert to EWG, to retailers such as Credo or Sephora.

Goodkind is a certified B Corporation. As such, we balance purpose and profit, considering the impact of decisions across associates, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. Goodkind believes by following this central multi-stakeholder approach, we are creating optimal value for each stakeholder while leaving the world a better place.

What You'll Do

• Direct and optimize all compounding operations, including raw material staging, weigh-up, batching, in-process testing, and bulk transfer to filling, to meet schedule, yield, quality, and cost targets
• Run hot pour, emulsion, and cold-process batching across kettles, mixers, and transfer systems; set and enforce process parameters such as temperature profiles, mixing speed and time, order of addition, and cooling and hold conditions
• Deliver batches that meet specification on the first attempt; own batch adjustment, rework, and scrap rates and drive them down
• Ensure every batch record is complete, accurate, and reviewed in real time, not after the fact
• Lead deviation investigations, root cause analysis, and CAPA for compounding events in partnership with Quality, and close actions on time
• Keep the compounding area inspection-ready every day under cGMP (21 CFR 210/211), ISO 22716, and customer audit standards; represent compounding in FDA, client, and third-party audits and respond to findings with durable corrective actions
• Own compounding SOPs, work instructions, cleaning and sanitization procedures, and equipment logs; keep them current, trained, and followed
• Partner with R&D and Process Engineering on scale-up and tech transfer of new formulas; confirm process parameters before the first commercial batch
• Own equipment readiness and utilization for compounding assets; partner with Maintenance on preventive maintenance, calibration, and capital requests
• Build and maintain a documented training and qualification program for every compounding role so that no one runs a process they are not qualified on
• Ensure compounding operations comply with safety standards, including hot surfaces, chemical handling, PPE, and lockout/tagout, and maintain a safe, organized, and efficient working environment
• Define, track, and report compounding KPIs (schedule attainment, yield, right-first-time, deviations, safety) and use them to prioritize improvement work
• Analyze volume, throughput, and capacity to develop labor, equipment, and shift plans that support business growth
• Manage department budget, associated costs, and resources
• Participate as a member of the operations team in making cross-functional operational decisions
• Collaborate with Planning, Filling and Packaging, Quality, R&D, Supply Chain, and Project Management to keep customer commitments
• Select, evaluate, develop, and manage compounding supervisors, leads, and technicians across shifts to ensure the efficient operation of the function
• Identify and resolve complex technical, operational, and organizational problems

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 10+ years experience in cosmetic, personal care, OTC, or pharmaceutical batch manufacturing
• 5+ years of management experience leading a compounding or manufacturing function with multiple direct reports
• Hands-on experience with hot pour / anhydrous stick products and emulsions at commercial scale, including the process sensitivities of waxes, fatty alcohols, and glycol-based systems
• Working knowledge of cGMP (21 CFR 210/211) and ISO 22716; experience hosting or supporting FDA and customer audits
• Proven record of improving yield, right-first-time, and schedule attainment in a contract manufacturing or multi-SKU environment
• Experience with scale-up and tech transfer from R&D to production
• Ability to read and interpret formulas, batch records, COAs, and specifications, and to troubleshoot a batch on the floor
• Previous experience in contract manufacturing serving multiple brand customers a plus
• OTC drug manufacturing experience (antiperspirant, sunscreen, or similar monograph products) a plus
• Experience implementing or operating an electronic batch record or eQMS system a plus
• Lean or Six Sigma training with examples of applied improvement work a plus
• Experience in fast-paced, high-volume organization, which mandates quick decision making and effective communication
• Continuous improvement attitude; ability to suggest and implement best practices
• Highly fluent in computer operation with experience with various software applications (ERP, Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Asana, Slack, etc)
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to communicate and collaborate across all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated ability to positively influence others and to deal tactfully and confidently with difficult situations
• Highly consistent and organized, with the ability to maintain accurate and timely records
• Ability to work onsite at the Austin-area facility, including daily time on the production floor around hot equipment and chemical handling

• Competitive salary
• 3 weeks Paid Time Off annually
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Medical, Vision, and Dental 100% paid by the company
• 401k with company match
• Paid parental leave