BLENDING SUPERVISOR

Position Purpose:

The Blending/Compounding Supervisor is responsible for leading and overseeing all compounding and blending operations for topical pharmaceuticals, OTC drug products, cosmetics, personal care products, and other formulated consumer products. This position provides hands-on leadership to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant manufacture of bulk products while meeting production schedules, quality standards, regulatory requirements, and cost objectives.

The Blending/Compounding Supervisor will manage daily manufacturing activities involving the weighing, dispensing, mixing, and transfer of raw materials and chemicals, while ensuring compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), FDA regulations, SOPs, and safety requirements. This role is responsible for developing employees, driving continuous improvement initiatives, maintaining equipment readiness, and ensuring accurate batch documentation and inventory control.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership & Production Management

• Lead daily compounding and blending operations to achieve production schedules, quality targets, and customer commitments.
• Plan, organize, and supervise blending personnel and equipment utilization to maximize efficiency and throughput.
• Provide hands-on leadership and serve as a role model for safety, quality, compliance, and operational excellence.
• Schedule labor resources, including overtime and shift adjustments, to meet business needs.
• Communicate production priorities, performance expectations, and operational updates to team members and management.
• Foster employee engagement, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct employee training, coaching, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions as necessary.

Compounding & Manufacturing Operations

• Oversee the weighing, dispensing, blending, emulsification, homogenization, and transfer of raw materials used in the manufacture of topical, cosmetic, OTC, and consumer healthcare products.
• Ensure batch manufacturing processes are executed according to approved Master Batch Records, SOPs, and regulatory requirements.
• Verify correct raw materials, quantities, lot numbers, and processing parameters prior to batch execution.
• Monitor compounding processes and make equipment or process adjustments as necessary to maintain product quality and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot blending, mixing, and process-related issues and coordinate corrective actions.
• Support scale-up activities, process improvements, and new product introductions.

Quality & Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain compliance with FDA regulations, cGMP requirements, ISO standards, and company quality systems.
• Ensure all batch records, inventory transactions, and production documentation are completed accurately and in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Review production records for completeness and accuracy before submission to Quality Assurance.
• Partner with QA and QC departments to investigate deviations, non-conformances, and product quality issues.
• Participate in process validation, cleaning validation, equipment qualification, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Promote a quality-first culture and immediately address any compliance concerns.

Equipment & Facility Management

• Oversee setup, operation, cleaning, and sanitation of blending tanks, mixers, homogenizers, pumps, transfer systems, and associated manufacturing equipment.
• Ensure equipment is maintained in a clean, operational, and inspection-ready condition.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance activities and support troubleshooting and repair efforts.
• Assist with installation, commissioning, and qualification of new manufacturing equipment.
• Maintain organization and cleanliness throughout production areas in accordance with GMP requirements.

Inventory & Material Control

• Ensure accurate inventory management and material accountability for raw materials, bulk products, and work-in-process inventory.
• Review and document material usage, yields, losses, and inventory adjustments.
• Coordinate material staging and availability to support production schedules.
• Maintain proper handling, storage, and identification of chemicals and raw materials.

Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Promote and enforce all company safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe handling of chemicals and hazardous materials.
• Identify and address workplace safety concerns and participate in incident investigations as needed.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA requirements and environmental health and safety practices.

Qualifications:

Required

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum 3-5 years of manufacturing experience in pharmaceutical, OTC, cosmetic, personal care, chemical, or consumer products manufacturing.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory or team leadership experience in a GMP-regulated environment.
• Experience with compounding, blending, mixing, or batch manufacturing operations.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and flexible schedules as business needs require.

Preferred

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field.
• Experience manufacturing topical pharmaceuticals, OTC drug products, cosmetics, or personal care products.
• Experience with ERP systems, electronic batch records, and inventory management systems.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement experience.

Critical Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, coaching, and employee development skills.
• Thorough understanding of cGMP, FDA regulations, and Good Documentation Practices.
• Knowledge of compounding and blending processes for creams, lotions, gels, ointments, liquids, and other topical formulations.
• Ability to read and interpret batch records, SOPs, specifications, and production schedules.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic mathematical proficiency involving weights, measures, percentages, and batch calculations.
• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on quality and compliance.

Computer Skills

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• ERP/MRP systems
• Electronic Batch Record systems (preferred)
• Production reporting and inventory management software

Work Environment

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to chemicals, fragrances, powders, and active ingredients.
• Required use of PPE including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and protective clothing.
• Exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, and manufacturing equipment.
• Frequent standing, walking, lifting, bending, and reaching throughout the shift.