Beauty (Make-Up)

SANTA MONICA, CA

BEAUTY BAKERIE | ULTA | TOO FACED | ESTEE LAUDER | HUDA


CLIENT OVERVIEW

A fast-scaling cosmetics incubator and manufacturer in Santa Monica needed stronger operational structure to support rapid product development, aggressive launch timelines, and international expansion. With growing demand from leading beauty brands, the company required standardized processes, improved cross-team communication, and a system for consistent execution across multiple regions.

I was engaged to lead a comprehensive process optimization and change management initiative, transforming how teams worked across the United States and Asia.


THE CHALLENGE

The company’s growth exposed several operational challenges:

  • Processes varied widely across departments and locations
  • Production cycle times were longer than desired
  • Communication gaps caused delays and duplicate work
  • Inventory and planning workflows lacked standardization
  • Teams needed stronger training to ensure consistent adoption
  • Global operations lacked unified systems and visibility

Leadership needed someone capable of analyzing complex operations and implementing scalable improvements across multiple regions.


MY ROLE — Process Optimization Lead & Training Program Architect

I owned the full transformation cycle: analysis → redesign → implementation → training → global rollout.


1. Comprehensive Process Mapping & Analysis

I conducted a detailed evaluation of workflows across:

  • Product development
  • Manufacturing
  • Quality control
  • Inventory management
  • Distribution and logistics

Key actions:

  • Mapped end-to-end processes
  • Identified operational bottlenecks
  • Analyzed data to pinpoint inefficiencies
  • Uncovered communication gaps and manual choke points

This provided a clear blueprint for where and how the company could operate more efficiently.


2. Improvement Identification & Implementation

Following the analysis, I proposed and implemented targeted improvements, including:

• Reduced production cycle times

Re-engineered workflows to shorten key process steps.

• Stronger cross-department communication

Introduced new coordination routines and clearer responsibilities.

• Optimized inventory and planning processes

Improved forecasting, stock visibility, and replenishment workflows.

• Standardized operational procedures

Ensured consistency across all teams and geographic locations.

I worked closely with leadership and functional heads to ensure each improvement supported the company’s growth goals.


3. Nationwide Employee Training Program

To secure long-term adoption, I designed and delivered a comprehensive training initiative across the United States.

This included:

  • Creating training materials and SOPs
  • Leading webinars and virtual workshops
  • Hosting in-person training sessions
  • Providing follow-up support and Q&A
  • Ensuring teams truly understood and used the new processes

Teams became more confident, faster, and aligned.


4. Improved Collaboration & Communication

I collaborated directly with executives, managers, and cross-functional teams to ensure:

  • Smooth integration of new processes
  • Alignment across regions
  • Continuous feedback loops
  • Stronger communication culture

This reduced misunderstandings and fostered a more unified operational environment.


5. Global Reach — Impact Across US & Asia

Although the project began in Santa Monica, its impact expanded abroad.

I standardized workflows and operational expectations across both US and Asian teams, enabling:

  • Faster product launches
  • Better coordination across time zones
  • More consistent quality and execution

6. System Selection & Implementation

I also guided the adoption of a new project management system, including:

  • Selecting the right platform
  • Customizing it to the company’s workflows
  • Full configuration
  • Implementing it across all teams
  • Training staff on proper usage

The system became essential for visibility, traceability, and task ownership.


THE RESULTS
1. Higher Operational Efficiency

Streamlined workflows reduced delays and eliminated repetitive steps.

2. Faster Time-to-Market

Standardized processes allowed the company to launch products more quickly and reliably.

3. Reduced Production Delays

Better coordination and planning minimized bottlenecks.

4. Stronger Team Productivity

Training improved execution quality across all regions.

5. Scalable Operations

The company is now positioned to grow in both US and international markets with solid foundations.


IMPACT

The transformation strengthened the company’s operational backbone during a critical growth phase. By redesigning workflows, improving communication, and implementing a unified system, I helped the organization scale efficiently, respond quickly to market demand, and build long-term operational stability.

This project established the operational standards the company now uses to support its expansion in the global beauty industry.

JJS
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