The Opportunity:
The Contract Manufacturing Director will oversee the production of all externally co-manufactured products. This role is responsible for onboarding and managing new and existing co-manufacturing partners, ensuring seamless integration and alignment with the company’s operational standards. The Contract Manufacturing Director will ensure all externally manufactured products meet quality standards, adhere to cost-of-goods and product margin targets, and are delivered on time to the company’s distribution network.
As the leader of external production within the manufacturing division, this individual will play a pivotal role in aligning external production partners with business expectations and demand, driving operational efficiency, and supporting growth objectives.
Who You Are:
You bring 5–7 years of experience in external, contract, or co-manufacturing within the alcoholic and/or non-alcoholic beverage industry. You have a proven track record of partnering with internal stakeholders and external manufacturers to deliver high-quality products from ideation to market. Your expertise includes managing R&D and scale-up processes at co-manufacturers, scheduling and overseeing production, setting quality and cost-of-goods parameters, building strong relationships with manufacturing partners, and maintaining a clear understanding of product gross margins.
Success in this role requires exceptional attention to detail in managing a diverse product portfolio spanning both alcoholic and non-alcoholic offerings. Your strong communication and relationship-building skills enable you to foster effective partnerships with co-manufacturers while identifying opportunities to optimize the company’s external manufacturing operations.
In This Role You Will:
· Identify, evaluate, and select contract manufacturing partners based on quality, capacity, cost, and reliability · Build and maintain strong relationships with contract manufacturers to ensure alignment with company objectives and standards· Collaborate with the VP of Manufacturing to negotiate contracts and agreements with manufacturing partners· Coordinate with contract manufacturers to schedule production runs and ensure on-time delivery of products· Monitor production processes to uphold company standards for quality, efficiency, and compliance· Conduct site visits and audits to assess contract manufacturers’ performance and adherence to standards· Partner with internal and external quality assurance teams to ensure products meet regulatory and company quality standards· Address and resolve quality issues or non-conformances with contract manufacturers· Collaborate with internal and external supply chain and logistics teams to ensure timely delivery of raw materials and finished goods · Manage inventory levels and work with contract manufacturers to optimize production schedules· Monitor product costs and work with the VP of Manufacturing to manage cost-of-goods and contract manufacturing expenses within budget· Identify opportunities for process and system enhancements to improve production efficiency and reduce costs· Establish, track, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and optimize contract manufacturing performance· Work cross-functionally with R&D, marketing, and sales teams to align on product specifications, timelines, and business objectives· Provide regular updates to the VP of Manufacturing on contract manufacturing activities, performance, and challenges · Act as the primary point of contact for all contract manufacturing-related matters· Collaborate directly with the VP of Manufacturing on special projects and innovation initiatives · Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as needed to support the company’s objectives
Must Haves:
· 5–7 years of experience in external manufacturing management, with a focus on beverage co-manufacturing· Proven expertise in managing co-manufacturer relationships and driving successful external production outcomes· Proficient in ERP systems, leveraging software for efficient production and inventory management· Skilled in converting demand forecasts into actionable and efficient production schedules· Strong understanding of product cost of goods, production tolling costs, and their impact on gross margins· Deep knowledge of CPG manufacturing processes, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage products· Strong project management abilities, including onboarding and management of co-manufacturing partners· Exceptional communication and problem-solving skills, paired with a customer-focused approach to building effective partnerships· Thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments with a proven capacity to lead and coordinate cross-functional teams effectively· Willing to travel 50-60% of the time to visit and oversee co-manufacturing sites
Compensation:
· Full Time, Salaried ($120,000.00 - $130,00.00), Exempt
Additional:
· Unlimited Paid Time Off· Healthcare Benefits; up to 90% contribution for employees and 25% for dependent medical· Voluntary vision, dental, and accidental plans offered· 401k with up to 4% company match· 12 weeks paid Equal Parental Leave, $500 Baby Bonding Bucks, and sustainable baby gift· Booch, Spirit, Beer, and Soft Good Perks· And so much more!Apply for this job
