Contract Manufacturing Director

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!