Production & Co-Packer Manager (Rapidly Growing Food Industry Innovator)

Pave Talent is excited to team up with a dynamic client in the food industry to recruit a standout Production & Co-Packer Manager. This is your chance to join a fast-moving, mission-driven team that’s redefining sustainable and healthy food production. If you excel at coordinating production, managing vendor relationships, and driving efficiency, this role could be your perfect fit!

About Our Client Pave Talent is hiring on behalf of a rapidly growing player in the natural food sector. Headquartered on the West Coast with a key operational hub in the Midwest, this company delivers organic, high-quality private label products to retailers across North America. With a tight-knit team of just over 40 passionate professionals, they’ve earned a name for innovation, sustainability, and resilience over 12 years—thriving even during the pandemic.

The Opportunity Based remotely in Illinois (within an hour of the Chicago metro area), the Production & Co-Packer Manager will ensure flawless execution across multiple contract manufacturing partners. Reporting to the Director of Operations, this role keeps production on track, inventory balanced, and co-packer relationships strong—all while advancing a vision to make sustainable food accessible to all. Expect 25-35% travel, mostly to nearby manufacturing sites, in a position built for a proactive leader who thrives in a dynamic setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage production schedules with co-packers to meet demand forecasts and deadlines.
• Monitor inventory levels using cutting-edge tools, balancing supply with customer needs to avoid overstock or shortages.
• Serve as the primary liaison for co-packers, fostering partnerships that ensure quality, timeliness, and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and operations teams to forecast demand and adjust plans as needed.
• Identify process improvements to streamline operations and cut lead times without compromising standards.
• Partner with Quality and Food Safety teams to uphold regulatory and brand excellence (think HACCP and beyond).
• Leverage data-driven insights to optimize decisions, track performance, and keep costs in check.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5 years of experience in production planning, supply chain, or operations—specifically within the food industry (non-negotiable; pharmaceutical or ingredient experience may stretch).
• Proven expertise managing relationships with contract manufacturers or external facilities.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP Business One is a plus) and Google Sheets/Excel for reporting and analysis.
• Ability to travel 25-35% on short notice to manufacturing sites, primarily in Illinois.
• A proactive, can-do attitude with a knack for juggling shifting priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Why Join?

• Culture: A young, “work hard, play hard” team passionate about healthy, sustainable food—ideal for self-starters who love getting hands-on.
• Impact: Shape operations for a company sourcing from 44 countries and innovating with trending products.
• Benefits: Enjoy 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and life insurance, plus generous PTO (14 holidays, 6 sick/mental health days, and your birthday off!), a 401(k) match, and equity potential.
• Growth: Join a growing firm where your contributions fuel expansion and career advancement.

Ready to Make a Difference? If you’re fired up to lead production and co-packer operations in the food industry, Pave Talent wants to hear from you! Apply now with your resume and a quick note on why this mission clicks with you. Let’s connect you with a role where your skills and passion can shine.