What are the responsibilities and job description for the Contract Manufacturing & Product Development position at World Finer Foods?
Our Company :
World Finer Foods is a full-service sales, marketing and distribution company for specialty food and personal care brands. With over $250 million in annual sales, World Finer Foods sells over 35 brands and over 500 products from around the world.
Today we manage a group of our own brands as well as client-owned brands. Our third-party (client-owned) brand portfolio spans multiple categories with brands in a variety of stages of their lifecycles in the U.S. market - from emerging brands to established specialty brands.
World Finer Foods has an opening for a Manager, Contract Manufacturing & Product Development. The successful candidate will have an analytical and detailed-oriented mindset combined with contract manufacturing expertise and experience in negotiation, achieving cost savings, building co-packer partnerships, and handling legal manners. Ideally this person will join us with a holistic background in different areas of supply chain management.
This individual will oversee the manufacturing and production relationships that are vital to the success of our specialty owned brands portfolio, with responsibility for :
- Actively developing relationships with and managing supply chain partners, which includes manufacturers, co-packers, corresponding legal contracts, etc.
Partner with strategic sourcing and owned brands marketing teams to optimize specialty portfolio's strategy, quality, and budgets.
Research & develop new products and / or packaging in collaboration with strategic sourcing and owned brands marketing team, based on consumer data and market trends.
Managing and reconciling inventory across several supply chain partners.
Other duties as determined by management.
Skills and Experience :
The ideal candidate will have supply chain, contract management, and product development experience in the food and beverage industry. Background in managing relationships with contract manufacturers and co-packer management is required, including resolving issues such as pricing, shortages, delays, and quality assurance. Understanding of relevant legal matters relating to co-packers will be imperative, including supplier contracts (current and prospective), booking contracts, and California Proposition-65 law. Expertise in concept production briefing and co-manufacturing for new product development and category expansion is also required. An existing network or knowledge of best sourcing locations / partners globally for product development is preferred, with a focus in shelf-stable vegetables being a plus. Individual should be able to work both autonomously and in a team environment and proactively deliver business solutions. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in an ever-evolving environment and will bring a positive attitude to the team.
Requirements :
Experience :
Education :
Company offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401 (k), life insurance and more.
The position is full-time, exempt, hybrid (in-office 3x per week) located in Bloomfield, New Jersey, and is available January 2025.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Salary : $250
