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!