Manager, Contract Manufacturing

Simple Mills • Chicago, IL

3d • $105,000 - $120,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager of Contract Manufacturing is a hands-on, relationship-driven role on Simple Mills’ Manufacturing team, supporting performance and growth across the contract manufacturing and repacking network for the Simple Mills product portfolio. Reporting to the Director of Contract Manufacturing, this role partners with external manufacturers, co-packers, and internal cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturing plans are executed effectively, issues are resolved with urgency, and continuous improvement opportunities are advanced.

The manager oversees day-to-day relationships and performance with contract manufacturers and co-packers, supports innovation and strategic initiatives, and helps manage costs, budgets, and contracts. The role requires strong operational judgment, clear communication, and the ability to balance day-to-day execution with broader business objectives. Travel of up to 35% is required, including regular travel to manufacturing sites and on-site support for trials and key initiatives.

This hybrid position is based on a balance of in-person and virtual work. Hybrid employees work from the Chicago, Illinois office at least once per week. Remote work must be performed from the employee’s designated permanent residence in the United States, with sufficient internet access for video conferencing.

Requirements

• 4–7 years of experience in Contract Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Operations, and/or Supply Chain.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, including the ability to have supportive yet candid conversations at all levels and build alignment across internal teams and external partners.
• Sound operational judgment and problem-solving skills, including the ability to assess trade-offs, synthesize information, and make thoughtful recommendations.
• Self-directed and results-oriented, with a strong sense of ownership and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Detail-oriented while maintaining a broader business perspective and comfort operating amid ambiguity and change.
• Ability to travel up to 35%, including regular travel to manufacturing sites and on-site support for trials and key initiatives.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a Food & Beverage CPG environment.
• Technical experience in Food & Beverage, such as Engineering or R&D.

Responsibilities

• Manage business relationships with existing and new contract manufacturers and co-packers, serving as a primary day-to-day contact and supporting alignment with quality, service, cost, and performance expectations.
• Work with co-manufacturers, R&D, Quality Assurance, and Operations to resolve day-to-day issues, structure problem-solving, escalate appropriately, and balance cost, service, and risk considerations.
• Lead weekly cross-functional discussions with co-manufacturers, co-packers, and Operations teams to drive accountability, align priorities, and reinforce expectations.
• Track supplier KPIs and lead quarterly business reviews, translating performance trends into actionable improvement plans and follow-ups.
• Negotiate one-off expenses with contract manufacturers within existing contract terms and support cost management initiatives.
• Identify and lead manufacturing and continuous improvement projects, including production transitions between co-manufacturers, to support cost, capacity, and risk management objectives.
• Develop and improve processes, tools, and best practices to support operational consistency and scalability.
• Support Innovation and Brand Renovation project teams by collaborating with R&D, Quality, and Operations and attending manufacturing trials.
• Support sourcing new contract manufacturers to expand capacity and innovation platforms, providing operational input, assessments, and recommendations.
• Support broader strategic initiatives to enable growth and manage costs across the manufacturing network.
• Write purchase orders for R&D trial expenses and capital projects, manage spending against annual budgets, and provide visibility into variances.
• Partner with the Director, Operations, and Legal teams to help craft and negotiate contracts with new and existing contract manufacturers.
• Perform other projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation with a salary range of $105,000–$120,000.
• Eligibility for an annual bonus.
• Health, financial, and wellness programs.
• Time-off approach designed to provide space to rest and recharge.
• Lifestyle perks and product innovation shipments.
• Professional development through hands-on training, learning platforms, and career growth opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager