Manager, Contract Manufacturing

Simple Mills • Chicago, IL

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager of Contract Manufacturing supports performance and growth across Simple Mills’ contract manufacturing and repacking network. Reporting to the Director of Contract Manufacturing, this hands-on, relationship-driven role partners with external manufacturers, co-packers, and internal cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturing plans are executed effectively, issues are resolved promptly, and continuous improvement opportunities are advanced. The role balances day-to-day operational execution with broader business objectives, including quality, service, cost, capacity, and risk management.

The position manages relationships with contract manufacturers and co-packers, drives supplier performance through KPI tracking and quarterly business reviews, and leads cross-functional discussions and improvement initiatives. It also supports innovation and renovation projects, manufacturing trials, sourcing new manufacturing partners, purchase orders and budget management, and the development and negotiation of manufacturing contracts. The role is hybrid, with at least one day per week in Simple Mills’ Chicago office, and requires travel up to 35%, including visits to manufacturing sites and on-site support for trials and key initiatives.

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 and build alignment with 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 comfortable 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 is preferred.
• Technical experience in Food & Beverage, such as Engineering or R&D, is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day business relationships with existing and new contract manufacturers and co-packers, serving as a primary point of contact and supporting alignment with quality, service, cost, and performance expectations.
• Partner with co-manufacturers, R&D, Quality Assurance, and Operations to resolve day-to-day issues, structure problem-solving, escalate appropriately, and weigh 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, lead quarterly business reviews, and translate performance trends into 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 objectives.
• Develop and improve processes, tools, and best practices to support operational consistency and scalability.
• Support Innovation and Brand Renovation project teams by working with R&D, Quality, and Operations and attending manufacturing trials.
• Support sourcing of new contract manufacturers by contributing operational input, assessments, and recommendations aligned with business growth plans.
• 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 spend 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.
• Travel up to 35%, including regular visits to manufacturing sites and on-site support for trials and key initiatives.

Benefits

• Annual bonus opportunity.
• Health, financial, and wellness programs.
• Time-off approach designed to provide time to rest and recharge.
• Lifestyle perks and product innovation shipments.
• Professional development through hands-on training, learning platforms, and career growth opportunities.
• Competitive compensation.

What This Job Offers

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