Manager, Contract Manufacturing

Simple Mills

. Manage relationships with existing and new contract manufacturers and co-packers .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $105,000 - $120,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing relationships with contract manufacturers and co-packers while ensuring alignment with quality, service, and performance expectations. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, drive supplier performance through KPI tracking, and support strategic initiatives in a fast-paced Food & Beverage CPG environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Contract Manufacturing ManagementSupplier Performance TrackingCross-Functional LeadershipOperational Problem-SolvingBudget Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

KPI TrackingProcess ImprovementContract NegotiationPurchase Order ManagementManufacturing Project Leadership

Soft Skills

Strong LeadershipInterpersonal SkillsCommunication SkillsDetail-OrientedSelf-Directed

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree

Industry Keywords

Food & BeverageCPGOperationsSupply ChainContinuous Improvement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage relationships with existing and new contract manufacturers and co-packers
Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for external manufacturing partners
Ensure alignment with quality, service, cost, and performance expectations
Resolve day-to-day operational issues with co-manufacturers, R&D, Quality Assurance, and Operations
Lead weekly cross-functional discussions with co-manufacturers, co-packers, and Operations teams
Drive supplier performance through KPI tracking and quarterly business reviews
Develop actionable improvement plans based on performance trends
Negotiate one-off expenses within existing contract terms
Lead manufacturing and continuous improvement projects
Improve processes, tools, and best practices for operational consistency and scalability
Support Innovation and Brand Renovation projects and attend manufacturing trials
Support sourcing and assessment of new contract manufacturers
Support strategic initiatives across the manufacturing network
Write purchase orders for R&D trial expenses and capital projects
Manage spend against annual budgets and report variances
Partner with Operations and Legal on contract development and negotiation
Perform other projects as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

4–7 years of experience in Contract Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Operations, and/or Supply Chain
Preferably experience within a Food & Beverage CPG environment
Bachelor’s degree required
Technical experience in Food & Beverage, such as Engineering or R&D, strongly preferred
Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills
Ability to build alignment across internal teams and external partners
Operational judgment and problem-solving skills
Ability to assess trade-offs, synthesize information, and make recommendations
Self-directed and results-oriented with strong ownership
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment
Detail-oriented with broader business perspective
Comfort operating amid ambiguity and change
Travel required up to 35%, including regular travel to manufacturing sites and on-site support for trials and key initiatives

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual bonus opportunity
Health, financial, and wellness programs
Time off benefits
Lifestyle perks
Innovation shipments
Hands-on training
Innovative learning platforms
Career growth opportunities
Mentorship and supportive leadership
Collaborative and inclusive work environment