Director of Manufacturing Operations

Position Overview

The Director, Manufacturing & Operations, is responsible for the overall relationship and oversight of the day to day management of our external manufacturing partners. They are accountable for ensuring that all processes with respect to planning, procurement, production, quality and logistics work seamlessly to deliver product on time, in full at target quality. They are also responsible for external mfg contract negotiations to drive cost-effective sourcing strategies across the entire supply chain.

Identify and maintain sourcing for new and existing contract manufactured food products. Assuring timely delivery of finished products, which meet required specifications, cost targets, and volume requirements. Develop and maintain business relationships with Contract Manufacturers responsible for manufacturing NHS Finished Goods. Act as a liaison and single point of contact between Contract Manufacturers and the functional departments.

Responsibilities

· Operational Oversight: Manage the day-to-day operations of external manufacturing partners, ensuring they meet production goals and quality standards. This includes overseeing compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), Product Specifications and other regulatory requirements.

· Planning Oversight: Oversight of forecasts, supply plans, return plans for our external manufacturing partners ensuring visibility of requirements, achievement of attainment metrics, inventory levels and negotiation of capacity.

· Budget and Cost Management: Responsible for the financial performance of external manufacturing, including budget accountability and cost control measures to optimize profitability.

· Collaboration and Communication: Act as the central point of contact between the company and external manufacturers, facilitating communication and collaboration to address any operational issues or improvements. Conduct Annual Business Reviews with applicable Contract Manufacturing locations.

· Continuous Improvement: Drive initiatives for operational excellence, including lean manufacturing practices and process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce waste and deliver cost savings.

· Innovation: Identify, onboard and maintain relationships with external manufacturing partners that are capable of producing innovative new products.

· Negotiation : negotiate contracts that provide the overall best value to the company and establishes key performance indicators for each external manufacturer to drive continuous improvement and reduction in total delivered cost.

· Project Management: Develop/operate from detailed project plans to ensure time line for launches and/or customer shipments are met.

Qualifications

· Education: Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business administration, engineering, or another related field.

· Experience: 5-15 years of progressive operations experience in the food and beverage industry, preferably in a high-growth environment. Strong preference for external manufacturing experience.

· Demonstrated experience in external manufacturing, sourcing and contract negotiation.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.