Co-Manufacturing Strategy Lead - Growth & Ops

David Protein; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary range: $165–$185K per year

Company equity opportunity

Health, Vision & Dental Insurance

401(k) with match

Gym expenses coverage

Substantial PTO

Job summary

David in New York City is seeking a Manufacturing Manager to own key co-manufacturing relationships, drive performance, and lead initiatives across quality, cost, and throughput. You will partner with planning and cross‑functional teams to allocate capacity, ensure on‑time production, and optimize the network for growth.

The role requires 5+ years in manufacturing or operations, a strong ownership mindset, and the ability to influence without direct authority.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing/operations or supply chain in fast-paced settings.
• Strong relationship management and ownership mentality.
• Ability to influence others and drive results without direct authority.
• Clear, direct communicator comfortable with tough conversations.
• Detail-oriented with prioritization skills in ambiguous environments.

Responsibilities

• Own relationships with key co-manufacturing partners, primary contact for performance and escalations.
• Lead performance reviews and quarterly business reviews with clear metrics and owners.
• Own manufacturing KPIs: production attainment, OTIF, RFT, throughput, yield, scrap, cost per pound, quality, complaints.
• Identify performance gaps, lead root-cause analysis, drive corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement across throughput, yield, quality, service, cost with partners.
• Develop understanding of partner capabilities to inform allocation and strategy.
• Partner with Planning to manage short- and long-term capacity to support growth.
• Represent manufacturing partners internally, communicating capabilities and constraints.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, R&D, Procurement, Finance, Fulfillment, and Commercialization.
• Build analytics and reporting to create visibility and identify opportunities.
• Lead high-impact operational initiatives from problem definition through execution with ownership.

Skills

Relationship management

Ownership mentality

Influence without authority

Clear communication

Decision making in ambiguity

Continuous improvement

Job description

David in New York City is seeking a Manufacturing Manager to own key co-manufacturing relationships, drive performance, and lead initiatives across quality, cost, and throughput. You will partner with planning and cross‑functional teams to allocate capacity, ensure on‑time production, and optimize the network for growth.

The role requires 5+ years in manufacturing or operations, a strong ownership mindset, and the ability to influence without direct authority.