CPG Contract Manufacturing Lead | Hybrid | 35% Travel

Simple Mills; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Annual bonus opportunity

Holistic benefits

Time to recharge

Everyday well-being

Job summary

Simple Mills is seeking a Contract Manufacturing Manager to lead the contract manufacturing and repacking network. You will build strong partnerships with co-packers and internal teams, manage KPI-driven performance, and drive cost, service, and risk management to support growth.

The role requires 4–7 years in Contract Manufacturing or related fields, a Bachelor’s degree, and willingness to travel up to 35%.

Qualifications

• 4–7 years of experience in Contract Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Operations, or Supply Chain, preferably in Food & Bev CPG.
• Bachelor's degree is required.
• Technical experience in Food & Bev (Engineering, R&D) strongly preferred.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills across levels.
• Willingness to travel up to 35% to manufacturing sites and trials.

Responsibilities

• Manage business relationships with contract manufacturers and co-packers, ensuring quality, service, cost and performance.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality Assurance, Legal, and Operations to resolve issues and drive improvements.
• Lead weekly cross-functional discussions to align priorities with internal and external partners.
• Drive supplier performance through KPI tracking and quarterly business reviews.
• Negotiate expenses within contract terms and support cost management initiatives.
• Identify and lead manufacturing and continuous improvement projects for cost, capacity and risk.
• Develop and improve processes and tools to support scalability as the business grows.

Skills

Contract manufacturing oversight

Cross-functional collaboration

Supplier relationship management

Cost management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Simple Mills is seeking a Contract Manufacturing Manager to lead the contract manufacturing and repacking network. You will build strong partnerships with co-packers and internal teams, manage KPI-driven performance, and drive cost, service, and risk management to support growth.

The role requires 4–7 years in Contract Manufacturing or related fields, a Bachelor’s degree, and willingness to travel up to 35%.