Director, External Manufacturing

Socotra, Inc.; Waltham (MA); Hybrid; USD 185,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Paid Time Off and Holidays

401K with company match

Paid Volunteer Time Off

Job summary

Welch's is seeking a Director of Contract Manufacturing to shape and scale its external manufacturing network, reporting to the Head of Business Development. The role focuses on defining enterprise strategy for external manufacturing, building a scalable co-manufacturing network, and enabling growth through innovation and resilience.

The ideal candidate brings 10+ years in manufacturing/CPG leadership, strong negotiation skills, and a track record of managing contract manufacturers across

Qualifications

• 10+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing, supply chain, or related fields.
• Experience leading end-to-end external (contract/co-) manufacturing partnerships.
• Proven ability to influence executive leadership and drive cross-functional alignment.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in network optimization and long-term investments.

Responsibilities

• Develop Welch's external manufacturing strategy and expand the co-manufacturing network.
• Architect a future-state footprint balancing internal production with external partners.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with manufacturing partners.
• Oversee onboarding, governance, and performance of external manufacturing partners.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Relationship management

Negotiation

Data-driven

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA preferred

Job description

Grow with Welch's!

Welch's is on a journey towards our bold ambition of being the global-leader of convenient, good for you fruit-based food and beverages. To turn this goal into a reality we need you and other exceptionally talented, agile, and innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to something extraordinary!

At Welch's, we're not just offering a job; we're inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, authentic, and inclusive culture where you not only belong, but also have the opportunity to unleash the best, most authentic version of you.

Position Summary

The Director of Contract Manufacturing will play a critical leadership role in shaping Welch's future manufacturing network as the company accelerates its growth, innovation, and transformation agenda. Reporting into the Head of Business Development, this individual will support the future definition and execution of enterprise strategy for external manufacturing, building a scalable, resilient, and best-in-class co-manufacturing network that enables Welch's long-term ambitions.

As Welch's continues to evolve into a more agile, asset-right organization, expanding our external manufacturing network will be a critical enterprise capability. This leader will help define that future, building the partnerships, capabilities, and operating model that enable accelerated innovation, increased speed to market, greater manufacturing flexibility, and sustainable long-term growth.

This is a highly visible leadership role for someone who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys building new capabilities, and is energized by helping transform how a growing CPG company manufactures and brings products to market. This role requires prior leadership experience owning an external (contract) manufacturing network, including end-to-end responsibility for partner identification, onboarding, commercialization, and ongoing performance management.

Where You’ll Work:

This role will be based out of our Waltham, MA headquarters where you will be immersed in a dynamic workplace where innovation thrives and collaboration is key.

Our company in-office schedule is designed to maximize collaboration & relationship building balanced with flexibility and well-being with 3 days in-office and Thursdays/Friday being remote, flex days.

What You'll Do

• Support the development and lead Welch's enterprise external manufacturing strategy, expanding the co-manufacturing network to support long-term business growth, innovation, and operational flexibility.
• Architect a future-state manufacturing footprint that balances internal production capabilities with strategically selected external manufacturing partners.
• Build and cultivate long-term strategic relationships with manufacturing partners that position Welch's for sustained competitive advantage.
• Drive and support the evaluation, selection, onboarding, and governance of external manufacturing partners across multiple product platforms and geographies.
• Partner with supply chain and other cross functional leaders to develop multi-year capacity strategies supporting innovation pipelines, commercialization, geographic expansion, and business continuity.
• Serve as the executive business owner for the external manufacturing network, establishing governance, operating rhythms, performance scorecards, and strategic business reviews.
• Drive enterprise decision-making around make-versus-buy strategies, manufacturing investments, network optimization, and supply chain resiliency.
• Lead contract negotiations and commercial partnerships that optimize cost, service, quality, and long-term value creation.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance manufacturing performance while strengthening quality systems, customer service, and operational excellence across the network.
• Build standardized processes, governance models, and scalable capabilities that mature Welch's external manufacturing organization as a strategic enterprise function.
• Identify emerging risks and opportunities across the supply base while proactively developing mitigation strategies to protect continuity of supply.
• Lead cross-functional transformation initiatives, influencing senior stakeholders and aligning diverse functions around common enterprise priorities.
• Develop, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Who You Are

• Enterprise-minded leader who naturally balances strategic thinking with disciplined execution.
• Builder who enjoys creating new capabilities, establishing operating models, and leading organizations through periods of transformation.
• Exceptional relationship acumen, capable of influencing executives, customers, suppliers, and cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority.
• Commercially savvy leader who understands how manufacturing strategy enables broader business growth and competitive advantage.
• Highly effective negotiator with experience structuring complex supplier relationships and long-term strategic partnerships.
• Systems thinker who understands how manufacturing, procurement, planning, quality, engineering, commercialization, and finance work together to drive enterprise performance.
• Comfortable leading through ambiguity while making sound decisions with incomplete information.
• Data-driven leader who leverages analytics and financial insights to shape strategy and prioritize investments.
• Executive communicator capable of translating complex operational topics into concise recommendations for senior leadership.
• Passionate coach with a track record of building high-performing teams and developing future leaders.

What You'll Need

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience across manufacturing, supply chain, operations, procurement, engineering, or external manufacturing within a complex CPG or food and beverage environment.
• Bachelor's degree required; Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or related technical discipline preferred. MBA preferred.
• Demonstrated success developing enterprise manufacturing or supplier strategies that support business growth and organizational transformation.
• Demonstrated experience leading end-to-end external (contract/co-) manufacturing partnerships is required, including partner identification, qualification, onboarding, commercialization, performance management, and continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to influence executive leadership and drive alignment across complex cross-functional organizations.
• Strong financial acumen with experience evaluating capital alternatives, network optimization, and long-term supply chain investments.
• Food & Beverage CPG experience strongly preferred.

What You’ll Enjoy

• Organization with a bold, clear purpose & vision for the future
• Inclusive Culture:Be a part of an inclusive workplace where you not only belong but also have the opportunity to be the best version of yourself
• Passionate Community:You are encouraged to have a voice, share your opinions, and have individual impact on the success of the business
• Hybrid work model:Flexible & collaborative work environment to maximize well-being & success
• Paid Time Off and Holidays:Available immediately for you to enjoy time away from the office to rest and recharge
• Paid Volunteer Time Off:40 hours of paid volunteer time for all non-union employees
• Development & Advancement:Access to LinkedIn Learning as well as both formal and informal opportunities to develop and grow your career
• Compensation Package Consisting of Competitive Base Salary and Annual Incentive Plan (Bonus)
• 401K plan with Generous Company Match
• Flexible Benefits from your first day:Choose the benefits that meet your needs and preferences
  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Accounts
  • Life and accident insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Additional benefits available through Perks at Work
• Paid parental (and adoption) leave –Available after 6 months of employment

Compensation

The anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is $185,000 to $195,000 annually for US-based employees. This range reflects the minimum and maximum for the position across all US locations, is based on a full-time work schedule, and is Welch’s good faith estimate as of the date of this posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for participation in a bonus plan.

Welch's is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the prevention of employment discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and/or military or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state/local laws.

Welch's offers more than just a job - it's an opportunity to grow, innovate, and make a global impact with a passionate community.