Director, External Manufacturing & Partner Strategy

Nombase; Waltham (MA); Hybrid; USD 185,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Inclusive Culture

Hybrid work model

Paid Time Off and Holidays

401K plan with Generous Company Match

Paid Volunteer Time Off

Job summary

Welch's is recruiting for a Director of Contract Manufacturing to shape our external manufacturing network and enable rapid growth, innovation, and resilience. You will own partner identification, onboarding, commercialization, and ongoing performance management.

The role is based in Waltham, MA with a hybrid in-office/remote schedule (Mon–Wed in office; Thu–Fri remote) and ~25% travel. You will lead a high-impact, executive-facing organization driving enterprise-wide manufacturing strategy.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience across manufacturing, supply chain, operations, or external manufacturing within a complex CPG/food and beverage environment.
• Bachelor's degree required; Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or related technical discipline preferred; MBA preferred.
• Proven success developing enterprise manufacturing or supplier strategies enabling growth and transformation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead Welch's external manufacturing strategy to expand the co-manufacturing network.
• Architect a future manufacturing footprint balancing internal and external partners.
• Build strategic relationships with manufacturers for competitive advantage.
• Lead evaluation, onboarding, and governance of external partners across product platforms/geographies.
• Partner with supply chain and cross-functional leaders on multi-year capacity strategies.
• Serve as executive owner for the external manufacturing network with governance and reviews.
• Drive make-versus-buy decisions, investments, and network optimization.
• Lead negotiations and partnerships to optimize cost, service, quality, and long-term value.
• Champion continuous improvement to enhance performance and quality across the network.
• Build standardized processes and governance models for Welch's external manufacturing.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Executive communication

Negotiation

Financial acumen

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA preferred

Engineering / Supply Chain / Operations

Job description

Welch's is recruiting for a Director of Contract Manufacturing to shape our external manufacturing network and enable rapid growth, innovation, and resilience. You will own partner identification, onboarding, commercialization, and ongoing performance management.

The role is based in Waltham, MA with a hybrid in-office/remote schedule (Mon–Wed in office; Thu–Fri remote) and ~25% travel. You will lead a high-impact, executive-facing organization driving enterprise-wide manufacturing strategy.