Executive Director, External Manufacturing & Partnerships

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

Job summary

Welch's is seeking a Director of Contract Manufacturing to shape and scale our external manufacturing network, enabling rapid growth and innovation. Based in Waltham, MA, you will own the end-to-end ecosystem, drive partnerships, and guide governance to ensure performance and resilience across geographies.

You will lead cross-functional teams, influence senior leadership, and deliver strategic outcomes that balance internal capabilities with external co-manufacturing.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership across manufacturing and supply chain in a complex CPG or food & beverage environment.
• Bachelor's degree required; MBA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead Welch's enterprise external manufacturing strategy, expanding the co-manufacturing network to support long-term growth and flexibility.
• Architect a future-state manufacturing footprint balancing internal production with external partners.
• Build strategic relationships with manufacturing partners for sustained competitive advantage.
• Oversee evaluation, onboarding, governance of external manufacturing partners across product platforms and geographies.
• Partner with supply chain and cross-functional leaders to develop multi-year capacity plans supporting innovation pipelines and expansion.
• Serve as executive owner for the external manufacturing network with governance and reviews.
• Drive Make-vs-Buy decisions, network optimization and investment planning.
• Lead contract negotiations to optimize cost, service, quality and value.
• Champion continuous improvement across manufacturing, quality systems, and operations.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team and culture of accountability.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Relationship management

Negotiation

Data-driven

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA preferred

Job description

Welch's is seeking a Director of Contract Manufacturing to shape and scale our external manufacturing network, enabling rapid growth and innovation. Based in Waltham, MA, you will own the end-to-end ecosystem, drive partnerships, and guide governance to ensure performance and resilience across geographies.

You will lead cross-functional teams, influence senior leadership, and deliver strategic outcomes that balance internal capabilities with external co-manufacturing.