Senior Manager of External Manufacturing

Job Description

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 Senior Manager of External Manufacturing plays a key leadership role in enabling Welch's growth and innovation agenda by building, scaling, and optimizing a high-performing external manufacturing network. This role partners cross-functionally to shape product and supply chain strategies, identify and onboard best-in-class co-manufacturing partners, and ensure seamless commercialization of new products.

You will own the end-to-end co-manufacturing ecosystem, from partner selection and contract negotiation to performance management and continuous improvement—driving excellence across cost, quality, service, and speed to market. This role also leads the development of standardized processes and performance frameworks that elevate capabilities and deliver best-in-class results across the network.

Where You'll Work

This role will be based out of our Waltham, MA headquarters, the hub of our family-farmer owned manufacturing company. Immerse yourself 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

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing co-manufacturing team while driving accountability and capability building
• Define and execute co-manufacturing strategies that enable innovation, capacity expansion, and long-term growth
• Identify, evaluate, onboard, and manage external manufacturing partners to build a resilient, scalable network
• Negotiate and manage strategic contracts to ensure optimal cost, quality, and service outcomes
• Partner cross-functionally to support successful commercialization and efficient scale-up of new products
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance cost efficiency, product quality, service levels, and speed to market
• Design and implement standardized processes for partner selection, onboarding, and performance management
• Establish KPIs and lead regular business reviews to monitor performance and drive accountability across partners
• Proactively identify risks and lead resolution of operational challenges to ensure supply continuity
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and cost optimization initiatives tied to co-manufacturing operations
• Lead cross-functional projects and communicate progress, insights, and risks to senior leadership

Who You Are

• Excellent leadership skills with strong business acumen
• Bias for action
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills
• Strong interpersonal skills w/ ability to interact with all levels and functions of organizations on both an individual and team basis
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities under pressure
• Knowledge and experience in all aspects of operations including manufacturing and/or engineering, logistics and quality
• Strong people leadership skills with a track record of developing talent, building trust, and driving accountability
• Strategic mindset with the ability to translate business priorities into actionable operational plans
• Proactive, solutions-oriented approach with a bias for action and continuous improvement
• Proven ability to negotiate effectively and influence outcomes across internal and external stakeholders
• Highly effective at building relationships and collaborating across functions, levels, and partner organizations
• Comfortable navigating complexity and ambiguity while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Broad supply chain knowledge, including experience across manufacturing, engineering, quality, and logistics
• Data-driven decision maker who uses metrics and insights to improve performance and guide strategy
• Clear and confident communicator, able to tailor messaging from operational teams to senior leadership

What You'll Need

• 7+ years of progressive supply chain experience, including manufacturing, engineering, project management, and supplier/contract negotiation
• Bachelor's degree required (Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field preferred)
• Proven ability to lead teams, influence cross-functional stakeholders, and drive results in complex environments
• CPG Food & Beverage experience 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: Enjoy time away from the office to rest and recharge
• Paid Volunteer Time Off : 40 hours of paid volunteer time
• Development & Advancement : 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 12 months of employment

The anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is $150,000 - $160,000 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.

#LI-Hybrid

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.