Director – External Manufacturing

Position Summary

The Director of Domestic External Manufacturing will help shape and lead the execution of Welch’s external, U.S. based manufacturing strategy. You will be accountable for the full partner lifecycle, from identifying and evaluating co-manufacturers to negotiating agreements, supporting commercialization, and managing ongoing performance.

Working closely with Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, Engineering, R&D, and Finance, you will connect Welch’s growth plans with the capabilities and capacity needed to deliver them. You will also establish clear processes, performance expectations, and accountability across the external manufacturing network.

This role requires direct experience leading external manufacturing partnerships across partner selection, onboarding, commercialization, and ongoing performance management.

Where You’ll Work

This role is based at our headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts, with Monday through Wednesday in the office and Thursday and Friday working remotely. Approximately 25% travel is anticipated.

What You’ll Do

• Shape the external manufacturing strategy. Help determine where co-manufacturing partnerships can support growth, innovation, capacity needs, and business continuity alongside Welch’s internal manufacturing capabilities.
• Select and onboard partners. Lead the identification, evaluation, and onboarding of co-manufacturers, working with cross-functional teams to assess technical capabilities, capacity, quality, cost, and operational readiness.
• Support successful product launches. Partner with R&D, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to move products into commercial production and resolve manufacturing challenges.
• Lead commercial negotiations. Structure and negotiate manufacturing agreements that establish clear expectations for cost, service, quality, capacity, and accountability.
• Own partner performance. Establish scorecards and regular business reviews, address performance gaps, and lead improvements in cost, quality, service, and reliability.
• Guide manufacturing decisions. Develop recommendations on internal versus external production, capacity investments, and network changes using financial and operational analysis.
• Strengthen supply continuity. Identify risks across the partner network and coordinate mitigation plans to protect product availability.
• Build a scalable operating model. Establish consistent processes, decision responsibilities, and ways of working across internal teams and external partners.
• Lead and develop the team. Set clear priorities, coach team members, and build accountability for results.

Who You Are

• A strategic thinker who stays close to execution and follows through on commitments.
• A strong relationship builder who can influence partners and colleagues, address difficult issues directly, and align teams around decisions.
• A practical problem solver who uses data, sound judgment, and financial analysis to evaluate tradeoffs.
• A clear communicator who can translate complex manufacturing issues into actionable recommendations for senior leaders.
• A leader who creates structure when processes are evolving and helps others succeed through change.

What You’ll Need

Required

• Direct leadership of end-to-end contract or co-manufacturing partnerships, including partner identification and qualification, onboarding, commercialization, performance management, and continuous improvement.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, supply chain, operations, procurement, engineering, or external manufacturing within a CPG or food and beverage environment.
• Experience developing manufacturing or supplier strategies that support business growth and organizational change.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate manufacturing agreements and manage complex supplier relationships.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including experience evaluating manufacturing costs, capacity alternatives, capital investments, and network decisions.
• Experience influencing senior leaders and leading work across multiple functions.
• A bachelor’s degree.

Preferred

• Food and beverage CPG experience.
• A degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or a related technical discipline.
• An MBA

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
• Total Rewards 
  • 401K plan with 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
• Full relocation benefits including moving, temporary housing, and house hunting trip 

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. 

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