Contract Manufacturing and Co-packing Manager

Job Overview

This position is responsible for end-to-end ownership of supply from external manufacturing and co-packing partners outside Hershey’s internal manufacturing network, with a primary focus on Europe. The role will lead the external manufacturing and co-packing strategy across Europe to support Hershey’s growth ambitions, including Reese’s, Jolly Rancher, and other priority brands.

The role serves as Hershey’s focal point for all activities related to external co-manufacturing and co-packing operations in Europe. This includes managing the established co-manufacturer and co-packer network, overseeing contracts, resolving operational issues related to payments and supply constraints, managing partner relationships, and identifying, evaluating, and onboarding new external manufacturing partners to support NPD and business development opportunities.

The primary markets include Hershey’s Europe, MEA, and WTR regions. The role will also support product supply from external manufacturing locations to other regions, including APAC and Canada, by confirming supply feasibility, product costs, outbound logistics requirements, and related operational considerations.

This role will work closely with Procurement on sourcing strategies for critical components such as chocolate paste, peanut crème, and packaging to support the external manufacturing and co-packing network. The role will also partner with Supply Chain teams to ensure supply adherence and lead discussions with external partners on supply and demand changes.

Likewise, the role holder would also work with Stakeholder and support functions such as Finance, Legal , QRC, Responsible sourcing and Regulatory teams to ensure compliance for the co mfg and copack locations.

This role reports to the Director, Supply Chain EMEA & WTR and is supported by a team overseeing key aspects of the external manufacturing network, including Account management (partner contracting, commercial management), supply planning, coordination and product delivery across multiple markets, and New Product delivery through existing and new manufacturing partners.

Accountabilities

Lead Manufacturing Alliance Strategy & Network Management
• Own Hershey's external manufacturing and co-packing network across Europe, MEA and WTR.

• Develop and execute manufacturing alliance and sourcing strategies that support growth, supply continuity, and value creation.
• Develop and maintain long-term sourcing and manufacturing strategies.

• Identify, evaluate and onboard new partners to strengthen Hershey's manufacturing capabilities and support innovation initiatives.
• Work cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, Procurement and Commercial teams to establish and maintain long-term sourcing strategies that support growth plans.

Manage Strategic Partnerships & Risk Mitigation
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with manufacturing and co-packing partners throughout the partnership lifecycle.
• Manage contracts, commercial negotiations, renewals, and governance processes.
• Lead resolution of complex partnership, supply, and operational issues while mitigating business and operational risks.

• Support ESG functions in coordinating compliance and audit-related actions with external partners.

Optimize Supply Chain, Logistics & Procurement Integration
• Owner of packaging procurement activities with external co-manufacturing and co-packing suppliers, including source identification, pricing negotiations, supply assurance, and stakeholder management.

• Partner with Procurement to establish and implement ingredient sourcing strategies aligned to growth plans.

• Coordinate supply planning, raw material and packaging availability, and production scheduling with external manufacturing partners.

• Issue resolution with Co mfg/co pack partners.

Drive Continuous Improvement & Capability Development
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance shared manufacturing capabilities and partner performance.
• Support innovation, NPD, and business development opportunities across the alliance network.
• Facilitate partner reviews, KPI tracking, compliance activities, and best-practice sharing to strengthen partnership effectiveness.

Team Development

• Mentors & develops team and in order to improve capabilities and drive decision points through insights & analyses
• Be accountable for coaching and developing direct reports.

Be responsible and committed for the training and development plan for him/herself and his/her team.  

Skills/Knowledge

Minimum Education & Requirements

Education:	BS/BA in Engineering, Science, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, or equivalent experience.
Experience	Prefer 8+ years related experience  in supply chain with exposure to co mfg/copack management