Contract Manufacturing Lead Manager

Post Holdings Inc.•Brentwood, MO

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Contract Manufacturing Lead Manager will interact with and support Marketing & Sales as well as all other functional departments including Operations, Logistics, Demand Planning, Quality, Research & Development, Procurement, and Finance across multiple business units within Post Holdings with a specific focus on Wet Pet Food strategy. This person will manage external manufacturing relationships across multiple brands and facilities and play a key role in the development and implementation of key commercialization and innovation initiatives with a focus on volume and profit growth as well as cost reduction. Candidates based in the St. Louis area will follow a hybrid work schedule, with in‑office days on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (Business, Procurement, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, etc)
Minimum of 7-9 years of operational and plant manufacturing experience preferably in a CPG environment
Minimum of 7-9 years of project management experience
Strong knowledge of quality and food safety regulations and compliance requirements
Proven experience with P&Ls, contract negotiation, and managing external co-manufacturing agreements
Proficient in ERP systems such as Oracle, SAP, JDE, etc
Strong cross-functional leadership and problem-solving abilities
Demonstrated business acumen, with a proactive approach to driving operational success
Travel Requirements: ~30% monthly

Responsibilities

Manage external relationships with co-manufacturers to ensure they provide unique capabilities, capacity, and competitive costs
Oversee contract manufacturers, both domestic and international, across multiple brands and facilities, ensuring alignment with business goals and operational efficiency
Foster long-term, productive relationships that drive continuous improvement, profitability, and capacity growth
Lead the vendor selection process by developing criteria to evaluate new manufacturing partners and identifying the most suitable providers for the company’s needs
Negotiate complex contracts with qualified contract manufacturers and co-packers that clearly convey cost expectations, service levels, quality standards, and promote long-term partnerships
Ensure agreements include cost-saving mechanisms and establish clear accountability to foster strong relationships while reducing risk
Conduct regular performance evaluations of co-manufacturing partners, reviewing metrics such as production output, cost efficiency, quality standards, and service levels
Lead monthly business reviews with external manufacturers, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and driving performance improvements through data-driven insights
Organize and lead annual site reviews to assess partner capabilities and align on future business plans, ensuring the continuous alignment of operational strategies with business growth
Collaborate with Finance and Procurement to develop annual budgets for co-manufactured products, ensuring financial goals are clearly defined and met
Review co-manufacturing P&Ls to validate cost variances versus standard, identify opportunities for improvement, and communicate findings to leadership
Drive accountability on cost performance, ensuring the financial health of external manufacturing operations through regular tracking of operating profit targets
Lead strategic discussions on make vs. buy decisions, assessing internal vs. external manufacturing options
Prepare comprehensive business cases and recommendations based on cost, capacity, and long-term value
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure outsourcing decisions are aligned with broader supply chain and operational goals, optimizing production capacity and minimizing risks
Lead major cross-functional projects that align with business objectives, such as sustainability initiatives or operational efficiency improvements
Provide project management leadership by coordinating trials, start-ups, and quality audits at third-party manufacturing sites, ensuring alignment with launch timelines and objectives
Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of site approvals and audits for new third-party manufacturers, ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations and internal standards
Champion process improvement initiatives with co-manufacturers, identifying opportunities for automation, digital transformation, or supply chain enhancements that drive efficiency and reduce costs
Work closely with co-manufacturers to promote continuous improvement in production processes, identifying areas to streamline operations and improve margins through lean methodologies
Engage in joint business planning with key external manufacturers to drive innovation, cost reduction, and enhanced production capabilities, aligning operational goals with long-term business objectives
Develop and implement contingency plans to mitigate risks from potential labor interruptions, fluctuations in product demand, or supply chain disruptions
Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., Operations, Sales, R&D) to ensure business continuity during unforeseen circumstances by securing alternative manufacturing solutions
Oversee the management of inventory control and the disposition of obsolete inventory at co-manufacturers, ensuring optimal inventory levels and minimizing financial waste