Contract Manufacturing Operations Director

CONAGRA • Omaha, NE

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Senior Director Contract Manufacturing, you will lead ongoing operations within the Contract Manufacturing network and guide both the startup of new items at Copackers and the maintenance of established Copacker relationships. You will ensure compliance with all contractual, financial, quality, and operational expectations while supporting cost efficiency, capacity planning, and organizational partnership across multiple functional teams.
A Taste of Your Responsibilities:
Manage complex and challenging Copacker relationships, applying experience and credibility to influence partners at all levels.
Oversee performance and relationship management of assigned Contract Manufacturers.
Create a performance vision and develop strategies that reflect both tactical and strategic business needs.
Evaluate supplier performance and ensure quality, service, and cost expectations are met through coaching and partnership.
Develop processes, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with Copacker contracts including financial standards, yields, quality requirements, reporting, and capacity.
Coach internal partners on effective supplier interactions to improve execution.
Lead and develop a team of Operations Managers and support resources, providing insights, education, and growth opportunities.
Lead cross‑functional teams to deliver results and support annual standard cost development with Finance for assigned platforms or product lines.
Independently manage complex or high‑impact projects from inception through execution, meeting critical milestones.
Develop and execute negotiation strategies using business acumen, creativity, and market insights.
Build strategies using market analysis to address cost reduction, innovation, and new category opportunities.
Perform market analysis using benchmarks, supplier segmentation, technology trends, and should‑cost modeling.
Serve as program strategy owner for assigned platforms or Contract Manufacturing programs.
Represent Contract Manufacturing on cross‑functional initiatives and company‑wide programs.
Develop team members through mentorship and ongoing guidance.
Travel approximately 30–40%.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• Ten or more years of experience in CPG and/or regulated manufacturing, including operations, quality assurance, supply chain management, contract negotiations, finance, and manufacturing procedures.
• Experience in a direct leadership role plus experience.
• Experience applying Focused Improvement, Understanding Loss, and Review and Response competencies.
• Experience with department‑specific processes including should‑cost modeling, selection, new product introduction and maintenance.
• Project management expertise with demonstrated results.
• Experience in innovation and commercialization.
• Experience using modern systems and tools such as SAP, Oracle & Power BI to enhance reporting and operational outcomes.
• Team development, influence across levels/functions and coaching strengths.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex and challenging Copacker relationships, applying experience and credibility to influence partners at all levels.
• Oversee performance and relationship management of assigned Contract Manufacturers.
• Create a performance vision and develop strategies that reflect both tactical and strategic business needs.
• Evaluate supplier performance and ensure quality, service, and cost expectations are met through coaching and partnership.
• Develop processes, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with Copacker contracts including financial standards, yields, quality requirements, reporting, and capacity.
• Coach internal partners on effective supplier interactions to improve execution.
• Lead and develop a team of Operations Managers and support resources, providing insights, education, and growth opportunities.
• Lead cross‑functional teams to deliver results and support annual standard cost development with Finance for assigned platforms or product lines.
• Independently manage complex or high‑impact projects from inception through execution, meeting critical milestones.
• Develop and execute negotiation strategies using business acumen, creativity, and market insights.
• Build strategies using market analysis to address cost reduction, innovation, and new category opportunities.
• Perform market analysis using benchmarks, supplier segmentation, technology trends, and should‑cost modeling.
• Serve as program strategy owner for assigned platforms or Contract Manufacturing programs.
• Represent Contract Manufacturing on cross‑functional initiatives and company‑wide programs.
• Develop team members through mentorship and ongoing guidance.

Benefits

• Health: Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement
• Wealth: Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
• Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement
• Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director