Co-Packer Manager

About the role

Drive operational excellence and strategic growth across our co-packer network. As a Co-Packer Manager, you will lead relationships with third-party manufacturing partners while ensuring the highest standards of product quality, food safety, compliance, and service. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to optimize production performance, manage costs, and deliver finished goods on time to support customer demand and business objectives. This role is ideal for a results-driven supply chain leader who thrives on building strong partnerships, improving processes, and delivering impactful solutions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day co-packer operations.
• Coordinate protein (meat), ingredient, and packaging sourcing.
• Provide capacity and supply planning direction.
• Manage finished goods inventory levels.
• Coordinate logistics for all inbound and outbound freight.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with co-packers.
• Manage monthly reports for co-packers.
• Manage and maintain cost books for Pet and Pasturebird co-packers.
• Develop and manage unique ingredient sourcing and inventory management processes for co-packers to ensure supply availability while mitigating risk.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, efficiency gains, and cost savings within co-packing operations.
• Ensure all co-packers adhere to company regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, USDA, HACCP, GMPs).
• Address production, quality, and supply chain issues promptly.
• Work cross-functionally to implement changes.
• Monitor and coordinate co-packing activities to meet production schedules, quality expectations, and cost objectives.
• Maintain a working knowledge of product costing methods within each production facility.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline.
• 5 years of related work experience with sound business and industry knowledge.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Senior management and peer presentation experience.
• Knowledge of supply chain operations.
• Highly numerate and analytical.
• Knowledge of production planning and optimization within constraints.
• Knowledge of Manugistics DSM, SCN, SAP, or other ERP and production planning technologies.
• Understanding of information technology systems and how they interact.
• Ability to travel overnight to customer, vendor, and plant locations (50% or more travel).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the food, beverage, or consumer goods industry.
• Knowledge of food safety certifications and regulatory standards.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Position is primarily sedentary but may require occasional movement to other offices or buildings.
• May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another.
• May need to access files, supplies, and equipment.
• When in a plant environment, exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors, including metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with ambient conditions and up to 100% humidity.
• May handle products ranging from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May be exposed to noise levels ranging from 50 db. to 110 db.
• May be exposed to chemicals used in poultry, food, and processing facilities.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $89,000 - $133,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications, with an annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).

Benefits

• Medical/Rx coverage
• 401(k) with employer match after 1 year
• Critical illness insurance
• Accident insurance
• Dental and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Optional group life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability protection
• Flexible spending accounts
• Paid time off