Director of Contract Manufacturing

The VMS Co-Op is a group of fast-growing companies in the Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements (VMS) space, including OLLY, SmartyPants, and future acquisitions. This position is based at OLLY.

About the role

Our Director of Contract Manufacturing is a strategic leader who builds and manages relationships with manufacturing partners to ensure excellence. This high-impact role requires an experienced leader capable of implementing supply chain practices, driving continuous improvement, and holding partners accountable. As VMS expands into new categories, this leader will collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify best-in-class partners, enabling the launch of disruptive products and supporting high-growth business needs.

Responsibilities

• Strategic: Lead network design, supplier selection, capacity planning, and contingency planning initiatives. Develop and onboard manufacturing partners to strengthen supply chain resilience and support growth.
• Contract Management: Negotiate and manage contracts to secure optimal pricing, service, and business value. Partner with Legal and Procurement teams to ensure effective supplier governance.
• Supplier Performance: Own contract manufacturer relationships, establish KPIs, and drive performance, quality, and service improvements. Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for operational, service, or quality issues. Support initiatives focused on product quality, efficacy, sensory performance, and compliance.
• Financial Management: Manage pricing forecasts, budgets, and cost strategies to support business objectives. Support financial planning activities and assess the economic impact of strategic decisions. Identify and deliver cost savings and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Cross-Functional Partnerships: Build and maintain key relationships with Unilever and Wellbeing Collective stakeholders to align strategic priorities. Partner with Quality and R&D teams to ensure products consistently deliver exceptional consumer experiences.
• People Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team. Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration.
• Sustainability & B-Corp: Support environmental and social responsibility initiatives across the supply chain.

Requirements

• 8–12 years of progressive experience in supply chain management, strategic sourcing, and contract manufacturing within a consumer packaged goods (CPG) environment.
• Experience within a VMS manufacturing environment preferred.
• Proven experience managing large-scale contract manufacturing networks and strategic supplier relationships.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, quality systems, and supply chain risk management.
• Demonstrated success negotiating and managing complex supplier contracts and commercial agreements.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasts, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Experience leading, coaching, and developing high-performing teams.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills; transparent, collaborative, and highly effective at influencing others.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to make decisions amid uncertainty.
• Adaptable and agile leader who can shift seamlessly between strategic planning and operational execution.
• Ability to simplify complex issues and communicate business impacts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on innovation, accountability, and operational excellence.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid premiums for employee-only medical, dental (including orthodontics), and vision insurance.
• 4 weeks PTO + paid holidays + 12 Mental Health Days per year.
• 100% paid parental leave, fertility, and adoption benefits.
• Annual bonus.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Hybrid work stipends (wellness, cell phone).
• Free product.

Pay

The base pay range for this position is $162,000 to $198,000. Compensation is determined based on geographic location and experience, with the final offer reflecting these factors within the posted range.

Schedule

• Full-time, exempt (salary).
• Remote (USA-based) with 30% travel, including 4 annual trips to company offsites.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.