Contract Manufacturer Program Manager

As a Contract Manufacturer Program Manager at Bevi, you'll oversee the manufacturing process and work cross-functionally to ensure that finished products are delivered to our distribution network on schedule. This involves collaborating with contract manufacturers and internal teams, guiding them through product lifecycle management, and addressing any issues that arise during production.

Candidates for the Contract Manufacturer Program Manager role at Bevi should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Engineering or Supply Chain Management, combined with a minimum of 5 years of experience in engineering, program management, or operations management specifically in a contract manufacturing environment.

The Contract Manufacturer Program Manager at Bevi plays a vital role in our New Product Development readiness process by implementing best practices and ensuring that new hardware products meet business objectives. This includes increasing the rigor of phase gate approvals and maintaining communication with cross-functional teams throughout the product launch.

Ideal candidates for the Contract Manufacturer Program Manager position at Bevi should have experience guiding complex electromechanical hardware products through development and production ramp. Experience with product lifecycle and quality management systems is also highly desirable.

At Bevi, Contract Manufacturer Program Managers enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company matching, generous paid time off, and wellness reimbursements. Additionally, we focus on a positive workplace culture that promotes sustainability and social responsibility.

When answering this question, focus on specific examples where you successfully managed contract manufacturers, detailing the strategies you employed to ensure quality and timely delivery of products. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them while fostering collaboration with internal and external partners.

To answer effectively, outline your approach to maintaining alignment among teams, such as regular communication through meetings, clear documentation of responsibilities, and setting up collaborative tools that enhance visibility on timelines and status updates for the entire team.

Discuss your experience in establishing robust phase gate processes by leveraging metrics and feedback from previous product launches. You can also mention how you prioritize and manage stakeholder expectations throughout these critical stages.

Showcase your ability to act as a bridge between technical and non-technical teams. Explain a situation where you facilitated understanding or resolved misunderstandings through active listening, diplomacy, and ensuring all voices were heard in the decision-making process.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe a specific instance where you successfully managed multiple issues, prioritizing them based on urgency and impact, while keeping the focus on the overall goal of a successful product launch.

Discuss your philosophy on mentorship, emphasizing the importance of empowerment and providing support. Mention any specific techniques you employ, such as setting development goals with team members and providing regular feedback to nurture their growth.

Explain the tools and methods you use to track commitments and deadlines, along with the communication protocols for addressing potential delays or setbacks. Highlight your proactive approach in anticipating challenges to ensure that timelines are met.

Discuss the types of reports that you create, such as status updates, risk assessments, and performance metrics. Talk about how you present these reports to stakeholders in a way that highlights progress, challenges, and any necessary actions needed to stay on track.

Share a specific example where you identified inefficiencies or opportunities for improvement in processes. Discuss the steps you took to implement changes and the measurable impact those changes had on productivity or quality.

Discuss your familiarity with quality management standards, such as ISO or Six Sigma, and how you've applied them in previous roles. Explain how this knowledge informs your work and ensures the manufacturing of high-quality products.