Co-Manufacturing Manager

Smalls is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Co-Manufacturing Manager to oversee and manage relationships with up to three co-manufacturers producing a diverse range of pet food products, including fresh cat food meals, freeze-dried products, and broths. This role is critical to ensuring product quality, cost efficiency, and on-time fulfillment while maintaining strong cross-functional collaboration with supply chain, procurement, and other internal teams.

What You’ll Do:

1. Co-Manufacturer Management:

   • Serve as the primary point of contact for up to three co-manufacturers, ensuring strong relationships and effective communication.

   • Oversee production processes to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance with company standards.

   • Conduct regular site visits and audits to monitor performance and address any issues proactively.

2. Product Support and Financial Oversight:

   • Analyze cost structures and identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality.

   • Ensure accurate and timely reporting of production costs and variances.

   • Support projects related to existing product optimization and increasing operational efficiency of production.

   • Assist in the commercialization of new products at co-manufacturing sites.

   • Monitor and support product COGS (Cost of Goods Sold) and margin performance related to production and material costs.

3. Fulfillment and Scheduling:

   • Develop and manage production schedules to meet demand forecasts and ensure on-time delivery.

   • Monitor purchase order (PO) fulfillment accuracy and resolve any discrepancies.

   • Collaborate with supply chain and logistics teams to ensure seamless product flow.

4. Quality Control:

   • Support the team in resolving escalated or persistent quality issues with co-manufacturing partners.

   • Hold co-manufacturing and supplier partners accountable for upholding company policies related to food safety and quality.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

   • Work closely with supply chain, procurement, quality assurance, and R&D teams to align on production goals and resolve any operational challenges.

   • Provide input on new product launches and ensure co-manufacturers are prepared to meet production requirements.

6. Travel Requirements:

   • Be prepared to travel up to three times per quarter to co-manufacturing sites for meetings, audits, and performance reviews.

What we’ll love about you:

• You have worked in manufacturing or managed co-manufacturing relationships with perishable products. At least 5 years is preferred. Perishable pet food is a HUGE plus!

• You have a proven track record in the role’s responsibilities.

  • You have a strong understanding of product costing and financial management.

  • You are able to manage complex production schedules.

  • You are proficient in ERP systems and Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, Powerpoint)

• You enjoy working in fast-paced environments, where there is always a new challenge. You understand that these environments demand high attention to detail and strong communication skills to meet ambitious deadlines. You’re excited by opportunities to build, iterate, and problem solve.

• You know how to build and maintain trust in your working relationships with both internal and external key stakeholders. Your communication leads with empathy, especially in challenging conversations.

• You prioritize timely, clear, and kind communication. You know how crucial strong communication is when managing multiple stakeholders at varied levels of the organization.