Co-Manufacturing Manager

Smalls

Smalls

United States · Remote
Posted on Apr 4, 2025

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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.