The Head of External Manufacturing & Traded Goods establishes and executes the strategic plan for all externally manufactured and traded products in support of current and future sales growth. 

This role leads, assesses, and develops a highly capable team while managing a network of external manufacturing partners. The position is responsible for ensuring supply reliability, cost competitiveness, quality compliance, and operational excellence across an asset-light manufacturing model. 

In addition, this role plays a key leadership part in supporting the overall growth, capability development, and strategic direction of the North American Supply Chain organization, positioning the function for scalability and long-term success. 

Your Responsibilities:

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
• Direct and manage the performance of external manufacturing partners including toll manufacturers, co-packers, and traded goods suppliers. 
• Plan supply chain activities, capacity alignment, and financial resources while adhering to approved budget. 
• Coordinate supply network activities with Planning, Procurement, Quality, and Commercial teams to ensure supply objectives are achieved in a timely and cost-effective manner. 
• Partner with regional leadership to support the development, integration, and continuous improvement of the North American Supply Chain organization, contributing to strategic initiatives and capability building. 
• Develop and control cost-to-serve, financial performance, and budget for traded and toll manufactured goods. 
• Implement cost-effective systems of control over product costs, external manufacturing expenses, logistics, and inventory. 
• Establish and monitor overall network performance for service, cost, and quality standards. 
• Control and minimize premium freight, supply disruptions, and external manufacturing inefficiencies. 
• Provide leadership and guidance to accomplish company goals and objectives within an external manufacturing model. 
• Lead supplier performance management through KPIs, SLAs, and structured business reviews. 
• Define, implement, and ensure adherence to quality, hygiene, HACCP, food safety, occupational safety, and environmental standards across all external partners. 
• Serve as primary escalation point for major supply, quality, or compliance issues related to external manufacturing. 
• Plan and support long-term network optimization initiatives including make vs. buy decisions, supplier selection, and capacity strategies. 
• Establish and develop a qualified and motivated team. Lead, assess, and develop directly subordinate employees in a professional and disciplinary capacity in consultation with HR. Ensure effective management of indirectly subordinate roles within the broader supply chain organization. 
• Act as a key contributor to the broader North American Supply Chain leadership team, helping shape long-term strategy, organizational design, and operational excellence initiatives beyond immediate functional scope. 
• Define, implement, and ensure optimal exchange of information across functions and with external partners. 
• Continuously standardize and optimize processes, governance structures, and performance management systems to drive continuous improvement. 
• Drive digital transformation within the area of responsibility, including data visibility, performance tracking, and decision-making tools. 
• Implement strategies for expansion and optimization of external manufacturing capacity and supply flexibility. 
• Optimize operational processes focusing on cost, service, and quality to improve overall supply network performance. 
• Support cross-network initiatives that enhance scalability, flexibility, and performance across the North American supply chain footprint. 
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks and implement contingency plans including dual sourcing and alternative supply strategies. 

* Responsible for Quality, Food Safety, Legality & Integrity. 

Travel 

15%–30% travel required to external partner and supplier locations. 

Your Profile:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field 
• 10–15 years of progressive experience in manufacturing, supply chain, or external manufacturing environments 
• Proven experience managing third-party manufacturing or supplier networks 
• Food & beverage industry experience 

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