Manager, Contract Manufacturing

Company Description

Simple Mills is on a mission to transform the way food is madecreating nourishing products with astounding ingredients and amazing taste. Founded in 2012 by Katlin Smith our brand has redefined center-aisle grocery by delivering better-for-you products made with unique nutrient-dense ingredients. Today were a category leader and the #1 natural brand in multiple segments with distribution in over 30000 stores nationwide.

Now as part of Flowers Foods were entering an exciting new phase of growthexpanding our reach accelerating innovation and amplifying brand awareness all while preserving the integrity of what makes Simple Mills special. Our commitment to using simple high-quality ingredients ensures that every bite is both delicious and nutritious. Whether its watermelon seed flour in our cookies or butternut squash in our crackers we craft our products with innovative wholesome ingredients that deliver extraordinary taste.

Our work has been recognized by Fast Company as a Brand That Matters and a Most Innovative Company and has been featured in Vogue Forbes Womens Health and NPRs How I Built This. In 2024 Inc. named us one of its Best Workplaces reflecting our dedication to fostering an inspiring and inclusive environment where passionate individuals can make a difference.

Join us as we shape the future of food. Learn more at .

TheManager Contract Manufacturingwillbea critical role inSimple Mills Manufacturing teamresponsible for relationship management of existing contractmanufacturers(co-mans) inthe Crackers category as well asfinding solutions for new product innovation within network and position willreporttotheDirector of Contract Manufacturingandresponsibilities will include:

• Manage business relationships with existing and new Crackers co-mans

• Work hands-on with co-mans R&D Quality Assurance and broader Operations team to ensure day-to-day issues are solved or escalated

• Lead weekly cross-functional discussions with co-man and Operations teams to drive accountability focus and continuous improvement

• Drive supplier performance through KPI tracking and lead co-man quarterly business reviews

• Negotiate one-off expenses withcomanswithin contract terms

• Continuously develop and improve processes and best practices

• Write purchase orders for R&D trial expenses capital projects; managespendto annual budgets

• Support Simple Mills strategic initiatives to support growth and manage costs

• Support Innovation & Brand Renovation project teams and attend trials; up to35%travelrequired

• Identifyand lead manufacturing and continuous improvement projects such as moving product lines between co-mans to manage costs and capacity

• Supportsourcingnew co-mansto expand capacity and innovation platforms aligned with Simple Mills growth strategy

• Partner with director Ops and Legal teams to craft and negotiate contracts with new and existing co-mansthat support and protect the business as well as convey expectations low costs superior services and promote strong relationships

• Perform other projects as assigned

Position Requirements

• Minimum3years experienceinContract Manufacturing ManufacturingOperationsand/or Supply Chain preferablyin a Food and Beverage CPG company

• Bachelors degreerequired

• Collaborative with the ability to effectively work andbuildstrong relationshipsinternallyand externally

• Strongleadership interpersonal and communication to have supportive but candid conversations with leaders of all levels andtheability to communicate and build alignment acrossthe organization.

• Self-directed and results focused. Bias toward action able to synthesizeinformationand act senseof urgency and ownership of resolution. Ability to prioritize and manage deadlines.
• A personal connection to the Simple Mills mission and a fervent desire to improve the food system to help people and the planet thrive.

Working at Simple Mills

At Simple Mills were not just building a brand were leading a movement thats transforming how food is made and enjoyed. If youre passionate about purpose-driven work and crave a role where you can have a meaningful impact this is your chance to be part of something bigger.

Why Join Us

• Be a Change-Maker
  Play a key role in redefining the food industry crafting products that nourish people and contribute to a healthier planet.
• Thrive in a Mission-Driven Community
  Work alongside a dynamic team of innovators and food lovers who are committed to positive change and bold ideas.
• A Workplace Where You Belong
  We foster an environment where every voice is heard valued and empowered. Inclusion and belonging are at the heart of our culture ensuring that everyone can thrive.
• A Culture of Integrity and Impact
  We dont just talk about doing good we live it. Our team is committed to ethical practices responsible sourcing and making decisions that drive real positive change.
• Grow with People-First Leadership
  Our supportive leadership team is dedicated to mentorship collaboration and your long-term success.
• Continuous Learning & Development
  Whether through hands-on training innovative learning platforms or career growth opportunities we invest in your professional development.

At Simple Mills youll have the chance to make an impact while working in a collaborative and inspiring environment. If youre ready to shape the future of food lets talk.

Benefits

We recognize that our people are our greatest asset. Thats why we offer a highly competitive total rewards package designed to support your financial well-being health and overall quality of life.

• Competitive Compensation: This role offers a salary range of $105000 to $120000
• Annual Bonus Opportunity: Eligible for an annual bonus as part of our commitment to recognizing team contributions and company success.
• Holistic Benefits: A variety of health financial and wellness programs to help you feel your best and plan for the future.
• Time to Recharge: We believe your best work comes when you have space to rest refocus and show up fullyour time off approach is built with that in mind.
• Everyday Well-Being: From lifestyle perks to innovation shipments we find meaningful ways to support you in living simply and feeling well.

Were committed to taking care of our peopleso you can focus on making an impact.

Work Model at Simple Mills

Our work model is role-dependent and team focused. With remote hybrid or in-office positions each role is classified by what best supports the needs of the team.

• This position will be hybrid: a balance of in-person and virtual work. Hybrid employees will work from our Chicago IL office at least once per week. When working remotely employees must work from a designated location in the United States (the new hires permanent residence as documented in our HR System Rippling) with sufficient internet access to support video conferencing. Safety protocols in accordance with CDC recommendations are followed.

At Simple Mills we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and inclusion. Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race color religion national origin gender (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions) sexual orientation gender identity gender expression age past or present military service physical or mental disability or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of business need job requirements and individual qualifications. #LI-DNI

Simple Mills is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment Simple Mills will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process to perform essential job functions and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment please contact

Required Experience:

Manager