External Manufacturing Lead

External Manufacturing Lead

Opella – a B Corp certified self‑care challenger – is looking for an External Manufacturing Lead to manage new products from concept to launch and oversee manufacturing partnerships.

The External Manufacturing Lead will manage assigned new products from concept to launch; manage changes to formula and package design of current products; serve as Project Manager for new products and operations’ production initiatives; collaborate as a subject matter expert on other organizational projects; and coordinate activities of international affiliates, including new product introductions and maintenance of existing business.

• Manage new products and package/formula changes to existing products and processes from concept to launch that are produced at CMOs.
• Serve as Project Manager for new products and other commercial and production related initiatives.
• Participate in other corporate projects as a subject matter expert.
• Conduct/research/identify the appropriate CMOs for a project and coordinate with Quality Assurance, Product Development, Procurement, and Operations to evaluate and recommend CMOs.
• Manage existing approved CMOs providing manufacturing/tolling services to Opella.

• Manage projects, recurring project meetings; issue meeting notes and action items.
• Prepare and issue project Gantt charts; maintain project schedule.
• Lead major projects involving Chattanooga’s manufacturing operations and International Affiliate site transfers.
• Attend new product development NAIC meetings as the EM representative.
• Prepare, issue, and close‑out CERs related to projects.

• Lead cross‑functional teams in selecting new CMOs or using existing CMOs.
• Identify and develop new supply sources to reduce cost and improve quality.
• Coordinate the development of resources and CMOs with Procurement.
• Coordinate with Marketing, Product Development, and Operations on packaging for new and existing CMO‑manufactured products.
• Travel as needed to support external manufacturing.
• Act as primary Sanofi CHC contact and interface with Sanofi CHC operational personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

BA or BS in Science, Business, Finance or a related field. MBA preferred.

Minimum 5+ years with a CPG company preferred.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Team focus with proven track record of leadership.
• Good negotiation skills with proven record of success.

At Opella, you will enjoy challenging, purposeful work and be empowered to develop consumer brands with passion and creativity. Join a bold, collaborative, inclusive culture that values simplicity, courage, and accountability.

Opella and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employers committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, domestic violence victim status, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

$75,525 – $103,875 USD annual, commensurate with experience.