Manager, Manufacturing

Simple Mills is on a mission to transform the way food is made—creating 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, we’re a category leader and the #1 natural brand in multiple segments, with distribution in over 30,000 stores nationwide.

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, Women’s Health, and NPR’s 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 .

Role Description

The Contract Manufacturing Manager will be a critical role in Simple Mills’ Manufacturing team, responsible for relationship management of existing contract manufacturers (co-mans) in the Crackers category, as well as finding solutions for new product innovation within network and externally. The position will report to the Director of Contract Manufacturing and responsibilities 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 with comans within contract terms
• Continuously develop and improve processes and best practices
• Write purchase orders for R&D trial expenses, capital projects; manage spend to annual budgets
• Support Simple Mills’ strategic initiatives to support growth and manage costs
• Support Innovation & Brand Renovation project teams and attend trials; up to 35% travel required
• Identify and lead manufacturing and continuous improvement projects, such as moving product lines between co-mans, to manage costs and capacity
• Support sourcing new co-mans to 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-mans that 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

• Minimum 3 years experience in Contract Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Operations and/or Supply Chain, preferably in a Food and Beverage CPG company
• Collaborative, with the ability to effectively work and build strong relationships internally and externally
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills. Ability to have supportive but candid conversations with leaders of all levels and the ability to communicate and build alignment across the organization.
• Self-directed and results focused. Bias toward action, able to synthesize information and act decisively. Strong sense of urgency and ownership of resolution. Ability to prioritize and manage deadlines.
• Passion for Simple Mills’ mission and commitment to improving the food system.
• 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, we’re not just building a brand—we’re leading a movement that’s transforming how food is made and enjoyed. If you’re 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…