Senior Manager of External Manufacturing

Who are we?

Established in 2017, trü frü rapidly ascended the “permissible indulgence” space as a Utah-based company selling one‑of‑a‑kind “better for you” Hyper‑Chilled and Hyper‑Dried real fruit immersed in premium chocolate to retail outlets nationwide. Winning Most Innovative New Product in 2019 and 2022 in the sweets and snacks categories and climbing the fruit‑based snack industry chart at an astounding growth rate, trü frü joined the Mars family of brands in February 2023.

We are on a mission to build a legacy with trüly remarkable people who can create something special for generations to come!

As the Senior Manager of External Manufacturing, you will own relationships with our contract manufacturing partners and drive performance across quality, cost, and service. In this high‑impact role, you’ll lead network strategy, supplier performance, and launch execution to build a resilient, scalable supply chain that fuels innovation and growth.

• Serve as primary liaison with contract manufacturers and internal teams including Quality, R&D, Product Supply, Finance, and Manufacturing.
• Develop strategies for a resilient, cost‑efficient supply chain with contingency and risk‑mitigation plans.
• Lead network design, site development, and sustainability initiatives.
• Oversee capital project execution and budgets.
• Develop and lead supplier performance reviews (quality, yield, service, reliability).
• Improve efficiency through waste reduction, yield, and throughput gains.
• Ensure quality, service, and contractual standards are met.
• Manage readiness for new product launches and renovations.
• Lead key co‑manufacturing initiatives and projects ensuring execution of innovation and productivity initiatives.
• Own external manufacturing P&L and budget management.
• Negotiate and manage multi‑year manufacturing agreements.
• Ensure compliance with service levels, contracts, and standards of work.
• Partner with Quality to strengthen food safety and compliance.
• Champion continuous improvement, sustainability, and risk mitigation.

• Deeply knowledgeable in food manufacturing and operational best practices.
• Skilled at managing and influencing stakeholders across all levels.
• Experienced in supplier relationship management and KPI‑driven performance monitoring.
• A strong problem‑solver with proven project management and communication skills.
• Adaptable and thrive in fast‑changing market conditions and shifting priorities.

• 7 years of manufacturing experience.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) experience (highly preferred).
• Experience with continuous improvement frameworks (Lean, Six Sigma).
• Sustainability program management experience at a manufacturing level.
• Internal manufacturing experience (for future scope).
• Frozen/temperature‑controlled food manufacturing experience.

Certain states and localities require employers to post a reasonable estimate of salary range. Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors, including location, experience, skill set, performance, licensure and certification, and business needs. The range for this position in other geographic locations may differ.

• Competitive salary, including a target bonus and an impressive benefits package!
• Flexible Paid Time Off
• Excellent health, dental & vision insurance, with options to fit you and your family’s needs.
• Long‑term disability and short‑term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401K retirement saving opportunity.
• Casual office dress code
• A dynamic, ambitious, indulgently fun work environment!

At trü frü, we are committed to an inclusive workplace where diversity in all its forms is championed. trü frü is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and we are an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you require special accommodation, please let us know.

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