External Manufacturing Manager

Who is Trü Frü? Established in 2017, trü frü quickly became a leader in the “permissible indulgence” space as a Utah-based company selling unique, better‑for‑you Hyper‑Chilled and Hyper‑Dried real fruit immersed in premium chocolate. The company won Most Innovative New Product awards in 2019 and 2022, and in February 2023 joined the Mars family of brands. We are on a mission to build a legacy with remarkable people who can create something special for generations to come.

The External Manufacturing Manager serves as the primary liaison between Trü Frü and its contract manufacturing partners, working across functional teams to ensure operational excellence, supply continuity, and cost competitiveness.

• Serve as the primary liaison with contract manufacturing partners, aligning priorities across Quality, R&D, Marketing, Product Supply, Finance, and Manufacturing.
• Develop and execute strategies to build a resilient, responsive external manufacturing network, balancing service, cost, inventory, and risk mitigation.
• Own operational performance of contract manufacturers, ensuring adherence to quality standards, food safety requirements, service levels, and contractual obligations.
• Lead supplier performance management, including reviews of quality, yield, reliability, and service, and drive corrective actions as needed.
• Drive cost competitiveness and efficiency improvements through waste reduction, yield optimization, throughput gains, and value‑leadership initiatives.
• Manage manufacturing P&L ownership, including budget accountability, cost control, and financial performance of external manufacturing.
• Oversee execution of supply agreements, including volume commitments, material usage, and cost recovery mechanisms.
• Partner with Procurement and Finance to track, manage, and optimize spend across contract manufacturing and co‑packing services.
• Lead sustainability initiatives at manufacturing sites in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support new product introductions by ensuring operational readiness and launch execution across co‑manufacturers.
• Manage operational aspects of innovation, renovation, and productivity projects, acting as project manager for key co‑manufacturing initiatives.
• Partner with Quality to continuously improve food safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
• Identify operational, supply, and financial risks and implement mitigation plans to ensure continuity and performance.
• Ensure compliance with agreed ways of working, including Standards of Work (SOWs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

• Knowledgeable in food manufacturing and operational best practices.
• Experienced in managing and influencing internal and external stakeholders.
• Skilled in supplier relationship management and KPI‑driven performance monitoring.
• Effective in problem‑solving, project management, and clear, concise communication.
• Adaptable to fast‑changing market conditions, priorities, and business needs.

• 5+ years of relevant experience, preferably within CPG.
• A bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Experience applying continuous improvement frameworks such as Lean and Six Sigma.
• Experience leading or supporting sustainability programs within manufacturing environments.
• Experience working with frozen and/or temperature‑controlled food manufacturing.
• Internal manufacturing experience, with potential to expand scope in the future.

• Competitive salary, including a target bonus and an impressive benefits package.
• Flexible paid time off.
• Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance, with options to fit you and your family’s needs.
• Long‑term disability and short‑term disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 401(k) 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 a proud equal‑opportunity workplace and 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 a special accommodation, please let us know.