Director, External Manufacturing

Grow with Welch's!

Welch's is on a journey towards our bold ambition of being the global‑leader of convenient, good for you fruit‑based food and beverages. To turn this goal into a reality we need you and other exceptionally talented, agile, and innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to something extraordinary!

At Welch's, we're not just offering a job; we're inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, authentic, and inclusive culture where you not only belong, but also have the opportunity to unleash the best, most authentic version of you.

Position Summary

The Director of Contract Manufacturing will play a critical leadership role in shaping Welch's future manufacturing network as the company accelerates its growth, innovation, and transformation agenda. Reporting into the Head of Business Development, this individual will support the future definition and execution of enterprise strategy for external manufacturing, building a scalable, resilient, and best‑in‑class co‑manufacturing network that enables Welch's long‑term ambitions.

As Welch's continues to evolve into a more agile, asset‑right organization, expanding our external manufacturing network will be a critical enterprise capability. This leader will help define that future, building the partnerships, capabilities, and operating model that enable accelerated innovation, increased speed to market, greater manufacturing flexibility, and sustainable long‑term growth.

This is a highly visible leadership role for someone who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys building new capabilities, and is energized by helping transform how a growing CPG company manufactures and brings products to market.
This role requires prior leadership experience owning an external (contract) manufacturing network, including end‑to‑end responsibility for partner identification, onboarding, commercialization, and ongoing performance management.

Where You’ll Work

This role will be based out of our Waltham, MA headquarters where you will be immersed in a dynamic workplace where innovation thrives and collaboration is key.

Our company in‑office schedule is designed to maximize collaboration & relationship building balanced with flexibility and well‑being with 3 days in‑office and Thursdays/Friday being remote, flex days.

What You'll Do

• Support the development and lead Welch's enterprise external manufacturing strategy, expanding the co‑manufacturing network to support long‑term business growth, innovation, and operational flexibility.
• Architect a future‑state manufacturing footprint that balances internal production capabilities with strategically selected external manufacturing partners.
• Build and cultivate long‑term strategic relationships with manufacturing partners that position Welch's for sustained competitive advantage.
• Drive and support the evaluation, selection, onboarding, and governance of external manufacturing partners across multiple product platforms and geographies.
• Partner with supply chain and other cross functional leaders to develop multi‑year capacity strategies supporting innovation pipelines, commercialization, geographic expansion, and business continuity.
• Serve as the executive business owner for the external manufacturing network, establishing governance, operating rhythms, performance scorecards, and strategic business reviews.
• Drive enterprise decision‑making around make‑versus‑buy strategies, manufacturing investments, network optimization, and supply chain resiliency.
• Lead contract negotiations and commercial partnerships that optimize cost, service, quality, and long‑term value creation.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance manufacturing performance while strengthening quality systems, customer service, and operational excellence across the network.
• Build standardized processes, governance models, and scalable capabilities that mature Welch's external manufacturing organization as a strategic enterprise function.
• Identify emerging risks and opportunities across the supply base while proactively developing mitigation strategies to protect continuity of supply.
• Lead cross‑functional transformation initiatives, influencing senior…