Essential Functions:

• Co-Manufacturer & Co-Packer Management: Oversee existing and new co-manufacturing relationships, ensuring production aligns with TM's growth strategy and operational goals.
• Supply Chain Commercialization Leadership: Drive the successful commercialization of new products, ensuring seamless integration into the supply chain, collaborating with R&D, Marketing, Procurement, and Operations to optimize scalability.
• Strategic Planning: Prepare and present project proposals, capacity plans, and operational strategies to senior leadership.
• Contract Negotiation: Assess co-manufacturer capabilities, negotiate contracts in collaboration with Procurement and Legal, and establish mutually beneficial terms.
• Production Coordination: Work closely with production scheduling to optimize capacity across multiple facilities.
• Quality Assurance: Partner with TM's quality team to enforce food safety and quality control standards compliance.
• Supply Chain Management: Ensure timely receipt and movement of raw materials, packaging, and finished goods in coordination with logistics.
• Performance Metrics & Reporting: Develop KPIs, analyze performance data, and drive continuous improvement initiatives for manufacturing excellence.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Build strong relationships across departments, including Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain Planning, R&D, Procurement, and Marketing.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency, including leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies and automation solutions.
• Compliance & Ethical Standards: Represent TM with integrity, adhering to corporate policies and industry regulations.
• Innovation & Market Trends: Stay ahead of emerging trends, new technologies, and industry best practices, particularly those related to Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing, to drive competitive advantage.
• Manage 1 direct report; oversee hiring and performance management and employee coaching.

Minimum Requirements:

• 8+ years in food & beverage or packaging industries with increasing leadership responsibilities in production, operations, and commercialization.
• Manufacturing Expertise: Strong background in production setup, line operations, and supply chain logistics.
• Supply Chain Commercialization Experience: Demonstrated experience leading product commercialization efforts, scaling production efficiently, and ensuring seamless market launches.
• Negotiation Skills: Proven ability to negotiate contracts and manage supplier relationships effectively.
• Technical & Analytical Acumen: Deep understanding of weights & measures, conversion factors, freight logistics, and process optimization.
• Automation & Industry 4.0 Expertise: Experience in implementing smart manufacturing solutions, automated production systems, and data-driven decision-making.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Ability to assess challenges, identify solutions, and drive execution.
• Cross-functional leadership: Experience navigating and influencing within a matrixed organization.
• High-Growth Environment Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced company with evolving priorities.
• Co-Packing & Plant Management Experience: Preferred but not required.
• Supply Chain Complexity Experience: Familiarity with volatile supply chains, particularly agricultural commodities.

Education

• Required: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• Preferred: MBA or advanced degree.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Strong leadership and motivational skills.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to execute effectively.
• Financial acumen with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Highly resourceful, self-motivated, and relationship-oriented.
• Innovative thinker with a passion for continuous improvement.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Adaptability to change while respecting company culture and values.
• Ability to drive organizational improvements through KPI management.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 40% travel, both domestic and international.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• This position is based in Rohnert Park, CA. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 – 5:00 pm. This is a hybrid role offering the flexibility to occasionally work remotely. Expected in-offices days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Subject to change.
• Remote candidates will not be considered for this role.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.