Contract Manufacturing Manager

WHO WE ARE

We’re Talking Rain, and we’re so much more than water. We build flavorful brands, like Sparkling Ice, Sparkling Ice +Caffeine, Sparkling Ice +Energy, Talking Rain Waters, and AQA pH waters. We're creating connections with every sip!

When it comes to success, we know we’re only as strong as our team. That's why we're an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and practice inclusivity, hiring great people who enhance our company.

Our Rain Makers are our most important asset. That’s why we invest in them with ⁠benefits and development opportunities that reflect just how much we value them. 

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Our efficient, committed Supply Chain team builds partnerships to get the right product to the right place at the right time.  Operations + Innovation = First Rate Execution. In this highly visible role, you’ll enable our success through aligning the innovation funnel with business strategy and executing the overall operations strategy with focus on continuous improvement towards best practices.

Reports to: Sr. Director, Fulfillment, Sourcing & Operations

Direct Reports: N/A

Location: Remote, work from home #LI-Remote

Annual Bonus Potential: 8% - Eligibility is based on the company hitting annual financial targets.

Base Salary: $85,000-$118,000 (depending on experience)

Note: This range is a national average, but compensation will be reviewed based on geographical location depending on where applicant will be working. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

• Responsible for actively engaging in the analysis and execution of the network project roadmap within Supply Chain to support the demand plan, growth trajectory, and innovation needs.

• Manages sourcing, qualifying, negotiating contracts and onboarding new contract manufacturers.

• Responsible for delivering new products and improved routes to market through effective management.

• Manage financials and performance of the current contract manufacturer network – including pricing, chargebacks, allowances, rebates, penalties, scorecards, cost tracker, and KPIs.

• Develop operational process to improve service, optimize flow, minimize waste, and enable profitable sales growth in all contract manufacturers.

• Escalation point for all contract manufacturer concerns. Responsible for working with the team to problem solve and create long-term, sustainable corrective action.

• Research market dynamics in the industry to identify emerging trends and recommend opportunities which drive innovation. Support the team to create the business case and influence key stakeholders to understand and adopt the proposal.

• Understands risks within the Contract Manufacturing arena and partners on risk management to ensure continuity of supply.

• Responsible for quarterly executive business reviews with strategic partnerships to drive efficiencies, joint business planning opportunities and sustainable growth as well as monthly business reviews with working team to track financials and metrics.

• Support in Category Strategy updates and share outs annually to support the short- and long-term strategic vision for the space. 

• Ensure projects contribute and complement each other with respect to the supply chain strategy and is in line with Talking Rain’s strategy and financial targets.

• Ensure food safety, quality, and SQF practices are strictly followed, working cross-functionally and with suppliers to circumvent any food safety and/or quality issues.

• Complete other responsibilities as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or equivalent experience.

• 7+ years of operations and process improvement, ideally in manufacturing.

• Self-driven and results oriented.

• Strategic mindset who understands how decisions impact and support company strategy.

• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Warehouse Management System (WMS).

• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite; advanced in Excel.

• Microsoft Dynamics NAV and report writing database tools experience is a plus.

• Ability to travel to contract manufacturers roughly once per quarter.

• Ability to multitask and work independently with precise detail and follow-up reporting.

Rain Makers are people who are accountable, curious, and inclusive.

We hold ourselves accountable and recognize room for growth while openly accepting feedback. We embrace change to deliver progressive results.

Rain Makers don’t wait for answers – we go find them. Curiosity is part of what makes us so successful. Sometimes we push back, productively challenging the status quo.

We promote inclusivity. Valuing communication and respect, ensuring everyone has a seat at the table. We are an approachable bunch, building and fostering relationships with people of all backgrounds.

WHAT WE OFFER
Nothing makes a great job even better than throwing in a few perks, and we want to equip our Rain Makers with everything they need to maintain their health and well-being. That means things like...

• Three Weeks of Vacation. And that’s just to start! Spend some time with us, and you’ll accrue an additional week every few years, depending on your exempt status!

• Six Weeks of Paid Parental Leave. Parents get to spend time at home bonding with their new addition (whether it arrives by birth, fostering, or adoption). For birth mothers, additional time is provided for medical leave. Depending on the state in which you reside, additional time may also be available for parents who do not require medical leave.

• Flexibility Stipend. For eligible Rain Makers, spend this extra monthly stipend as you wish, but know it’s intended to contribute to things like your phone, internet or other business uses while working remotely or needs outside of normal working hours.

• Relocation: Relocation Available (when available)

• Onsite and Hybrid Employees: Get paid to carpool! Drive to work with another Rain Maker every week at least 2X a week and receive $0.25 per mile.

• 401k with Immediate Vesting. With matched contributions and investment customization, we'll help build a plan to reach your goals.

• Fitness Reimbursements. We're all about going the extra mile, so we provide reimbursements for community events and competitions like fun runs, triathlons, and cycling tours.

  • Employees may also enjoy access to our on-site gym in Preston complete with a personal trainer 2 days per week.

• Medical/Dental/Vision. Not only do we offer it, but our plans are excellent and flexible to your needs. And one is even free for our Rain Makers!

• Vehicle Program –

  • Field Sales Specialist – Mileage is reimbursed at the IRS rate

  • Field Sales Managers and Market Managers – Company car or vehicle stipend included!

  • Regional Sales Managers and Sales Directors – We use the leader in vehicle reimbursement solutions, Motus. This program provides a monthly fixed and variable rate that adheres to IRS guidelines for the business use of personal vehicles.

Please note, eligibility for our full benefits package is based on an average of 30+ hours per week in regular (not temporary) positions.

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