The role, Contract Manufacturing Operations & Supply Innovation Manager will play a critical role in driving operational excellence and strategic innovation across our internal and external manufacturing network. This position manages daytoday contract manufacturing operations while simultaneously leading supply chain network design & optimization, innovation and transformation projects within the regional supply chain.
The successful candidate will partner crossfunctionally with CI&TS, Quality, Sourcing, Commercial, Finance, and external manufacturing partners to ensure reliable supply, optimal cost, strong compliance, and the implementation of forwardlooking supply chain solutions. This role ensures that the supply chain balances strong operational rigor with creativity and a futurefocused mindset.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
A. Contract Manufacturing Operations Management
- Manage endtoend operations for assigned contract manufacturers (CMs) across the AMEA region.
- Serve as the primary operational interface between internal teams and CMs.
- Ensure contracts and compliances are in place, current and enforced between BC and the CM partners.
- Ensure service, cost, quality, and safety targets are consistently met with the CMs.
- Oversee capacity planning, production scheduling, material availability, and demand alignment.
- Conduct horizon mapping and identify suitable CM opportunities in the region that can supplement the existing manufacturing and supply network.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs): OTIF, yield, productivity, cost-to-serve, and adherence to standards.
- Lead quarterly business reviews and continuous improvement discussions with CMs.
- Support commercial launches and promotions requiring CM production.
- Ensure food safety, regulatory, and compliance standards are maintained throughout the supply network.
- Collaborate closely with Sourcing on contract negotiations, cost optimization, and supplier performance management.
- Lead projects that support service, quality, cost and compliance in the AMEA CM network.
B. Supply Chain Optimization & Innovation Projects Leadership
- Lead regional supply chain innovation projects focusing on Supply Chain Network Design & Optimization, new product commercialization, and product transfers.
- Manage cross-functional project teams including representatives from Supply Planning, CI&TS, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance and Commercial.
- Be accountable to deliver the completion & success of project in terms of timelines, budgets, and change management plans.
- Lead full lifecycle project management from scoping and feasibility assessment through to deployment and stabilization. Define project business cases, objectives, critical success metrics, timelines, budgets, resource requirements and risk mitigation strategies.
- Establish and run project governance routines (steering committees, progress reviews, KPI tracking). Develop and maintain project documentation including charters, risk logs, communication plans, and change requests.
- Facilitate alignment and timely decision-making by coordinating workshops, stakeholder updates, and executive reviews. Manage external stakeholders such as contract manufacturers, technology providers, engineering firms, and consultants when relevant.
EDUCATION, LANGUAGE, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Food Science, or related field.
- Proven track record in leading cross-functional projects and delivering tangible operational results.
- 10-15 years of experience in supply chain, operations, or manufacturing rolespreferably in the food & beverage industry.
- Strong knowledge of supply chain processes (planning, manufacturing, quality, logistics).
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across technical and commercial teams.
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, multicultural, B2B environment.
- Experience working with contract manufacturers or copackers.
- Regional experience in AMEA markets
- Exposure to digital supply chain tools (ERP, APS systems, MES, Power BI, automation concepts)
- Lean Six Sigma certification or experience in continuous improvement
- Experience launching or scaling supply chain innovation initiatives
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES & PERSONAL STYLE
- Operational discipline & attention to detail
- Strategic problem-solving & innovation mindset
- Project management excellence
- Influencing without authority
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Bias for action & results orientation
- Ability to balance short-term firefighting with long-term transformation
