Overview:

As part of the North American 3PM (3rd Party Manufacturing) team, the primary purpose of this position is to strategically lead our 3PM Ops team & and works closely with the Sourcing Managers and Quality Managers to identify, create and execute strategies and projects with Co-Man Suppliers to deliver significant cost, quality and delivery performance improvements.

The role will lead a team comprised of experienced Ops managers and Inventory Control Team and is tasked with setting a clear direction & strategy for the group. The role participates in various commercial and quality system assessments of key Contract Manufacturers, with a particular focus on identification and quantification of opportunities for joint improvement activities.

The role works with business units and Co-Man Sites on the execution of agreed CI programs and helps influence business units around resource allocation and project deliverables.

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead & coordinate the 3PM Ops team while establishing goals, expectations and new ways of working.
• Coordinate global best practices & best-known method (BKM) sharing globally as needed/warranted
• Establish internal and external benchmark data while driving to Zero Defects/Continuous Improvement: Drive key performance improvement efforts with Key Contract Manufacturing suppliers (quality, yield, Lean, service) in all areas
• Working with Procurement, Engineering and Quality teams to identify, develop, implement and monitor supplier Kaizen plans including: process improvements, quality systems improvements and VA/VE related cost reductions
• Promoting the use of Statistical Process Controls and continuous improvement techniques at suppliers to help reduce variability and achieve process control
• Interfacing with internal & external partners to identify quality and processing issues and collaboratively pursue solutions
• Identifying improvement projects and managing cross-functional implementation to improve performance of key components and suppliers
• As required, working with Research & Innovation sourcing managers to identify and assess new supplier technologies and capabilities to support New Product introductions and /or Cost Improvement projects
• Engage with and assist in onboarding new strategic CoPackers as requested by Strategic Procurement team
• Providing regular feedback to sourcing on supplier performance and improvement plans; to be utilized as foundational elements in category strategies that drive supplier selection and preferred status
• Leading Supplier facing efforts/programs such as Supplier Cost Reduction, Zero Waste and New Product Development as appropriate
• Understands category strategies and supplier messaging through close alignment with Contract Manufacturing Sourcing & Category Management
• Engage and assist in onboarding new strategic Co Mans as requested by Procurement Team.
• Provide regular feedback to Sourcing on supplier performance and improvement plans, understand category strategies and supplier messaging.

The base compensation range for this position is $146,000-218,000 commensurate with experience. Danone North America additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options.

Requirements:

• Degree: BS in Science/Food Science/Engineering or equivalent, MBA preferred
• Minimum fifteen (15) years’ experience required, preferably in CPG beverage/food supply chain
• Experience in commercialization/ launches of new products
• Experienced in commercialization stage gate processes
• Experience in leading, managing and developing direct reports
• Experience working in corporate and factory level Continuous Improvement organization. Leading a Supplier Development / Continuous Improvement department a plus.
• Manufacturing Leadership experience in positions of increasing responsibility demonstrating excellence in results delivery
• Experience with manufacturing in an FDA environment; Preferred food and / or liquid processing manufacturing; high speed dairy and aseptic processing a plus

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Solution oriented; always focused on solving problems

• Strong financial acumen and business understanding

• Excellent stakeholder influencing skills and cross functional leadership

• Project management fundamentals to easily facilitate cross functional projects

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to build positive relationships with plant leadership teams, corporate continuous improvement team and other functions as necessary

• Proven ability to improve results & increase efficiency

• Travel - Up to 50% (primarily North America)

At Danone North America, you’ll work with some of the best-known food and beverage brands in the world like Activia, Silk, Horizon Organic, Two Good, Oikos, evian, and Happy Family. You’ll be part of one of the largest Certified B Corps™ in the world, working together to make sure our brands create real benefits for people, communities, and the planet. We have 6,000+ employees across the U.S. and Canada. Come join our movement for a healthier world: One Planet. One Health BY YOU.

Danone North America doesn’t just welcome what makes you unique, we value it. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All hires to our team are based on qualifications, merit and business needs. We recruit, employ, train and promote regardless of race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic characteristic or any other protected status. Faithful to our values of openness and humanism, all of our employees share in the commitment to engage one another with dignity and respect. http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf

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