Manager of Contract Manufacturing at DEL Monte in Pittsburgh, PA

Job description

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is a global leader in the production, distribution, and marketing of fresh, value-added, and shelf-stable fruits and vegetables under our Fresh and Foods divisions. Our diverse product portfolio proudly bears the Del Monte® brand and also includes prepared fruits and vegetables, juices, beverages, snacks, and desserts - available in over 80 countries worldwide. With operations spanning more than 35 countries, we’ve proudly been nourishing families for over 135 years. Benefits We Offer Include: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance 401(k) with company match Employer-paid life & disability insurance Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Paid Time Off (PTO) 7 Company Paid Holidays 24/7 Telemedicine & Employee Assistance Program Optional voluntary benefits (legal, accident, identity protection) Eligibility on the first of the month following your hire date Purpose of Position: Del Monte Foods is the Foods Division of Fresh Del Monte, a global grower, producer and marketer of fresh, value-added, and shelf-stable produce. Del Monte Foods has a powerful portfolio of brands, including the iconic Del Monte®, Contadina® and S&W®. We are currently seeking a Manager of Contract Manufacturing. As the Manager of Contract Manufacturing at Del Monte Foods, you will play a vital role in overseeing the co-manufacturing strategy and operations to ensure the successful production and delivery of high-quality products in collaboration with our external manufacturing partners. Your responsibilities will include selecting co-manufacturers, negotiating contracts, managing relationships, and driving continuous improvement initiatives with a focus on operational excellence to optimize efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. This role is accountable for delivering operational and financial performance across the co-manufacturing network through effective supplier management, budget stewardship, forecasting, cost optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives. Accountabilities: Co-Manufacturing Strategy and Planning: Develop and execute co-manufacturing strategies that align with company manufacturing, supply chain, financial, and business objectives, ensuring the network can support current and future growth. Evaluate, qualify, and select co-manufacturing partners through comprehensive assessments of operational capabilities, capacity, quality systems, food safety standards, financial stability, service performance, and geographic fit. Lead network planning activities to ensure adequate manufacturing capacity, flexibility, and scalability while balancing cost, service, quality, and risk considerations. Partner with cross-functional teams including Supply Chain, Procurement, Operations, R&D, Quality, and Finance to support new product launches, supply continuity initiatives, and strategic business priorities. Manage and continuously enhance supplier scorecard processes to evaluate co-manufacturer performance against key operational, service, quality, cost, and compliance metrics, driving accountability and continuous improvement. Support contract negotiations and supplier business reviews by providing operational, performance, and financial insights that drive informed decision-making. Develop a comprehensive understanding of supplier capabilities, strategic priorities, and long-term growth plans to ensure alignment with Del Monte's manufacturing and supply chain objectives. Proactively identify network gaps, capacity constraints, and emerging business requirements, recommending solutions that strengthen supplier performance and supply chain resiliency. Supplier Performance Management: Own the strategic and day-to-day relationships with co-manufacturing partners, fostering collaboration, transparency, and alignment to Del Monte's operational, quality, service, and financial objectives. Lead regular business reviews with suppliers to evaluate performance against key metrics, including service, quality,