Manager, Co-Manufacturing in Joliet, Illinois at Hickory Farms LLC

Company Overview:

Since 1951, Hickory Farms has connected people with savory flavors to share and send. Our specialty cured meats and cheeses are available for purchase online, in catalogs, in leading mass merchants and supermarkets, and in seasonal retail locations in the US and Canada.

Hickory Farms is a privately held company with 75 years of delivering quality, well-loved food gifts and charcuterie essentials. Every member of our nimble, dynamic team makes an impact every day in a high-energy, results-driven culture.

Our Values lead the way. They are: The customer is our focus. Integrity and respect. We own it. Everyone has a place at the table. We embrace change. We savor the journey together.

Position Overview:

The Manager, Co-Manufacturing, is responsible for overseeing third-party manufacturing partners to ensure products are produced efficiently, delivered on time and in full, meet cost objectives, and comply with company quality standards and customer requirements. This role manages the end-to-end execution of outsourced manufacturing operations, including sourcing and onboarding co-manufacturing partners, negotiating pricing, monitoring vendor performance, managing inventory, and mitigating operational risks.

Reporting to the Sr. Director, Operations Strategy and Technology, the Manager, Co-Manufacturing serves as a key cross-functional partner, coordinating across Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, Procurement, Sales, and external manufacturing partners to ensure the successful execution of outsourced business initiatives and customer programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include but are not limited to the following:

Sourcing & Copacker Management:

• Manage relationships with third-party manufacturers and co-packers to ensure service, quality, compliance, and operational performance expectations are consistently achieved.
• Serve as the primary liaison for third-party manufacturing and co-packing partners, driving accountability, fostering strong business relationships, and conducting regular site visits and performance reviews.
• Oversee outsourced production activities to ensure products are manufactured accurately and efficiently, delivered on time and in full (OTIF), and meet all quality, regulatory, and customer requirements.
• Identify & evaluate opportunities to outsource production and/or fulfillment services for existing businesses.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard third-party manufacturers/co-packers; negotiating manufacturing costs to secure favorable pricing.
• Monitor vendor performance through KPIs, scorecards, and regular business reviews to ensure SLA’s are being met.
• Partnering with quality and product teams to ensure outsourced items meet exact customer and product specifications.
• Develop strong working relationships with internal & external partners.

Project Management:

• Lead and oversee the end-to-end execution of third-party manufacturer/co-packer programs.
• Develop, maintain, and manage comprehensive project plans to ensure clear objectives and milestones.
• Facilitate and lead cross-functional project meetings to align stakeholders, drive accountability, and resolve issues impacting project timeliness.
• Consistently deliver projects on schedule and within budget parameters.

Other Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Proactive and results-driven professional capable of independently driving initiatives and delivering outcomes.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead multiple initiatives simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Financial acumen with experience managing budgets, manufacturing costs, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Dedication to ongoing innovation and process improvement
• Proven success in driving cross-functional collaboration to achieve business objectives
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail to drive data-informed decisions
• Proficiency in spreadsheet modeling and financial analysis to assess business impact and support strategic initiatives
• Alignment with company values and culture, demonstrating behaviors that reinforce organizational priorities
• Hybrid role spending 2-3 days per week in Joliet with up to 5 days per week during peak season in August-October.
• Ability to visit co-manufacturer sites in the greater Chicagoland area (I-355 corridor and Western Suburbs) occasionally for meetings and up to daily during peak weeks.
• Willingness to travel occasionally.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills, with the ability to work effectively across functions and deliver clear presentations to senior leadership
• Able to handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity and respect.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• 3–5 years of proven experience in supply chain, procurement, or operations management
• Demonstrated expertise in negotiation and vendor management
• Proficiency with project management tools
• Strong analytical skills with a focus on cost optimization and supply chain efficiency
• Experience in food manufacturing or packaged goods industries (preferred)

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to talk, listen, and speak clearly on the telephone.

Compensation

Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000 annually

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance, including:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Short-Term Disability Coverage
• Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Two Floating Holidays Annually
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

We are committed to investing in our employees and providing the resources, support, and benefits needed to help them succeed both personally and professionally.

Hickory Farms is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture that does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.