Manager, Contract Manufacturing

Company Description

Simple Mills is on a mission to transform the way food is made—creating nourishing products with astounding ingredients and amazing taste. Founded in 2012 by Katlin Smith, our brand has redefined center-aisle grocery by delivering better-for-you products made with unique, nutrient-dense ingredients. Today, we’re a category leader and the #1 natural brand in multiple segments, with distribution in over 30,000 stores nationwide.

Now, as part of Flowers Foods, we’re entering an exciting new phase of growth—expanding our reach, accelerating innovation, and amplifying brand awareness, all while preserving the integrity of what makes Simple Mills special. Our commitment to using simple, high-quality ingredients ensures that every bite is both delicious and nutritious. Whether it’s watermelon seed flour in our cookies or butternut squash in our crackers, we craft our products with innovative, wholesome ingredients that deliver extraordinary taste.

Our work has been recognized by Fast Company as a Brand That Matters and a Most Innovative Company, and has been featured in Vogue, Forbes, Women’s Health, and NPR’s How I Built This. In 2024, Inc. named us one of its Best Workplaces, reflecting our dedication to fostering an inspiring and inclusive environment where passionate individuals can make a difference.

Join us as we shape the future of food. Learn more at www.simplemills.com.

The Manager, Contract Manufacturing will be a critical role in Simple Mills’ Manufacturing team, responsible for relationship management of existing contract manufacturers (co-mans) in the Crackers category, as well as finding solutions for new product innovation within network and externally. The position will report to the Director of Contract Manufacturing and responsibilities will include: 

• Manage business relationships with existing and new Crackers co-mans 

• Work hands-on with co-mans, R&D, Quality Assurance, and broader Operations team to ensure day-to-day issues are solved or escalated 

• Lead weekly cross-functional discussions with co-man and Operations teams to drive accountability, focus and continuous improvement 

• Drive supplier performance through KPI tracking and lead co-man quarterly business reviews 

• Negotiate one-off expenses with comans within contract terms 

• Continuously develop and improve processes and best practices 

• Write purchase orders for R&D trial expenses, capital projects; manage spend to annual budgets 

• Support Simple Mills’ strategic initiatives to support growth and manage costs 

• Support Innovation & Brand Renovation project teams and attend trials; up to 35% travel required 

• Identify and lead manufacturing and continuous improvement projects, such as moving product lines between co-mans, to manage costs and capacity 

• Support sourcing new co-mans to expand capacity and innovation platforms, aligned with Simple Mills’ growth strategy 

• Partner with director, Ops and Legal teams to craft and negotiate contracts with new and existing co-mans that support and protect the business, as well as convey expectations, low costs, superior services, and promote strong relationships 

• Perform other projects as assigned 

Position Requirements 

• Minimum 3 years experience in Contract Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Operations and/or Supply Chain, preferably in a Food and Beverage CPG company 

• Bachelor’s degree required 

• Collaborative, with the ability to effectively work and build strong relationships internally and externally 

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills. Ability to have supportive but candid conversations with leaders of all levels and the ability to communicate and build alignment across the organization. 

• Self-directed and results focused. Bias toward action, able to synthesize information and act decisively. Strong sense of urgency and ownership of resolution. Ability to prioritize and manage deadlines. 
• A personal connection to the Simple Mills mission and a fervent desire to improve the food system to help people and the planet thrive. 

Working at Simple Mills

At Simple Mills, we’re not just building a brand, we’re leading a movement that’s transforming how food is made and enjoyed. If you’re passionate about purpose-driven work and crave a role where you can have a meaningful impact, this is your chance to be part of something bigger.

Why Join Us?

• Be a Change-Maker
  Play a key role in redefining the food industry, crafting products that nourish people and contribute to a healthier planet.
• Thrive in a Mission-Driven Community
  Work alongside a dynamic team of innovators and food lovers who are committed to positive change and bold ideas.
• A Workplace Where You Belong
  We foster an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered. Inclusion and belonging are at the heart of our culture, ensuring that everyone can thrive.
• A Culture of Integrity and Impact
  We don’t just talk about doing good, we live it. Our team is committed to ethical practices, responsible sourcing, and making decisions that drive real, positive change.
• Grow with People-First Leadership
  Our supportive leadership team is dedicated to mentorship, collaboration, and your long-term success.
• Continuous Learning & Development
  Whether through hands-on training, innovative learning platforms, or career growth opportunities, we invest in your professional development.

At Simple Mills, you’ll have the chance to make an impact while working in a collaborative and inspiring environment. If you’re ready to shape the future of food, let’s talk.

Benefits

We recognize that our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we offer a highly competitive total rewards package designed to support your financial well-being, health, and overall quality of life. 

• Competitive Compensation: This role offers a salary range of $105,000 to $120,000
• Annual Bonus Opportunity: Eligible for an annual bonus as part of our commitment to recognizing team contributions and company success.
• Holistic Benefits: A variety of health, financial, and wellness programs to help you feel your best and plan for the future.
• Time to Recharge: We believe your best work comes when you have space to rest, refocus, and show up fully—our time off approach is built with that in mind.
• Everyday Well-Being: From lifestyle perks to innovation shipments, we find meaningful ways to support you in living simply and feeling well.

We’re committed to taking care of our people—so you can focus on making an impact. 

Work Model at Simple Mills

Our work model is role-dependent and team focused. With remote, hybrid, or in-office positions, each role is classified by what best supports the needs of the team.

• This position will be hybrid: a balance of in-person and virtual work. Hybrid employees will work from our Chicago, IL office at least once per week. When working remotely, employees must work from a designated location in the United States (the new hire’s permanent residence, as documented in our HR System, Rippling) with sufficient internet access to support video conferencing. Safety protocols in accordance with CDC recommendations are followed.

At Simple Mills, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and inclusion. Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, past or present military service, physical or mental disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications. #LI-DNI

Simple Mills is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Simple Mills will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected].