Contract Manufacturing Manager

WHO WE ARE

We’re Talking Rain Beverage Company, we create better-for-you beverages featuring great flavors and colors from natural sources. We live life in full flavor and believe the world should too. We create connections with every sip of our iconic Sparkling Ice, Sparkling Ice Caffeine, Sparkling Ice Energy, and Popwell.

When it comes to success, we know we’re only as strong as our team. That's why we're an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and practice inclusivity, hiring great people who enhance our company.

Our Rain Makers are our most important asset. That’s why we invest in them with benefits and development opportunities ⁠that reflect just how much we value them. 

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Our efficient, committed Supply Chain team builds partnerships to get the right product to the right place at the right time.  Operations + Innovation = First Rate Execution. In this highly visible role, you’ll enable our success through aligning the innovation funnel with business strategy and executing the overall operations strategy with focus on continuous improvement towards best practices.

Reports to: Director, Contract Manufacturing & Outsourcing

Direct Reports: N/A

Location: Remote, work from home #LI-Remote

Annual Bonus Potential: 8% - Eligibility is based on the company hitting annual financial targets.

Base Salary: $89,000-$119,000 (depending on experience)

Note: This range is a national average, but compensation will be reviewed based on geographical location depending on where applicant will be working. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

• Responsible for actively engaging in the analysis and execution of the network project roadmap within Supply Chain to support the demand plan, growth trajectory, and innovation needs.

• Manages sourcing, qualifying, negotiating contracts and onboarding new contract manufacturers.

• Responsible for delivering new products and improved routes to market through effective management.

• Manage financials and performance of the current contract manufacturer network – including pricing, chargebacks, allowances, rebates, penalties, scorecards, cost tracker, and KPIs.

• Develop operational process to improve service, optimize flow, minimize waste, and enable profitable sales growth in all contract manufacturers.

• Escalation point for all contract manufacturer concerns. Responsible for working with the team to problem solve and create long-term, sustainable corrective action.

• Research market dynamics in the industry to identify emerging trends and recommend opportunities which drive innovation. Support the team to create the business case and influence key stakeholders to understand and adopt the proposal.

• Understands risks within the Contract Manufacturing arena and partners on risk management to ensure continuity of supply.

• Responsible for quarterly executive business reviews with strategic partnerships to drive efficiencies, joint business planning opportunities and sustainable growth as well as monthly business reviews with working team to track financials and metrics.

• Support in Category Strategy updates and share outs annually to support the short- and long-term strategic vision for the space. 

• Ensure projects contribute and complement each other with respect to the supply chain strategy and is in line with Talking Rain’s strategy and financial targets.

• Ensure food safety, quality, and SQF practices are strictly followed, working cross-functionally and with suppliers to circumvent any food safety and/or quality issues.

• Complete other responsibilities as assigned.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or equivalent experience.

• 7+ years of operations and process improvement, ideally in manufacturing.

• Self-driven and results oriented.

• Strategic mindset who understands how decisions impact and support company strategy.

• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Warehouse Management System (WMS).

• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite; advanced in Excel.

• Microsoft Dynamics NAV and report writing database tools experience is a plus.

• Ability to travel to contract manufacturers roughly once per quarter.

• Ability to multitask and work independently with precise detail and follow-up reporting.

At Talking Rain...
We are Accountable for Results

We make clear commitments, follow through, and take responsibility for outcomes. We trust each other to do great work and support one another when things get tough.

We Innovate with Curiosity

Curiosity fuels everything we do, and innovation is core to who we are. This drives our competitive edge. Rain Makers ask questions, test ideas, and move with intention. We don’t wait for perfect. We try, learn, adjust, and grow.

We Embrace Change

Growth requires adaptability. We are resilient, agile, and energized by what’s next. Those who thrive at Talking Rain are excited by momentum, not intimidated by it.

We Are One Team

We’re better together, and our differences make us stronger. We’re all about diverse perspectives, real relationships, and authenticity at work. Ideas are welcome and encouraged. We compete externally and align internally, engaging the right people and ideas to move the business forward. Collaboration here is active, not passive. We commit. We deliver. Together.

WHAT WE OFFER

Nothing makes a great job even better than throwing in a few perks! All regular, full-time Rain Makers are equipped with everything they need to maintain their health and well-being. That means things like...

• Three Weeks of Vacation per calendar year. And that’s just to start! Spend some time with us, and you’ll accrue an additional week every few years, depending on your exempt status!
• FMLA qualifying Rain Makers receive six weeks of paid parental leave. Parents get to spend time at home bonding with their new addition (whether it arrives by birth, fostering, or adoption). For birth mothers, additional time is provided for medical leave. Depending on the state in which you reside, additional time may also be available for parents who do not require medical leave.
• Flexibility Stipend. For eligible Rain Makers, spend this extra monthly stipend as you wish, but know it’s intended to contribute to things like your phone, internet or other business uses while working remotely or needs outside of normal working hours.
• Relocation: Relocation Available (when available)
• Onsite and Hybrid Rain Makers: Get paid to carpool! Drive to work with another Rain Maker every week at least 2X a week and receive mileage reimbursement.
• 401k with Immediate Vesting. With matched contributions and investment customization, we'll help build a plan to reach your goals.
• Fitness Reimbursements. We're all about going the extra mile, so we provide reimbursements for community events and competitions like fun runs, triathlons, and cycling tours.
  • Rain Makers may also enjoy access to our on-site gym in Preston complete with a personal trainer 2 days per week.
• Medical/Dental/Vision. Not only do we offer it, but our plans are excellent and flexible to your needs. And one is even free for our Rain Makers!
• Vehicle Program –
  • Field Sales Specialist – Mileage is reimbursed at the IRS rate
  • Field Sales Managers and Market Managers – Company car or vehicle stipend included!
  • Regional Sales Managers and Sales Directors – We use the leader in vehicle reimbursement solutions, Motus. This program provides a monthly fixed and variable rate that adheres to IRS guidelines for the business use of personal vehicles.

Please note, eligibility for our full benefits package is based on an average of 30+ hours per week in regular (not temporary) positions.

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