ASSOCIATE MANUFACTURING PROCESS MANAGER - APPLEGATE (BRIDGEWATER, NJ)

To save time applying, Applegate Farms does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas for this position at this time.

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $10 billion in annual revenues across 75 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters®, SKIPPY®, SPAM®, Hormel® Natural Choice®, Applegate®, Justin's®, Columbus®, Wholly®, Hormel® Black Label®, Columbus® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named on the "Global 2000 World's Best Employers" list by Forbes magazine for three years, is one of Fortune magazine's most admired companies, has appeared on Corporate Responsibility Magazine's "The 100 Best Corporate Citizens" list for the 12 years, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement - Inspired People. Inspired Food.™ - to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com and https://csr.hormelfoods.com/.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Associate Manufacturing Alliances Manager assists in developing the manufacturing network. This individual will also act as the primary supply chain liaison for new and changing product executions. They will collaborate with other cross functional partners in supply chain, sales, marketing, and finance teams to achieve the desired business objectives

• Lead the Supply Chain commercialization process for new and changing products under the NPD process; be the supply chain project management lead with suppliers to ensure all relevant parties meet key activities and timelines required to execute NPD projects.
• Assist with developing a preferred finished good manufacturing supplier base and alternative sources that ensure the highest level of safety, best quality, high degree of service, and the lowest cost that support our sales/production plans and service metrics.
• Assist with maintaining contract manufacturing relationships, inclusive of negotiating contracts with pricing/terms, capacity, production qualifications, and KPIs with the Associate Director, Manufacturing Alliances.
• Validate key manufacturing parameters inclusive of:
  • Annual capacities with co-packers, ensuring facility has the capabilities and means to produce the next 12-18 months of our anticipated volumes. Communicate any capacity concerns or potential risks to Associate Director.
  • Ordering parameters (eg. batch sizes, minimum orders, lead-times, contacts, finished good requirements, and timing) for all new item launches to the Fulfillment and Raw teams. Provide team with product and packaging alternatives that the suppliers are capable of providing.
  • Evolve and maintain documentation and standard operating procedures for our manufacturing network and new and changing item process.
• Develop and manage the Monthly/Quarterly/Annual Co-Packer Review processes for your assigned co-packers, monitor performance and drive efficiency and quality improvements at the co-packer through a scorecard process.
• Manage the label and packaging change management process by working with marketing and supply chain to ensure the migrations of new packaging while minimizing throw away.
• Lead cross-functional teams in an effort to identify and implement cost savings opportunities.
• Assist with maintaining the business continuity plans for finished goods suppliers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, business discipline or another analytical field.
• 3-5 years' experience working and negotiating with manufacturing partners.
• Strong knowledge of contracts and product development within Consumer-Packaged Goods Industry, particularly in a short shelf life environment.
• Experience using DAX, SAP or other ERP software packages.
• High drive for results and willing to work in a demanding & rapid paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Excellent follow-up and attention to detail skills.
• Ability to work autonomously across functions to meet deadlines and drive tasks to completion.
• Must be a Citizen or National of the United States, a lawful, permanent resident, or have authorization to work in the United States.
• Applicants must not now, or in the future, require sponsorship for an employment visa.

Preferred

• Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). Microsoft Outlook experience.

Travel: 30-50% out of town travel is required.

LOCATION: Bridgewater, NJ

BENEFITS: Applegate Farms offers an excellent benefits package. Competitive base salary plus bonus, annual merit increase performance reviews, medical, dental, vision, profit sharing, 401(k), stock purchase plan, personal paid time. Relocation Assistance Program to eligible applicants, FREE two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees, and more.

At Hormel and Applegate we invite difference and diversity in all aspects. We offer a space of support, understanding, and community. We are committed to the journey! Learn more about our progress here: https://www.hormelfoods.com/about/diversity-and-inclusion

Hormel Foods Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.