Job Description

OVERVIEW

The Copack & Supply Chain Operations is responsible for leading the performance, governance, and strategic direction of the company's external operations network across the United States and Mexico. This role ensures safe, efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality production/packaging through external partners while driving customer service, reliable supply, Quality and continuous improvement.

The position serves as the primary leader for external copack/production coordination and this role partners closely with Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, R&D, Finance, and Commercial teams to deliver business objectives, service and support growth initiatives.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Lead all aspects of external partners and operations across assigned U.S. and Mexico networks.
• Establish operational performance standards, governance processes, and accountability mechanisms.
• Develop and maintain strong strategic relationships with copackers and external Supply Chain partners.
• Ensure production capacity and capability align with business demand requirements.
• Drive network optimization initiatives to improve service, cost, quality, and efficiency.
• Partner with Supply Chain Planning to ensure strong Customer service reliable product availability and inventory management.
• Monitor production schedules, capacity utilization, and fulfilment performance across the network.
• Lead issue resolution for supply disruptions, shortages, and operational risks.
• Support new product launches, commercialization projects, and business continuity planning.
• Identify opportunities to improve end-to-end supply chain performance.
• Ensure all external partners meet company quality, food safety, regulatory, and customer requirements.
• Partner with Quality teams to address corrective actions, audit findings, and compliance gaps.
• Maintain adherence to applicable regulatory standards in both the U.S. and Mexico.
• Champion a culture of standards, quality and continuous improvement throughout the network.
• Serve as the primary operational liaison between internal stakeholders and external SC partners.
• Collaborate closely with Procurement, Supply Planning, Logistics, Quality, Finance, Engineering, and Commercial teams.
• Provide regular business updates and performance reviews to senior leadership.
• Support strategic sourcing and contract negotiations as needed.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing, supply chain, or operations leadership experience.
• Experience managing external manufacturing, co-packing or co-manufacturing networks preferred.
• Multi-site leadership experience required.
• Experience operating across the United States and Mexico preferred.
• Strong background in food, consumer packaged goods, consumer products, or related manufacturing environments preferred.
• Experience leading continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
• Strong supply chain and manufacturing operations expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority.
• Strong financial and business acumen.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience managing complex supplier and partner relationships.
• Ability to lead through ambiguity and drive results across a distributed network.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Perfetti Van Melle, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, where all individuals, regardless of background or identity, are valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives to the sweet success of our candy-loving community. Additionally, we have a core value of Care For Our People and we are proud to offer benefit programs that support our team members' goals and well-being including:

• PTO package including vacation, wellness, and pay it forward time off
• 13 paid holidays
• 401k with Company Match up to 8%, ranking in the top 1% of the country
• Annual Bonus potential and merit-based increases
• Comprehensive Health Insurance
• Annual well-being subsidy
• 20 weeks Maternity & 12 weeks Paternity leave options
• Sam's Club or Costco annual membership reimbursement
• Tuition-Free College Program or Free Continued Education (BA, Masters, Etc.)
• Modest monthly candy allotments (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos)

2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 AND 2025 NKY Magazine Best Workplace in Northern Kentucky

Join the Sweet Life by applying today!

Perfetti Van Melle, USA is an equal opportunity/non-discrimination employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.