External Manufacturing Leader

Job Description

Job Description

External Manufacturing Leader– Polymer Products

Location : Plymouth, MN or Blair, NE (on site)

Travel : ~10–20% (primarily within North America)

Do you enjoy taking the lead to make complex projects run smoothly and efficiently? NatureWorks is seeking a driven, results-oriented External Manufacturing Leader to manage third-party production of commercial and experimental polymer materials that support our Growth team’s product pipeline.

In this role, you’ll take full ownership of external manufacturing—selecting toll partners, managing end-to-end logistics, driving production campaigns, and ensuring quality and delivery standards are met. You’ll collaborate closely with internal R&D, operations, and supply chain functions to help bring innovative materials from concept to scale.

Key Responsibilities :

• Identify, qualify, and manage external manufacturing partners for experimental and commercial polymer products.
• Lead technology transfer processes and coordinate manufacturing campaigns.
• Negotiate pricing and production schedules with tollers.
• Oversee raw material shipments and final product logistics to and from North America and Europe.
• Ensure production activities are accurately tracked in SAP and meet quality and regulatory requirements.
• Support onsite audits and production campaigns at external manufacturers.
• Collaborate with Asia Pacific external manufacturing where needed.
• Align production plans with Sales & Operations Planning and the Growth Organization.

Required Qualifications :

Preferred Qualifications :

Compensation and Benefits :