External Manufacturing Leader

External Manufacturing Leader

Job Category : Engineering

Requisition Number : EXTER001431

Posted : July 9, 2025

Full-Time

On-site

Plymouth, MN 55447, USA +1 more locations

Description

External Manufacturing Leader Polymer Products

Location : Plymouth, MN or Blair, NE (on site) Travel : ~1020% (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 manufacturingselecting 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 :

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.