The Villiage Company, headquartered in Eden Prairie, MN creates bath, shower, hair, and body care products for the whole family under America's favorite brands.
Our team is currently seeking a Senior Sourcing and Operations Manager. This role will lead cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, creative, R&D, and operations, through a highly collaborative process of developing and launching new products. It will also be the main point of contact for supplier relationships related to product development and other project activities, including cost improvement, product optimization, and compliance. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated self-starter who enjoys problem-solving and navigating teams through complex challenges and is comfortable taking on multiple roles and responsibilities.
Job Duties and Responsibilities 70% Product Development Sourcing: Leads cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, creative, R&D, and operations, through a highly collaborative process of developing and launching new products, line extensions, and reformulations. Collaborates with both US and international manufacturing companies, particularly Chinese, in the development of new products.
Responsible for the sourcing of all components and materials required for new product development, product changes, and promotional programs. Develop supply chain strategy for new products, including contract manufacturer determination and decision-making. Develop market expertise for key materials, associated manufacturing processes, industry standards, and price trends. Send product specifications to suppliers and collaborate with them to meet specifications in fragrance and formula development, packaging, printing and labels, and new bottle tooling. Act as primary liaison with contract manufacturers to define project deliverables, develop quotes, and create prototypes. Evaluate quotes, ensure they meet the required specifications, and proactively source alternative options if needed. Negotiate vendor terms and product buy quantities to ensure components and finished goods meet established inventory targets. Organize and present quotes and product specs to cross-functional team leads. Manages line drawing development for new bottle tooling, including CAD drawings, gram fill weights, and fill volume routing internally and to suppliers for sign-off . Manages all product packaging and formula samples for internal reviews and customer meetings. Work with suppliers to finalize all product specifications, including case pack dimensions, sizes, weights, TiHi, and product dimensions. Manage all product and formula testing, including stability and outside testing related to marketing claims. Ensure all products meet federal regulations and guidelines. Provide up-to-date, accurate, meaningful views of project status and escalate important issues that may impact project success early . Conduct efficient and successful product/project hand-offs to Production Planning. Operations Management: Drive continuous improvement activities and manage supplier relationships and negotiations to optimize cost, quality, and delivery from the supply base. 25% Manage sourcing activities for components and other strategic items through a network of suppliers and manufacturers.
Qualify any new partnerships, ensuring compliance with TVC's manufacturing standards. Develop and maintain successful supplier partnerships, proactively creating vendor capabilities and cost-saving opportunities. Develop projects in conjunction with suppliers to optimize products post-launch in areas such as quality, cost, and performance. Support and, at times, lead supplier auditing process. Maintain legal documentation and negotiate contracts. 5% Other work as assigned Qualification and Skill Requirements
Required 10+ years of supplier management and cross-functional project management CPG experience preferred, ideally with products/brands sold through food/drug/mass retail channels. Preferred
Contract Manufacturing management Background in packaging and/or technical knowledge of packaging and printing. Experience working with global companies, including China. Knowledge Requirements
Bachelor's degree (supply chain, business, or related fields) Plus: MBA with Supply Chain or Operations emphasis Plus: Project Management certification program(s) Technical Skills
Proven competence in supplier management, strategic sourcing, and negotiation. Highly knowledgeable about creating new products, from ideation to execution. Experience managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accurate records. Competency and knowledge in general business processes and product development. Naturally organized, strong analytical capabilities, and attention to detail. Excellent leadership skills with the ability to implement and influence change. Energetic self-starter who is passionate about professional integrity and excellence. Strong relationship building/partnering skills both internally and external with business partners. Strong planning and prioritization skills. Knowledge and experience with Project Management software tools. Excellent (written and verbal) communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work with all levels of an organization. Ability to work independently and with a team in a collaborative setting. Advanced experience in using Microsoft Office suite of tools, especially Excel High capacity to manage/balance time against multiple tasks/priorities. Strong critical thinking skills and proven ability to work through complex issues and identify/present suggestions to solve problems. Seeks to continuous learn and making improvements. Passionate about working in a fun and high-energy environment. The Village Company is committed to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility and is an equal-opportunity employer.
