External Manufacturing Manager

Overview of Role ZwitterCo is seeking a highly hands-on and proactive External Manufacturing Planning Manager to join our Operations Team. This hybrid role is responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of outsourced manufacturing and material flow-from supplier selection and onboarding through production planning, execution, and continuous improvement. You will own the relationships with contract manufacturers while simultaneously balancing supply, demand, inventory, and capacity in a fast-paced startup environment. This role requires a blend of technical judgment and analytical rigor to build scalable systems during a period of rapid growth. Key Responsibilities: External Manufacturing & Partner Management • Serve as the primary point of contact for all contract manufacturers (CMs) and key external suppliers • Lead supplier selection, qualification, and onboarding activities • Define and manage manufacturing scope, responsibilities, and expectations with partners • Build strong, collaborative relationships while holding suppliers accountable to performance targets • Act as a central point of coordination between Sales, Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Supply Chain Production Planning & Execution • Develop and maintain short- and mid-term supply plans based on forecasts, sales orders, and production capacity • Translate demand signals into detailed material, purchasing, and production plans • Monitor build progress, material readiness, and capacity to proactively identify risks or lead time constraints • Adjust plans quickly in response to changing priorities and conduct scenario planning for rapid growth or disruption • Support production ramp-ups, transfers, and scale-up activities Inventory & Materials Management • Manage inventory levels and set targets (safety stock, reorder points) to support production while minimizing obsolescence • Analyze inventory health, turns, and usage trends • Coordinate material availability and manage expediting or de-expediting as needed • Support cycle counts, inventory accuracy, and reconciliation activities Quality, Cost & Compliance Management • Ensure external manufacturing processes meet internal quality standards and customer requirements • Partner with Quality and Engineering on nonconformance investigations, root cause analysis, and CAPAs • Support the development and enforcement of quality agreements, control plans, and inspection requirements • Own supplier cost structures, quotations, and make/buy decision-making • Track and analyze supplier and planning KPIs, including on-time delivery, yield, scrap, and forecast accuracy Manufacture Engineering & NPI Support • Partner with R&D and Engineering to support New Product Introduction (NPI) and scale-up at external manufacturers • Ensure design intent, specifications, and manufacturing requirements are clearly transferred to partners • Support process development, validation, and production readiness for ramp-ups or transfers • Manage engineering changes, configuration control at supplier sites Process & Systems Development • Help build and document scalable manufacturing and planning workflows appropriate for a growing operation • Support ERP/MRP integration, system upgrades, and data accuracy related to external manufacturing • Track and analyze key planning and supplier KPIs, such as on-time delivery, yield, scrap, and forecast accuracy • Maintain planning data and provide clear, actionable updates to operations leadership Critical Success Factors: • Experience supporting manufacturing scale-ups, production ramp-ups, transfers, and supplier transitions within fast-growth organizations • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and production operations with a focus on execution and follow-through • Highly adaptable, proactive problem-solver with strong attention to detail and the ability to work effectively in evolving environments • Clear communicator with excellent negotiation skills who can balance collaboration with accountability • Strong execution focus that balances a sense of urgency with accuracy and operational discipline • Willingness to roll up sleeves to support operational execution and travel to supplier sites as needed Required Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related technical field • 7-10 years of total experience in manufacturing, supply chain, or operations roles , with a minimum of 5 years specifically in supply chain, materials, or production planning • 3+ years of direct experience managing contract manufacturers or outsourced production • Deep understanding of supply chain fundamentals, including Bill of Materials (BOMs), routing processes, lead time determination, MOQ, capacity planning, and inventory management • Highly proficient in utilizing ERP/MRP systems (such as NetSuite, SAP, or Oracle) and managing supply chain data • Data-driven mindset with strong Excel/spreadsheet skills and the ability to work effectively with limited historical data or imperfect information • Experience in a high-tech startup, scale-up, or fast-growth environment with exposure to supplier qualification, quality systems, and external audits • Highly proficient in utilizing ERP/MRP systems and managing supply chain data Preferred Qualifications: • Experience in hardware, industrial, or manufacturing-heavy high-tech startups • Background in regulated or quality-critical industries a plus • Training/experience in lean manufacturing, project management or continuous improvement methodologies Schedule, Travel, Compensation, and Location This is a full-time position in Woburn, MA and can be remote if in Pacific Time Zone. Travel for this role can be up to 50%, depending on location. The compensation ranges from $120,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on experience, and also includes equity and benefits. This position reports to the VP of Operations.