Director, Contract Manufacturing Operations

Summary

Join Vital Farms as the Director of Contract Manufacturing Operations and play a critical role in ensuring third-party manufacturing partners uphold high standards for quality, transparency, and integrity. Lead the strategy and execution of all contract manufacturing operations, from selecting partners and negotiating contracts to ensuring efficient and cost-effective product production. Collaborate with cross-functional partners and external suppliers to deliver on promises to all stakeholders. Oversee production schedules, lead times, and capacity to meet demand. Champion quality and compliance, ensuring partners meet food safety and quality standards. Manage budgets and performance scorecards, striking a balance between cost and quality. Identify ways to optimize manufacturing performance and reduce waste. Anticipate and resolve challenges to protect the brand. This role requires 10+ years of experience in food manufacturing or supply chain, deep knowledge of food safety and regulatory requirements, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to travel up to 50%.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in food manufacturing or supply chain, 5+ years partnering with contract manufacturing relationships
• Deep knowledge of food safety, quality systems, and regulatory requirements
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills—you know how to influence and inspire partners
• Ability to travel up to 50% both domestic and international to contract manufacturers, as well as travel for team meetings, onboarding trips and other business needs
• Proven success in leading cross-functional teams and navigating complexity with clarity
• Financial fluency: budgeting, forecasting, and performance tracking are second nature to you
• A growth mindset, grit, and the ability to pivot in a dynamic, mission-driven business

Responsibilities

• Lead with Strategy: Own and evolve our approach to contract manufacturing. You'll build partnerships that align with our long-term goals and ensure we deliver high-quality products on time and on budget
• Bring Teams Together: Collaborate with Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, Purchasing and Strategy to ensure contract manufacturing supports our business and brand priorities
• Manage Key Relationships: Be the face of Vital Farms with our third-party manufacturers. Foster trust, performance, and accountability across the supply base
• Keep Things Flowing: Oversee production schedules, lead times, and capacity to ensure we meet demand without overstocking or running short—partnering closely with our Supply Chain team
• Champion Quality & Compliance: Ensure all partners meet or exceed our food safety and quality standards. You'll work closely with FSQA to keep us in line with USDA, FDA, GMP, HACCP, and Vital Farms’ own high bar
• Steward Our Spend: Collaborate with Finance to manage budgets and performance scorecards. You will strike the right balance between cost and quality—always with a Stakeholder Mindset
• Drive Continuous Improvement: Identify ways to optimize manufacturing performance, reduce waste, and drive efficiency—not just in production, but across warehousing and logistics as well
• Be the Problem Solver: Anticipate and resolve challenges before they impact our Crew or customers. You will manage risks, lead crisis response if needed, and always protect the brand

Preferred Qualifications

• You’re no hero – You know the power of teamwork and celebrate the work of others before your own
• You give a sh*t – You believe in acting like an owner and making Vital Farms a place to be proud of
• You raise the standards – You know growth can be hard, but you strive to improve yourself and others each day
• You can walk in someone else’s boots – You seek to understand other’s viewpoints and think that you get to better answers by sitting on the same side of the table
• You don’t walk on eggshells – You’re not afraid to leave the bullsh*t behind and have honest conversations

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, and Paid Parental Leave, just to name a few)
• Generous retirement contributions: 401(k) + 3% Contribution from Day 1
• Annual bonus and equity grant (subject to business results and company approval)
• Free eggs and butter, along with friends and family discounts
• Professional development opportunities and an amazing team dedicated to your growth