Assistant Manager (Snacks Manufacturing and Third Parties)

Position Summary:

The Assistant Manager Snacks & Third-Party Manufacturing is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the snacks portfolio and outsourced product categories through contract manufacturing partners. The role ensures uninterrupted supply, superior product quality, food safety compliance, cost optimization, and effective vendor management while working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver business objectives.

The incumbent will serve as the key coordinator between internal functions and third-party manufacturers, ensuring operational excellence across all outsourced categories.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate contract manufacturing for the snacks portfolio and third-party facilities and other outsourced categories.
• Plan and monitor production, inventory, and dispatch to ensure uninterrupted supply.
• Drive compliance with company Quality, Food Safety, and Regulatory standards (FSSAI, HACCP, GMP, FSSC 22000, etc.).
• Monitor supplier performance on quality, delivery, cost, and service; implement improvement plans where required.
• Coordinate new product launches, product transfers, and commercialization with cross-functional teams.
• Support cost optimization, productivity improvement, defect management and waste reduction initiatives.
• Review and recommend product release in line with approved quality standards.
• Conduct supplier onboarding, reviews, audits, and ensure timely closure of corrective actions.
• Maintain technical documentation, specifications, and supplier records.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Supply Chain, Quality, R&D, Sales, and Finance to deliver business objectives.

Required Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Quality & Food Safety Systems
• Supplier & Vendor Management
• Contract Manufacturing Management
• Production Planning
• Cost Optimization
• New Product Commercialization
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
• Communication & Stakeholder Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Basic computer skills (MS Office, ERP)

Qualification

• Bachelor's degree in Food Technology, Dairy Technology, Food Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 6–8 years of experience in food manufacturing, contract manufacturing, or supply chain.
• Experience in snacks and third-party manufacturing is preferred.

Authority

• Coordinate production with approved third-party manufacturers.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive corrective actions.
• Stop production/dispatch for quality or food safety concerns.
• Recommend supplier approval, development, or delisting.
• Escalate operational, quality, and supply risks.
• Approve routine operational documents within delegated authority.
• Lead supplier reviews, audits, and improvement initiatives.