NECCO, a candy and confectionery company headquartered in the Boston suburb of Revere, has a rich history that dates back to 1847, when NECCO’s founders first created the NECCO wafer. In fact, NECCO wafers were the candy of choice among Union Soldiers in the Civil War. Since then, NECCO has created iconic brands such as Sweethearts, Clark Bars and Mary Janes. While other candy companies have come and gone since 1847, NECCO stands as the oldest, continuously operating candy company in America.

Summary of Position:

The Contract Manufacturing Program Manager will champion the contract manufacturing initiative within Necco with the responsibility of meeting all cost, quality and delivery objectives.  The Contract Manufacturing Program Manager will manage the client relationship from plan, source, make, deliver products to the client’s specification.  Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, the Contract Manufacturing Program Manager will ensure all necessary human resources are in place and fully qualified to meet the established requirements as well as guaranteeing all production equipment is fully functional.  This role will be the primary contact, coordinator and facilitator for key contract manufacturing clients. The Contract Manufacturing Program Manager will own and enable the communication and coordinate tasks between the client and the functions within the company to meet contract’s deliverables, provide services, and keep the relationship positive and on track. 

The Contract Manufacturing Program Manager plays a critical role running our contract-based operations. In this role, you will manage contract efforts with a variety of cross-functional teams.  Will also be responsible for contract manufacturing team performance on a day-to-day basis. Utilizes project management skills and strategic perspective to recommend solutions that will help Necco. It is essential that person in this role drive the operation not only to ensure the client’s expectations are met but also ensures that Necco meets or exceeds profitability on contract operations.  This operation will operate three shifts on a 7 day schedule and the project management function must develop and execute processes that accommodate this demanding schedule.

Core Responsibilities include:

• Act as the primary client contact during all phases of the contract from client demand signals to delivery.

• Ensure compliance with and delivery of all contractual commitments.

• Conduct contract specific Order Planning meetings.  Gain understanding of client needs and communicate these within the company and keep all appraised of progress and issues via Gantt charts, dashboards, etc.

• Drive company resources to fulfill contractual requirements including supply chain, training, manufacturing, quality systems, etc., training.

• Monitor all clients supporting activity and provides regular updates within the company and with the client.

• Oversees production on a daily basis with regard to key metrics in safety, delivery, cost and quality.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with engineering, supply chain and/or manufacturing specialties.

• Advanced degree is a plus.

• A minimum of 10 -12 years experience.

• High level of proficiency with Project Management.

• Direct supervisorial experience in manufacturing environment including both salaried and hourly employees.

• Ability to coordinate multiple goals, assignments and priorities simultaneously.

• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

• Five years’ experience in field operations preferably within the food and beverage industry.

• Demonstrated experience and understanding of operations planning and MRP.

• Knowledge of manufacturing process

• Strong analytical, decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Key Relationships:

Reports to VP of Operations with responsibility to deliver KPI performance in Department 71.

Require managing hourly staff in operations and maintenance, as well as salaried supervisors.

Ability to interface, influence, and persuade a wide variety of internal and external personnel.