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. About ZwitterCo ZwitterCo has developed a breakthrough in materials science - a new class of zwitterionic membranes with unprecedented fouling resistance. Our membrane solutions perform beyond the limits of traditional filtration, making it practical to treat complex wastewater, purify water for reuse, and maximize efficiency in food processing applications. ZwitterCo serves customers in more than 20 countries across food and beverage, agricultural, and industrial sectors. We are rapidly investing in our technology, equipment, and global services platform to help our industrial customers achieve their most ambitious sustainability and growth targets. We are grateful to have been named as Fast Company’s Top Innovators of 2024 and featured on the 2025 & 2026 Global Cleantech 100. 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.