Director of Strategic Partnerships

Yogi / East West Tea is seeking a talented, experienced, and results-driven Director of Strategic Partnership. This pivotal role will oversee and manage our contract manufacturing partnerships.

This role is responsible for ensuring that our products are manufactured according to our specifications, quality standards, timelines, and budgetary constraints. This role involves close coordination with our contract manufacturers, as well as cross-functional teamwork with our product development, quality assurance, and supply chain teams.

WHO WE ARE:

We are the well-being company that exists to inspire and enhance everyday life. Our guiding principles, beliefs, and philosophies shape our identity. They are the essence of our culture and define how we do what we do.

We are intentional in everything we do. We are present and aware of how we show up in the world. We honor people and our communities. We are authentic and transparent with each brand. We are committed to sustaining our planet. We build trust and goodwill with each individual interaction.

OUR INVESTMENT IN YOU:

• We offer competitive compensation including a generous annual bonus.

• We have exceptional wellbeing-focused benefits including health, dental, vision and alternative care, life and disability insurance, retirement, paid time off, company picnics, social activities, and a surprise every so often Who doesn’t love a surprise?

• As a certified B Corp, we’re a company that lives our values every day.

• We work in a LEED certified facility which prioritizes the planet in our daily operations and optimizes our employee experience while at work.

• We prioritize sustainability as a business by embedding it into our values, our strategic priorities, our decision-making, and our resource allocations.

• Our Nourish Market provides employees subsidized healthy lunch and snack options.

• We commit to our purpose in every aspect of our culture.

• We have employees that are committed to “Doing Good” in our community and around the world.

• We are a growing company with products that customers love.

• We believe in investing in you and your growth and development.

WHAT YOU’LL OWN:

Partnership Management

• Relationship Building: Build a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with our contract manufacturers to create collaboration, trust, and long-term success. This involves regular communication, understanding their challenges, and working together to solve problems.

• Vendor Management: Conduct regular performance reviews, negotiate contracts, and manage all aspects of the manufacturing partnership.

• Quality Assurance: Ensure that all products manufactured meet our quality standards. Implement quality control processes, conduct regular audits, and work closely with manufacturers to address any quality issues.

• Performance Metrics and Evaluation: Set up key performance indicators (KPIs) to regularly evaluate the co- manufacturer's performance. This includes metrics on quality, delivery timeliness, cost, and service.

• Cost Management: Monitor and manage manufacturing costs. Develop standard cost of goods and review and resolve production variances. Work with contract manufacturers to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising on quality. Strive to ensure lowest delivered cost for both turnkey and tolling scenarios.

• Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing processes, aiming for higher efficiency, reduced waste, and better product quality.

• Clear Communication: Maintain open and transparent communication channels with our contract manufacturers. This includes clear documentation of product specifications, changes, timelines, and expectations. Serve as liaison between Yogi teams and co-manufacturing teams. Regular meetings or updates can help keep both parties aligned.

Operations and Supply Chain Collaboration

• Compliance and Regulations: Ensure that all manufacturing processes comply with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. Keep abreast of changes in regulations that may impact manufacturing.

• Supply Chain Coordination: Work closely with the supply chain team to ensure appropriate inventory levels, timely delivery of materials to contract manufacturers and on time delivery of finished goods to distribution centers or customers.

• Production Planning and Scheduling: Collaborate with IBP and contract manufacturers to develop production schedules that meet our inventory requirements while optimizing costs and efficiency. Communicate forecasts and monitor available capacity and constraints at co-manufacturer.

Strategic Development

• Project management: Lead production setup for new co-manufacturers, new products, component changes and process improvements. Support marketing and R&D with sourcing new and alternate production facilities for both new and existing products.

• Risk Management: Identify potential risks in the manufacturing process and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.

• Intellectual Property (IP) Protection: Ensure our intellectual property is protected through appropriate agreements. This includes confidentiality agreements and ensuring that your contract manufacturer understands and respects our IP rights.

• Exit Strategy: Have a clear exit strategy & continuity plan in place for all co-manufactured products. This includes understanding the terms of disengagement, transition plans for our products, and ensuring we have access to all necessary documentation and materials. Identify and analyze sourcing alternatives for current products.

WHAT YOU KNOW AND HAVE EXPERIENCED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or related field.

• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, production planning, or supply chain management.

• At least 5 years in a role managing contract manufacturers.

• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality assurance, supply chain management and product development cycles.

• Experience in Food and Beverage or Supplements is a must.

• Experience both big CPG and start-ups, desirable.

• Experience in the specific industry of the products being manufactured is highly desirable.

YOU’LL BE A GREAT FIT:

• Strong strategic planning and tactical decision-making skills.

• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving talent.

• Effective networker with strong interpersonal skills.

• Develops and executes effective strategies to support business objectives.

• Strong organization and attention to details.

• Effective in creating process and workflows.

• Highly responsible with a drive to execute work.

• Collaborates effectively across all levels of the organization.

• Flourishes in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

• Applies analytics and sound judgement to inform decision making.

• Skillfully manages competing priorities and expectations.

WHAT WE DO:

We manufacture Yogi and Choice Organics brand products. Yogi has over 40 tea blends made from 140 exotic spices and botanicals sourced from 100% non-GMO growers around the globe. These herbal, green, and black teas are formulated for delicious taste and healthful benefits. Choice Organics offers a collection of organic traditional tea, herbal tea, and unique, flavorful organic tea blends. Choice teas are sourced exclusively from 100% organic and non-GMO growers around the world and are beautifully balanced to perfection for a full-flavored taste experience.

East West Tea Company is an equal opportunity employer. We value and respect each person's individuality and unique talents. We honor diversity and inclusion. The strength of our people and our guiding principles contribute to East West Tea's leadership and continued success in the natural tea category.