Technical Lead - External Manufacturing

Our Company

Congo Brands is a US based high-growth company that manages a number of rapidly growing brands within the beverage sector, initiated and led by high profile individuals within social media. The company is now establishing an international office in Zug, Switzerland as it expands into Europe and other regions, beginning with the PRIME hydration range.

Role Overview

The Technical Lead manages the production operations of Congo Brand’s external manufacturers, overseeing performance and driving capabilities. Reporting to the External Manufacturing Manager, this role is highly collaborative as it will partner with third-party manufacturers, raw material suppliers, and internal stake holders across all departments.

Location: This role is based and required to be located in our Zug, Switzerland office.

Key Responsibilities:

Managing external manufacturers:

• Responsible for overseeing and managing the production operations of external manufacturers
• Ensure external manufacturers meet performance standards and continuous improvement targets
• Identify, manage and resolve technical and process-related issues within external manufacturer operations
• Aid sites in effective root cause analysis to ensure continuous production and overall efficiency improvements
• Ensure ongoing product quality within co-manufacturing facilities
• Develop external manufacturer capabilities to meet company needs

Site coverage:

• Ensure comprehensive site coverage for external manufacturers
• Provide onsite manufacturing support and product expertise to vendor and co-manufacturers during site, product, and process onboarding
• Collect production information during site visits to understand long term trends and data analytics to aid in production planning and forecasting

Process/technical expertise:

• Serve as the process and technical information expert for external manufacturers
• Communicate daily with internal stakeholders ensuring everyone has a full understanding of capabilities, production metrics and information

External manufacturing network expansion:

• Lead the integration and validation of new/existing manufacturing facilities into our organization
• Manage initial site visits, including preparation, evaluation, and follow-up
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, third-party facility management, and suppliers to ensure that all aspects of the new site integration project are consistent with the organization's strategic goals and that the facility fully complies with industry regulations and standards.

Support innovation delivery:

• Provide support in the delivery of innovation projects
• Ensure the successful implementation and execution of new product and process innovations
• Qualify new products, packaging materials, and processes within current and future co-manufacturing and vendor supply sites

Project management & continuous improvement:

• Lead technical projects, ensuring projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget
• Create and improve structures and processes within the external manufacturing team
• Develop and implement SOPs to ensure consistency and efficiency
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all External manufacturer operations.

Key Skills and Experience Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field; a Master's degree is preferred
• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in a technical leadership role, preferably within the beverage industry
• In-depth knowledge of beverage manufacturing processes, equipment, and industry regulations and standards, such as IFS, GMP, HACCP
• Experience with PET and canning processes is highly desirable.
• Professional certifications in project management or process improvement (e.g., PMP, Six Sigma) are a plus
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal teams, third-party facility management, and suppliers
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills
• A commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and delivering high-quality results

Differentiating competencies required:

• Highly organized and responsive with the ability to work under pressure
• High integrity without compromising on values to achieve end results
• Results driven, dynamic, highly energetic individual, motivated to achieve success
• Hands on mentality & can do attitude
• Entrepreneurial spirit

Travel requirements:

• This position requires up to 75% travel

Company Culture and Values:

Our company values are: "We make it happen," "Always Improving," and "Collaborating for Success." We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment that fosters professional growth and development.

Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit and enjoy working within a flat organization structure? Life is short, work somewhere amazing!

Congo Brands, LLC. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other classification protected by Federal, state, or local law.

#PRIME

Note: This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.