Senior Director, Contract Manufacturing

Senior Director, Process Engineering & Contract Manufacturing Scale-UpLocation: Durham, NC (In-Office) Reports To: SVP OperationsApplyingTo apply directly to this role, please email jess@mycarpe.coma non-ChatGPT paragraph explaining why you believe you would be the best fit for this role and attach your resume as a PDF. Applying via email is the only way to be considered.About CarpeCarpe is the fastest-growing deodorant brand in the United States. Our team is composed of ~25 incredibly smart people working together in person in downtown Durham, NC. Our office is open, collaborative, and high energy.We build products that solve real problems for millions of people who struggle with excessive sweating. Our growth over the past several years has been rapid, and we are continuing to expand across retail, ecommerce, and new product categories.As the company scales, building a strong, reliable, and scalable manufacturing foundation is critical to our long-term success.The RoleWe are seeking a high-ownership process engineering leader with a strong chemical engineering background who thrives in fast-growing environments and enjoys building systems that support scale. This is not a procurement or vendor management role. It is a technical manufacturing role focused on process engineering, scale-up, and improving manufacturing performance.This role exists to build Carpe's manufacturing process engineering capability as we expand production across multiple product categories and manufacturing partners. The primary focus is on developing robust, scalable processes that consistently deliver product performance.This is a hands-on technical role. You will work directly with manufacturing teams to define critical process parameters, troubleshoot production challenges, and improve process reliability as we scale.You will partner closely with Product Development, Operations, and Quality to translate product innovation into well-defined, scalable manufacturing processes. Success in this role requires the ability to develop long-term process engineering frameworks while also working directly with manufacturing teams to solve technical challenges and improve production performance.What You'll DoProcess Engineering & Manufacturing ScienceBuild and lead Carpe's internal manufacturing process engineering capabilityWork directly with contract manufacturing teams to document and refine production processesIdentify and define critical process parameters that drive product consistency and performanceLead process characterization work, including DOE design and executionImprove process robustness and repeatability across manufacturing partnersTroubleshoot complex manufacturing challenges and support manufacturing teams in solving production issuesDrive continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operationsTechnology Transfer & Product Scale-UpLead the technical transfer of new products from development into commercial manufacturingWork directly with contract manufacturers to scale formulations and processes successfullyPartner closely with Product Development to translate product specifications into scalable manufacturing processesOversee pilot trials, validation runs, and commercialization readiness for new product launchesEnsure new products are successfully and reliably launched across manufacturing partnersManufacturing Performance & Continuous ImprovementEstablish operational metrics and performance tracking across contract manufacturing partnersImprove manufacturing efficiency, yield, and process reliabilityLead root cause investigations and corrective actions related to manufacturing issuesImplement stronger process control and operational discipline across manufacturing partnersDevelop scalable manufacturing frameworks that support continued company growthCross-Functional CollaborationPartner closely with Product Development to ensure manufacturing processes support product performance requirementsCollaborate with Quality and Regulatory to ensure manufacturing processes meet compliance and quality standardsWork with supply chain and planning teams to support production scheduling and inventory needsProvide manufacturing insight during product development and innovation planningContract Manufacturing LeadershipOwn and manage Carpe's network of contract manufacturing partnersBuild strong working relationships with technical teams at manufacturing partnersImprove operational performance across quality, delivery, and costLead onboarding and qualification of new manufacturing partners as capacity expandsEnsure manufacturing partners are prepared to support both current production and future growthServe as the primary operational leader responsible for manufacturing performance across the networkWho You AreBachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline10–15+ years of experience in manufacturing, process engineering, or operations leadership within consumer packaged goods, personal care, or related industriesExperience with emulsions, OTC personal care, or topical formulation manufacturingExperience managing contract manufacturing networks and external production partnersStrong technical background in manufacturing processes and scale-upExperience working with highly structured emulsions or shear-sensitive formulationsDemonstrated ability to build systems, processes, and infrastructure in growing organizationsComfortable operating in fast-moving environments where both strategy and hands-on execution are requiredWilling and able to travel a lot (and last minute) Strong engineering instincts and problem-solving abilityAbility to work directly with manufacturing partners to improve processes and solve technical challengesBonus If You HaveBackground in manufacturing engineering or process engineering leadership rolesExperience scaling products across multiple contract manufacturing sitesExperience building manufacturing infrastructure in high-growth CPG environmentsWhat You'll GetDirect collaboration with senior leadership as we scale the businessOpportunity to build and own Carpe's manufacturing infrastructure during a major growth phaseCompetitive compensation based on experience and levelHealth, vision, and dental coverageFlexible PTOA front-row seat to the growth of one of the most disruptive brands in body careApplyingTo apply directly to this role, please email jess@mycarpe.com a non-ChatGPT paragraph explaining why you believe you would be the best fit for this role and attach your resume as a PDF. Applying via email is the only way to be considered.