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External Manufacturing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kenvue

Sr Manager External Manufacturing

Summit, NJ · On-site

Kenvue is currently recruiting for a: Sr Manager External Manufacturing What we do At Kenvue, we realize the extraordinary power of everyday care. Built on over a century of heritage and rooted in ...

Kenvue

Sr Manager External Manufacturing

Summit, NJ · Hybrid

Kenvue is currently recruiting for a: Sr Manager External Manufacturing What we do At Kenvue, we realize the extraordinary power of everyday care. Built on over a century of heritage and rooted in ...

Kenvue

Sr Manager External Manufacturing

Summit, NJ · Hybrid

Kenvue is currently recruiting for a: Sr Manager External Manufacturing What we do At Kenvue, we realize the extraordinary power of everyday care. Built on over a century of heritage and rooted in ...

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How much do external manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for external manufacturing in the United States is $18.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in External Manufacturing, and why are they important?

To thrive in External Manufacturing, you need strong project management skills, a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, and often a degree in engineering, supply chain, or a related field. Familiarity with ERP systems, quality management tools, and regulatory compliance standards is commonly required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building abilities help professionals effectively coordinate with external partners and internal teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring product quality, on-time delivery, and successful collaboration with third-party manufacturers.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in External Manufacturing roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in External Manufacturing often encounter challenges related to managing supplier relationships, ensuring product quality, and coordinating timelines across multiple partners. Navigating different time zones, regulatory requirements, and production capabilities can create complexity. Proactive communication, clear documentation, and regular audits are essential strategies for addressing these challenges and maintaining smooth operations. Building strong partnerships with external vendors also helps in mitigating risks and supporting continuous improvement.

What is external manufacturing?

External manufacturing refers to the practice of outsourcing the production of goods or components to third-party manufacturers rather than producing them in-house. Companies use external manufacturing to access specialized expertise, reduce costs, scale production efficiently, or focus on core competencies. It is common in industries such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and consumer goods. Effective management of external manufacturing partners is crucial to ensure product quality, compliance, and timely delivery.

What is the difference between External Manufacturing vs Contract Manufacturing?

AspectExternal ManufacturingContract Manufacturing
DefinitionOutsourcing production to a third-party company to produce goods on behalf of a brand or company.Engaging a third-party manufacturer to produce specific products or components under a contractual agreement.
FocusOverall production process management and supply chainSpecific product or component manufacturing
RelationshipTypically ongoing partnership with multiple projectsProject-based or short-term agreement
Common CredentialsManufacturing certifications, quality standardsManufacturing certifications, quality standards

External Manufacturing and Contract Manufacturing both involve outsourcing production to third parties, but External Manufacturing generally refers to managing the entire manufacturing process, while Contract Manufacturing focuses on producing specific products or components under contractual terms. Understanding these differences helps companies choose the right outsourcing strategy for their production needs.

More about External Manufacturing jobs
What cities are hiring for External Manufacturing jobs? Cities with the most External Manufacturing job openings:
What states have the most External Manufacturing jobs? States with the most job openings for External Manufacturing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching External Manufacturing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for External Manufacturing jobs are:
External Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various External Manufacturing job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,403 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Director, External Manufacturing

Kardigan

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Overview

Kardigan is seeking a Director, External Manufacturing, to support development of a large late phase portfolio. This role will report directly to the Sr. Director of External Manufacturing. 

In this role, you will be responsible for management and oversight of Kardigan's network of Contract Development & Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) for API and DP manufacturing for Kardigan's portfolio of assets across its cardiovascular pipeline.  You will ensure the seamless production scheduling, distribution, and logistics of APIs and DPs to support clinical and commercial programs by fostering strong partnerships with external manufacturers to meet corporate objectives.  Responsibilities include contracts negotiation & life cycle management within Tech Ops, CDMO project management, performance and business relationship management.  This role requires collaboration with the Development, Quality, Analytical, Regulatory, and Supply Chain organizations at Kardigan.  This is a 4-day, onsite position, based in South San Francisco, CA.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for external manufacturing, ensuring alignment with the company's clinical and commercial goals
  • Support the selection, qualification, and management of CDMOs for API and DP manufacturing, ensuring robust supply chain continuity
  • Collaborate closely with CMC technical leads to manage end-to-end external manufacturing operations, including technology transfer, process validation, production planning, and timely delivery of APIs and DPs
  • Ensure efficient distribution and logistics guaranteeing safe, compliant and timely delivery of APIs and DPs
  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with CDMOs, conducting regular business reviews to monitor performance, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Negotiate contracts and manage budgets associated with external manufacturing and logistics services
  • Manage the tactical manufacturing strategy, execution of the business with CDMO organizations, and management of vendor performance.
  • Work closely with internal stakeholders, including Technical Operations, Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs, and Quality, to ensure seamless integration of external manufacturing activities with internal processes
  • Provide strategic input into CMC development plans and regulatory submissions related to external manufacturing
  • Lead development and implementation of External Manufacturing processes and tools for TechOps team
  • Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess and improve CDMO performance


Qualifications:

  • 10+ years of experience in Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or other Supply Chain discipline, preferably in the Biotechnology / Pharmaceutical industry
  • Proven track record in managing relationships with CDMOs and overseeing complex supply chains in a global environment (At least 3 years of experience in external manufacturing / alliance management / CDMO site management / Supplier management).
    • B.A. or B.S. or equivalent, experience in pharmaceutical sciences, supply chain or related field.  
  • Experience with technology transfer, process validation, and commercialization of pharmaceutical products
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive complex projects to successful completion
  • Extensive knowledge of regulated manufacturing, GMP, GCP and quality systems.  
  • Solid understanding of the CDMO landscape, knowledge of CDMO capabilities and limitations worldwide (Small molecule API and drug product manufacturing knowledge is a plus).
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.  
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills, proven ability to build and maintain collaborative, effective internal and external relationships. 
  • Excellent written, oral communication, and presentation skills along with the ability to communicate effectively with executive-level management.  
  • Ability to collaborate effectively in a dynamic, cross-functional matrix environment.    
  •  

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