Factory Liaison Manager
Position Overview
1.The Factory Liaison Manager (FLM) is responsible for maintaining the day-to-day relationship between PMI and assigned Factories, after the Director – Factory Sourcing and Strategy (FSS) has set up the initial Factory business relationship.
2.The FLM is the leader of a team responsible for orderly, accurate, on-time, on quality and on budget completion of Production related tasks at his/her assigned factory partners
3.The FLM is responsible for setting and measuring expectations jointly with each Factory, unambiguously communicating PMI Strategy, Product Development plans, forecasts and direction, and promptly resolving issues between the Factory and PMI, or within PMI that impact on-time completion of projects or deliveries of product
4.The FLM is responsible for negotiating best manufacturing prices, delivery dates and lead times for PMI products, and continuously striving for improved price performance in his/her factories
5.The FLM is responsible for understanding and prioritizing the risks of success of projects and production in his/her factories, and continuously acting to mitigate and control these risks in all his/her actions
6.The FLM manages indirectly through his/her team of Project and Production Coordinators (PPC) and Managers (PPM), and directly through his/her regular scheduled meetings with Factory and PMI functional teams and managers.
Responsibilities
1.Factory Relationship Management
a)Works with FSS to define and understand the specific and unique features of the relationship of each assigned Factory.
b)Establishes Communication Matrix for each Factory and coordinates all communication between PMI and Factory
c)Conducts regular, direct communication with Factory Owner or Manager to ensure smooth, effective communication between PMI and the Factory.
d)Working with FSS, interprets execution of PMI strategic direction with the Factory in relation to Company Goals, Product Development Goals, and Supply Chain/Production Goals.
e)Responsible for Tactical Issue Management / Conflict Resolution with the Factory, and assists FSS in Strategic Issue Management
2.Factory Performance Monitoring
a)Facilitates Priority Planning in the Factory with regard to PD Projects & the timely delivery of Production to agreed quality standards.
b)From plans developed by FSS, PMI PD and Factory, monitors and facilitates projects to ensure the continual convergence of manufacturing efficiencies and PMI product, quality, capacity and capability goals.
c)Monitors Factory compliance and performance scorecard with PMI Vendor agreements and contracts, including material Purchases from Global Purchasing Agreements.
3.FLM Team Management
a)With his/her PPC and PPM team and the various databases maintained and updated in support of PD, Production and Quality, monitors all products and production assigned to his/her factories.
b)Promptly resolves higher level priority conflicts between Business Teams or Functional Teams by raising awareness and/or involving appropriate Sr. Managers. If necessary, he/she resets delivery timelines.
c)Provides ongoing Training to PPC/PPM’s in areas such as Project Management, Production, InVision, Great Plains, etc.
4.PD Project Leadership
a)Monitors and expedites approved Research & Development projects within assigned Factories.
b)Oversees projects within assigned Factories from initiation to shipment of the 1st Order to the Customer.
c)Has first level signoff responsibility for negotiations of Tooling cost, Product Cost, and timeline expectations with assigned Factories.
d)Conducts timely negotiations with the Sales Team and Product Management on resetting Project timelines and delivery expectations, if needed.
e)Oversees Management Review (MR1 & MR2) meetings, ensuring that all Action Items, Risks, and Issues are identified and assigned to specific Resources. Reviews Risk Release Authorization (RRA) requests prior to sign-off by Director, QA. Signature approval of Production Start Authorization (PSA) requests and oversee the Tooling approval process.
f)Facilitates information flow between PMI and the Factories to clarify Project direction and intent.
5.Factory Production Leadership
a)Confirms current production schedules with assigned Factories and resolves scheduling issues.
b)Negotiates Product Costs, capacity allocations to PMI (if relevant), lead times for mass production and timely sample requests, prices for less than MOQ, low MOQ levels and all delivery requirements with assigned Factories.
c)Conducts high-level price negotiations across the product line to ensure that PMI is always getting the best price possible, and approves/denies all factory requested price changes.
d)Updates and publishes First Costs for all products from his/her Factory to PMI Sales Teams and others, on a regular basis, preferably with up to 30 days notice prior to Sales Teams when new prices coming into effect.
e)Resolves production conflicts between PMI and assigned Factories or escalates unresolved production conflicts/priority to appropriate Sr. Managers, as needed.
f)Liaises with the Master Production Planner on forecasting production in the assigned Factory to satisfy global demand. Provides rolling forecasts to factories, negotiates and resolves factory issues.
g)Liaises with the Logistics Department and resolve any conflicts regarding shipments to Customers.
h)Oversees and expedites the Sample Request Process to ensure that samples are shipped on time, and approvals are provided back to Factory in a timely manner.
Additional responsibilities
1.Monitor, review, and improve current processes and process documentation (i.e. Production processes and documentation, etc.).
2.Ensure that Factory metrics are compiled and published quarterly. Hold quarterly Factory Meetings to review and improve metrics.
3.Perform other duties as assigned.
Proficiencies
1.Ability to work accurately with close attention to detail
2.Strong analytical ability with active listening skills.
3.Ability to take initiative and prioritize tasks; good time-management, organizational, problem-prevention and problem-solving skills.
4.Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate effect. Reflect a professional image in writing, face to face or by telephone for informationexchanges.
5.Solid word processing and computer database skills with knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
6.Good personal skills with the ability to effectively work with individuals and groups at all organization levels; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
7.Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
8.Willingness to adapt to changing business needs and deadlines.
9.Ability to study and apply new information.
10.Reflect professional temperament and commercial appeal in any time.
11.Willing work under pressure and able to travel on request.
Education and Experience
1.Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics or Foreign Trade, or equivalent related experience.
2.Five (5) years of experience in Project Management.
3.Three (3) years of experience in foreign trade.
About PMI
Established in 1983, privately-held Pacific Market International (PMI) designs, manufactures and markets innovative food and beverage solutions designed for busy lifestyles. Our two most recognizable brands, Stanley® and Aladdin®, are both nearly 100 years old. PMI also operates a thriving private-label business for globally recognized companies. PMI is headquartered in Seattle, Washington with offices in Shanghai, China; Manila, Philippines and Amsterdam, The Netherlands. More information can be found at