About the role
Job Description:
The Sr. Strategic Sourcing Manager, Category Partnerships will lead regional Procurement engagement with the global Strategic Sourcing Categories across Direct and Indirect categories on behalf of Mars Snacking North America (MSNA). This Associate will own the Procurement relationship with assigned strategic sourcing categories, and act as the primary point of contact for related business partners. This role may also be responsible for the end-to-end sourcing of regional materials.
Job Level Descriptor:
- Strategic Category Management and Source-to-Contract Activities
- Supplier Relationship Management and Governance
- Regional Leadership and Stakeholder Management
Key Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include:
- Regional Sourcing & Commercial Leadership: Directs the end-to-end sourcing strategy and execution for all regionally segmented categories. Provides critical leadership in representation of the region to deliver on key business objectives.
- Global Partnership & Performance Accountability: Acts as the primary strategic liaison between the region, center of excellence and Mars Global Services, championing regional needs and priorities. Ensures partners are held accountable for delivering against key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) for Procurement related activities and objectives.
What are we looking for?
- 7-10 years of experience with strategic sourcing, supplier/customer management, innovation management and business partnering.
- Total Delivered Cost Reduction and Working Capital Improvements
- Supplier Performance & Relationship Management
- Adapts and executes functional or departmental business plans and contributes to the development of functional strategy (3-5 years).
- Leadership: Proven experience managing cross-functional projects and leading team members in a matrixed or dotted-line reporting environment.
- Negotiation & Influence: Exceptional negotiation, stakeholder management, and communication skills to influence both local teams and global corporate centers.
- A passion for driving value for our business by leveraging various sourcing channels.
- Bachelors degree required, Masters degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Finance preferred
- CPSM, CIPs or equivalent preferred
Job Specifications/Qualifications
Education & Professional Qualifications
- Minimum requirement of Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain/Logistics/Materials Management or Finance and/or the equivalent combination of education and work experience.
- MBA or other Master’s degree preferred
- CPM/CPSM, CIPS or other analogous professional certification preferred
Knowledge / Experience
Minimum 7-10 years of Procurement and General Supply Chain experience in a progressive environment which includes strong working knowledge in the following: Strategic Sourcing, Negotiations and Contracting, SRM/SPM programs, continuous improvement programs, risk mitigation strategies. Breadth and depth in:
- Strong experiences in strategic sourcing methodology, e-sourcing, state-of-the-art risk management tools and supplier management programs. Experience in commodity markets and/or materials sourcing preferred
- Strong interpersonal skills and leadership skills enabling effective work within cross-functional teams. Excellent communication skills across all levels within the business
- Strong People Leadership experience in both linear and matrixed environments
- Strong project management experience with deep expertise in business financials, analytics & problem-solving
- Strong crisis management and conflict resolution skills with demonstrated ability to identify “root causes” of issues and determine course of action to meet short- and long-term business needs.
- Experience in managing dynamic business environments, where price stability, supply availability, and potential business outcomes are under continuous pressure and change.
- Proven supply chain management skills
- Proficient in Power BI, SAP and MRP systems
What can you expect from Mars?
- Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
- Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
- A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
- An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
#LI-JH1
The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.
The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 134,400.00 - USD 184,800.00Skills & Tags
Aplyr's read
Mars is a diverse global powerhouse in confectionery, pet care, and food, attracting talent in manufacturing, sales, and technical roles.
What's promising
- •Mars offers a wide range of career paths across multiple sectors, including food, pet care, and confectionery.
- •The company invests in employee development through programs like the Mars Young Professionals Program.
- •Mars provides opportunities for global mobility and cross-functional career growth.
What to watch
- •The company's large size may lead to bureaucratic decision-making processes.
- •Limited public information about Mars' work-life balance policies.
- •Mars' global operations may require frequent travel or relocation for some roles.
Why Mars
- •Mars is family-owned, allowing for long-term strategic planning without shareholder pressure.
- •The company is known for its iconic brands like M&M's and Snickers, offering strong brand recognition.
- •Mars emphasizes sustainability and responsible sourcing in its operations.
Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?
About Mars
Mars, Incorporated is a global manufacturer of confectionery, pet care, and food products, known for brands like M&M's, Snickers, Pedigree, and Whiskas.
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