Mars has been proudly family owned for over 100 years. It's this independence that gives us the gift of freedom to think in generations, not quarters, so we can invest in the long-term future of our business, our people and the planet - all guided by our enduring Principles.
We believe the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. Our bold ambitions must be matched with actions today from our 130,000 Associates in 80 countries around the world.
The Senior Commercial Operations Manager is responsible to provide technical leadership in the execution of our regional and global sourcing strategies, while ensuring flawless service, identifying/executing on value creation opportunities, and maintaining the highest standards of quality. This person is responsible for driving transformational change in how MWNA manages essential raw materials ($1.6B) and/or packaging ($0.5B) by leveraging key supplier relationships and external strategic partnerships to drive optimization and standardization across the region.
This person must demonstrate an ability to influence without authority, as they will work collaboratively with cross functional partners to implement/embed sourcing strategies and standards while applying key commercial signature processes (e.g. responsible sourcing, supplier performance/relationship management, etc.). This person will be playing an active role in the design of regional and/or global best practices and will be the functional representative in the region, ensuring best practices knowledge management and implementation. This role is responsible for identifying and delivering value chain optimization opportunities and ensures that the team acts as the first line of escalation on issues between suppliers the business, all within the context of driving the supplier relationship management process.
What we're looking for:
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
Minimum of 8-10 years procurement experience in a progressive procurement environment at a multinational consumer goods company. Packaging/Raw Materials sourcing experience preferred.
Strong experiences in strategic sourcing methodology, e-sourcing, state-of-the-art risk management tools and supplier management programs
Effective communicator; excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong financial and analytical skills
Strong interpersonal skills and leadership skills enabling effective work within cross-functional teams
Strong project management experience
8-10 years of professional experience, proven track record of creating/implementing large category strategies, ability to influence without authority, strong project management capabilities, substantial supplier/customer management experience & deep financial acumen
What you'll be doing:
Understands, interprets, and executes on category strategies, managing cross-functional business partners and suppliers to deliver total lowest cost materials and mitigate the supply risks.
Intimately understands the category markets and cost drivers to drive future forward category execution, and actively engages in the development of annual budgets for the Region.
Initiates/investigates value creation opportunities in the sourcing of raw materials and/or packaging, as well as the cost/risk analyses of these materials.
Influences (without authority) internal stakeholders to align with global & regional buying strategy
Establish & maintain relationships with key functional managers/directors (finance, plant manager, marketing director, sales director, supply chain director, etc.), and their teams to ensure understanding of their needs and to facilitate the appropriate level of challenge.
Acts as the liaison between the sites and, or business units and the sourcing managers to communicate changing business needs (e.g. specification, volume changes, etc.)
Actively participate in/lead regional/global subcategory team meetings; lead/contribute to global/regional projects as required
Provide input to and execute at a local level Global & Regional Mars Strategic Sourcing Methodology (MSSM), and other major work streams
Identifies and manages supplier collaboration initiatives (e.g. supplier owned inventory, forecast management, electronic invoicing, operational process streamlining, etc.)
Proactively works with suppliers to ensure the delivery of continuous improvement and technology which ultimately leads to competitive advantage and working capital reduction opportunities.
Execute supplier performance reviews on a regular basis.
Implement supply base strategy. Assess and develop suppliers to meet business needs and opportunities.
Ensure effective risk management of the supply base, through robust contracts and monitoring of financial and other KPIs. Implement corrective actions as appropriate.
Works closely with Quality on development and monitoring of supplier performance. Partners with Supplier Quality Assurance to deliver PQM standards. Ensure the suppliers to comply with the Social Responsibility Audit and the Quality Audit.
Responsible for providing support, training and guidance to junior and, or new team members. Provide support as needed to individual buyers in complex negotiations and critical issues (e.g.: disputes that threaten continuity of supply, termination of major suppliers, suppliers causing late delivery of projects).
What to Expect from Mars:
The opportunity to learn, develop and take charge of your own career.
An industry competitive salary and benefits package.
To be respected and valued.
The Five Principles at the center of every decision
The opportunity to work cross functionally, add value and impact a better world for generations to come.
