Strategic Sourcing Manager

JR United Kingdom; Maidenhead; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars is looking for a Strategic Sourcing Manager to enhance its procurement activities within marketing sectors. This role involves developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier contracts, and driving successful negotiations in a global FMCG environment. The ideal candidate will bring extensive procurement experience, excellent negotiation abilities, and a strategic mindset to assess and manage risks effectively.

Benefits

Best-in-class learning and development support

Access to in-house Mars University

Industry competitive salary and benefits package

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement with a focus on marketing categories in CPG/FMCG.
• Strong understanding of sourcing processes and supplier management.
• Excellent negotiation skills and track record of securing favorable terms.

Responsibilities

• Support development and implementation of sourcing strategies for marketing categories.
• Lead contract negotiations and lifecycle management.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to deliver procurement solutions.

Skills

Procurement experience

Contract negotiation

Negotiation skills

Attention to detail

Tools

Ariba

Coupa

SAP

Job description

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Mars are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Strategic Sourcing Manager to support the general Sourcing activities in the Marketing and Sales, Content remit. Content at Mars consists of: Creative Agencies, Production, Public Relations, Social, Influencers, Packaging Design and Sponsorship. This role presents an exciting opportunity to drive impactful change and add value to a global FMCG leader during a pivotal period of growth.

What are we looking for?

Procurement experience with a focus on marketing categories in a CPG, FMCG or similar industry.

Proven understanding of Sourcing processes, supplier management, and contract negotiation.

Experience in procurement and Content management, ideally within an agency or marketing context is highly desirable.

Familiarity with Agency Ecosystems and transformation programmes is highly desirable.

Exceptional attention to detail, especially in contract language, scope definitions, and financial terms.

Proven negotiation skills with a track record of securing favourable terms and delivering cost savings.

Strong understanding of agency contracts, Content and the end-to-end marketing supply chain.

Working knowledge of procurement systems (e.g., Ariba, Coupa, SAP) and contract lifecycle management tools.

French speaking would be a bonus.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Marketing Procurement Strategy:
Support development and implement of sourcing strategies for marketing categories (e.g., Creative Agencies, Production, PR, Design).

Supplier & Contract Management:
Lead end-to-end contract negotiations and lifecycle management. Ensure contracts are accurate, compliant, and aligned with internal governance policies. Maintain oversight of SLAs, KPIs, and contract renewals.

Commercial Negotiation:
Negotiate complex regional/global commercial agreements and pricing models to drive value for the business. Champion cost savings initiatives without compromising on quality or brand integrity.

Stakeholder Engagement:
Collaborate with cross-functional partners including Marketing, Marketing Operations, Finance, and Legal to understand business needs, ensure alignment, and deliver procurement solutions that support business goals. Able to work in a highly matrixed organisation to develop stakeholder relationships and become a trusted advisor to cross-functional business partners.

Risk Management & Compliance:Ensure supplier contracts and engagements adhere to regulatory, ethical, and corporate policies. Mitigate risk through due diligence and proactive supplier management.

Reporting and Analysis:
Prepare and present reports on Sourcing performance, cost savings, integration progress, and other key metrics to senior management.

Global Category Team Collaboration:
Actively participate as a member of the Global Category Team and establish/maintain working relationships with the category buying managers in the region. Share best practices and key learnings across categories and regions.

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.

Best-in-class 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.

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.