External Manufacturing Strategy Lead

Mars; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 134,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars Snacking Accelerator is seeking a Senior Manager of External Manufacturing, Divisional Supply, to lead the strategic design and governance of our external manufacturing network across key brands in the portfolio. You will drive partnerships, standardize processes, and elevate performance with cross-functional influence.

This role focuses on building a center of excellence for external manufacturing, balancing strategic vision with operational rigor, and delivering world-class accountability

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive experience in Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Procurement, or Operations with external manufacturers or supplier networks.
• Food Manufacturing / CPG industry experience strongly preferred.
• Deep understanding of capacity planning (IBP/AOP), network design, and supplier governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead External Manufacturing Strategy: Develop, own, and govern the divisional External Manufacturing strategy, optimizing network design to support growth, resilience, service, and cost objectives.
• Executive Supplier Relationship Management: Senior relationship owner for key co-man partners, leading business reviews, standardizing ways of working across BUs, and driving continuous improvement.
• Network Transformation & Standardization: Identify network optimization opportunities, build business cases for change, and implement standardized operating frameworks across the division.
• Capacity & Long-Range Planning: Partner cross-functional with IBP and AOP planning teams to translate demand forecasts into external manufacturing capacity requirements.
• Commercial & Contractual Alignment: Collaborate closely with Commercial/Procurement on contract renewal strategies, complex commercial negotiations, and risk mitigation.
• Matrix Leadership: Lead and influence cross-functional stakeholders across Operations, Quality, R&D, and Finance without direct line authority.

Skills

Strategic Network Architecture

Strategic Partnerships

Business & Financial Acumen

Cross-functional Influence

Tools

IBP

Job description

Mars Snacking Accelerator is seeking a Senior Manager of External Manufacturing, Divisional Supply, to lead the strategic design and governance of our external manufacturing network across key brands in the portfolio. You will drive partnerships, standardize processes, and elevate performance with cross-functional influence.

This role focuses on building a center of excellence for external manufacturing, balancing strategic vision with operational rigor, and delivering world-class accountability