Manager, Commercial Operations - Raws Accelerator

Mars UK; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 108,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars Snacking Accelerator, a division of Mars, on the front line of unlocking growth across high-potential categories, seeks a Manager, Commercial Operations - Raws Accelerator to oversee mid- and long-term inbound supply chain activities, ensuring reliable supply of raw materials and ingredients for manufacturing.

This role drives supplier-enabled growth, leads supplier performance reviews, coordinates cross-functional initiatives, and uses data-driven decision making to improve processes and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Relevant experience in Commercial Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, or Project Management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee mid- and long-term inbound supply chain activities to support manufacturing operations.
• Drive supplier-enabled growth, value creation initiatives, and procurement strategies balancing cost, service, quality, and continuity.
• Serve as primary contact for suppliers, drive performance reviews, and coordinate cross-functional initiatives.
• Lead data-driven decision making with manufacturing sites and key stakeholders to improve supplier continuity and efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to improve supply chain processes and drive continuous improvement across the supplier base.
• Lead regular operational meetings with site planners and cross-functional stakeholders.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Project management

Planning and prioritization

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Description:

Accelerator, a global Division of Mars Snacking, is on the front line of unlocking growth across high-potential categories and brands to fuel what’s next for Snacking. It’s home to both emerging and enduring brands. Combining the scale of Mars with the agility of a start-up, our Division has the ambition to accelerate the future of snacking by delivering products consumers love today, discovering category-shaping innovations for tomorrow, and developing entrepreneurial teams whose impact will last for generations.

The Manager, Commercial Operations - Raws Accelerator is responsible for overseeing mid- and long-term inbound supply chain activities, ensuring manufacturing operations are supported by the reliable and efficient supply of raw materials and ingredients. This role drives supplier-enabled business growth, value creation initiatives, and the execution of commercial procurement strategies while balancing cost, service, quality, and supply continuity.

Serving as the primary point of contact for suppliers, this role drives supplier performance, leads issue resolution and performance reviews, coordinates cross-functional initiatives, and identifies opportunities to improve supply chain processes and operational efficiency. Through data-driven decision making and close collaboration with manufacturing sites and key stakeholders, the Manager supports strategic supply chain objectives and delivers continuous improvement across the supplier base.

We’re looking for passionate talent who dare to dream big, agile collaborators who talk straight and decide fast, and driven performers with a growth mindset. We’re proudly part of Mars, while also building something boldly different. If this inspires and energizes you, you’ve found the right place where you can do cool things with fun people for one of the biggest snacking companies in the world!

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Commercial Operations representative for growth projects, partnering with cross-functional teams and suppliers to deliver new solutions on time and at optimized cost.

• Lead and implement supply security, value creation, and cash improvement initiatives, including supplier sourcing, tender processes, and supplier qualification activities.

• Drive supplier performance management and operational excellence by building strong supplier relationships and leading continuous improvement initiatives focused on service, quality, efficiency, and reliability.

• Conduct formal supplier performance reviews and maintain ongoing collaboration with suppliers to proactively address challenges and identify opportunities.

• Act as the primary Commercial Operations contact for assigned categories and manufacturing sites.

• Lead regular operational meetings with site planners and cross-functional stakeholders to align on supply performance, business priorities, risks, and mitigation plans.

• Support strategic supply chain decisions through data analysis, performance monitoring, and business insights.

• Partner with key stakeholders to improve supply chain processes, strengthen supplier performance, and drive operational effectiveness.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

• Relevant experience in Commercial Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, or Project Management roles.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.

• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.

• Excellent planning, organizational, and prioritization capabilities.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively across cross-functional teams.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

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.

• Find out more about what Mars can offer you by visiting our Global Careers site.

#KindJobs

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 108,160.00 - USD 148,720.00