Manager, Commercial Strategy

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

Job summary

Mars Incorporated is seeking a Manager, Strategic Demand Leadership (Commercial Strategy) to lead commercialization of marketing initiatives and demand-driving strategies for Better for You brands in the U.S. marketplace.

This role connects Sales, Marketing, Revenue Growth Management, Finance and Supply Chain to translate insights into profitable growth. The ideal candidate blends strategic thinking with analytical rigor and cross-functional leadership to drive business performance and bring

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 5+ years in CPG marketing, commercial strategy, demand planning, or related functions.
• Experience developing consumer/customer strategies, go-to-market plans, and promotions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with strategy-to-execution capability.
• Knowledge of revenue growth management, forecasting, and S&OP processes.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and influencing skills.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercialization of brand and innovation initiatives across channels and customers.
• Translate consumer/shopper/market insights into channel growth plans.
• Drive annual sales strategies to achieve net sales, volume, and profit goals.
• Identify risks/opportunities and optimize performance across go-to-market channels.
• Voice of the customer, develop channel strategies, and lead AMPS initiatives.
• Partner cross-functionally on new pack formats, customer solutions, growth opportunities.
• Develop and execute customer programs, promotions, and activation plans.
• Collaborate with Sales, Finance, and Demand Planning to improve forecasting accuracy.

Skills

Brand strategy

Cross-functional leadership

Demand planning

CPG marketing

Analytical reasoning

Communication

Forecasting

S&OP processes

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing/Supply Chain

Tools

Forecasting tools

Job description

About the Role

Manager, Strategic Demand Leadership (Commercial Strategy) is responsible for leading the commercialization of marketing initiatives and demand-driving strategies for assigned Better for You brands. This role serves as a critical link between Sales, Marketing, Revenue Growth Management, Finance, and Supply Chain, translating consumer insights and business opportunities into channel and customer plans that deliver profitable, sustainable growth. The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and strong cross- functional leadership to drive business performance and bring brand strategies to life in the marketplace.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the commercialization of brand and innovation initiatives for assigned Better for You brands across channels and customers.
• Translate consumer, shopper, and market insights into effective channel and customer growth plans.
• Drive annual sales strategies that deliver net sales, volume, profit, and market share objectives.
• Identify business risks and opportunities and develop solutions to optimize performance across go- to-market channels.
• Serve as the voice of the customer, developing channel strategies and leading AMPS (Availability, Merchandising, Pricing, and Space) initiatives.
• Partner cross-functionally to develop new pack formats, customer solutions, and growth opportunities.
• Lead the development and execution of customer-specific programs, promotions, and activation plans in partnership with internal teams and external agencies.
• Collaborate with Sales, Finance, and Demand Planning teams to improve forecasting accuracy and revenue management outcomes.
• Manage budgets, monitor business performance, and deliver results that contribute to divisional financial goals.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in CPG marketing, commercial strategy, demand planning, or related business functions.
• Experience developing consumer and customer strategies, go-to-market plans, and promotional programs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to connect strategy to execution.
• Knowledge of revenue growth management, forecasting, and S&OP processes.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and influencing skills across functions and organizational levels.
• Proven ability to lead cross- functional teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong commercial acumen with a passion for driving growth and delivering business results.
• Experience within the Better for You, food, beverage, or broader consumer packaged goods industry preferred.

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