Manager, Dry Distribution

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

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-competitive salary

Bonus program

Mars University training

Job summary

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates is seeking a Manager, Dry Distribution to lead the North American dry distribution network within the Accelerator division. You will drive safety, quality, service and cost improvements, manage 3PL relationships, and oversee SAP/WMS-enabled processes to optimize the distribution network.

The role requires strong project management, analytical, and stakeholder management skills, with a track record of delivering strategic savings and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required (Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Procurement, Finance, IT, Food Science, Packaging Science).
• MBA is preferred.
• 5–7+ years of experience in supply chain, logistics, or related functions.
• Experience managing distribution operations and 3PL relationships.
• Strong process improvement, project management and stakeholder skills.
• Proficiency with SAP and Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

Responsibilities

• Lead the North American dry distribution network to meet safety, quality, service and cost goals.
• Drive strategic transformation including network integration and cost-saving projects.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver priorities and solve operational challenges.
• Oversee distribution systems and processes (SAP, WMS) to ensure continuity and optimization.
• Support budget management and quality hold/traceability processes.

Skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Communication

Process improvement

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management (or related)

MBA

Tools

SAP

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

WMS

Job description

Job Description:

Manager, Dry Distribution

Mars Snacking is seeking a Manager, Dry Distribution to join its Accelerator division, a high-growth business focused on scaling and optimizing a portfolio of beloved snacking brands, including KIND®, Nature's Bakery®, RXBAR®, and Nutri-Grain®, across North America. In this role, you will lead the management and continuous improvement of the dry distribution network, overseeing key processes, systems, projects, and budgets while driving performance across safety, quality, service, and cost. You will serve as a critical liaison between Mars and third-party logistics (3PL) partners, helping ensure operational excellence throughout the supply chain.

As a member of the Logistics Excellence Accelerator team, you will collaborate closely with stakeholders across Supply Chain & Logistics, Procurement, IT, Quality, Legal, and Integrated Business Planning to standardize processes, optimize systems, and deliver strategic savings initiatives. This is a highly visible role that combines operational leadership, project management, and cross-functional influence to support the continued growth and success of the Mars Snacking Accelerator business.

What Are We Looking For?

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, Procurement, Finance, IT, Food Science, Packaging Science, or a related field; MBA preferred.

• 5-7+ years of experience in supply chain, food manufacturing, logistics, procurement, customer service, finance, IT, packaging/processing technologies, or a related business function.

• Experience managing distribution operations, logistics networks, and/or third-party logistics (3PL) relationships.

• Demonstrated success leading process improvement, standardization, and operational excellence initiatives.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead complex initiatives and deliver measurable business results.

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a data-driven and results-oriented approach.

• Proficiency with SAP and Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across functions and external partners.

What Will Be Your Key Responsibilities?

• Lead Dry Distribution Performance - Own the performance of the North American dry distribution network, driving results across safety, quality, service, and cost. Establish performance goals and manage relationships with third-party logistics partners to ensure operational excellence.

• Drive Strategic Initiatives – Lead strategic transformation and continuous improvement initiatives, including network integration, freight consolidation, process optimization, and cost savings projects that support the future growth of Mars Snacking. Standardize ways of working across the Mars Snacking Accelerator distribution network to improve efficiency, scalability, and service.

• Enable Cross-Functional Execution - Partner with stakeholders across Supply Chain, Procurement, IT, Quality, Legal, and Integrated Business Planning to deliver business priorities and solve complex operational challenges.

• Oversee Systems & Process Excellence - Drive optimization of distribution systems and processes, including SAP, WMS, and other operational tools, while ensuring business continuity.

• Manage Financial & Quality Outcomes - Support budget management, monitor network performance, and ensure effective execution of quality hold and traceability processes.

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.

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