Senior Manager, Commercial Operations - Packs

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

Job summary

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates is seeking a Sr. Manager, Commercial Operations for Packaging to serve as the central connection point across Strategic Sourcing, Inbound Supply Chain, Planning, and supplier partners for a multi-billion-dollar NA portfolio.

You will architect the inbound commercial operations framework, establish new control models, and build a team from the ground up, driving cost and delivery acceleration and turning strategy into daily operations.

Qualifications

• The Architect Mindset: strategic thinker who designs repeatable processes from ambiguity.
• Collaborative Leadership: builds consensus and aligns cross-functional stakeholders.
• Data-driven Problem Solver: analyzes data to anticipate bottlenecks and fix issues.
• Operational Depth: strong experience in logistics, inbound supply chain, and supplier performance.

Responsibilities

• Architect & lead a newly formed Commercial Operations team, defining playbooks and WoW.
• Develop and execute category strategies focusing on value, cash flow, and total cost of ownership.
• Own Supplier Performance Management, drive accountability for OTIF, quality and service levels.
• Optimize inbound value streams with Planning and Logistics to shorten lead times and reduce working capital.
• Ensure seamless cross-functional delivery with SQA, Manufacturing, R&D, and Global Commercial teams.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional leadership

Data-driven problem solving

Operational excellence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or related field

Tools

SAP

Power BI

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, including KIND, TRÜ FRÜ, NATURE’S BAKERY, RXBAR, EGGO, POP-TARTS, and RICE KRISPIES TREATS. 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.

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!

The Opportunity: Why This Role Matters

This isn’t just about running an existing operation—it’s a chance to build one. As the Sr. Manager, Commercial Operations for Packaging, you will serve as the central lynchpin and quarterback connecting Strategic Sourcing, Inbound Supply Chain, Planning, and external supplier partners across our multi-billion-dollar North American portfolio.

Stepping into a newly created role, you will architect our inbound commercial operations framework, establish new control models, and build out a dedicated team from the ground up. If you thrive on taking complex supply networks, driving cost and delivery acceleration, and turning strategic vision into daily operational reality, this is your seat at the table.

What You’ll Do (Key Responsibilities)

• Architect & Lead the Team: Build, coach, and evolve a newly formed Commercial Operations team. Serve as the functional expert for key enterprise systems (SAP, Power BI) and establish operational playbooks and standard ways of working (WoW).

• Commercial Strategy & Execution: Co‑develop and execute category strategies with a sharp focus on value leadership, cash flow, and total cost of ownership (TCO). Champion supplier resiliency, manage SLAs, and drive acceleration projects.

• Supplier Performance & Risk Management: Own the Supplier Performance Management (SPM) framework. Drive supplier accountability across OTIF delivery, quality, and service levels. Lead resiliency planning, dual‑sourcing initiatives, and business continuity strategies.

• Inbound Value Stream Optimization: Partner closely with Planning and Logistics to optimize material flows, streamline lead times, and reduce working capital. Deliver accurate forecast visibility to suppliers and establish robust tracking metrics.

• Cross‑Functional Integration: Serve as the core point of contact across SQA, Manufacturing, R&D, and Global Commercial partners to ensure seamless execution and delivery across all packaging streams.

What We’re Looking For

• The Architect Mindset: A strategic thinker who loves building structure out of ambiguity, designing repeatable processes, and driving operational excellence from day one.

• Collaborative Leadership: A natural consensus‑builder who communicates with clarity, challenges constructive norms, and brings cross‑functional stakeholders along for the journey.

• Data‑Driven Problem Solver: Strong analytical horsepower with the ability to dive into data, anticipate bottlenecks, resolve urgent supply issues, and build long‑term sustainable solutions.

• Operational Depth: Proven command of logistics, inbound supply chain operations, supplier performance management, and material/packaging sourcing.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or a related field.

• Experience: 5–7+ years of relevant experience across supply chain operations, logistics, purchasing, or commercial sourcing.

• Technical Acumen: Minimum of 3 years of hands‑on experience with SAP (or equivalent ERP/MRP systems) and proficiency in Power BI / data visualization tools.

• Travel: Ability to travel up to 20% as needed.

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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 134,400.00 - USD 184,800.00