Sourcing Manager - Oils, Wheats and Grains

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

Job summary

Mars is seeking a Sourcing Manager for Oils, Wheats and Grains in North America to develop category buying strategies and lead execution, driving value through strategic sourcing events, negotiations and end-to-end contracting.

You will work with key suppliers and cross-functional partners, manage contracts in systems like SAP, and build strong relationships with stakeholders domestically and internationally.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with 5–8 years procurement experience in Food & Beverage.
• Experience in negotiations, contract management and running large RFPs is essential.
• Strong relationship-building with suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel approximately 20% for supplier development and meetings.

Responsibilities

• Execute sourcing strategy: lead strategic events, evaluate proposals and recommend awards.
• Negotiate and contract for value: support end-to-end contracting and cost modeling.
• Operational & supplier management: maintain contracts and monitor supplier performance.

Skills

Negotiation

Contract management

RFP management

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical skills

Travel availability

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

SAP

Job description

Job Description

Sourcing Manager – Oils, Wheats and Grains

As a Sourcing Manager at Mars, you will work closely with the global category manager & be responsible for sourcing Oils, Wheats and Grain categories for the North America region. Together you will support the development of category buying strategies and lead execution. Drive value by leading strategic sourcing events, negotiations and managing contracts. This position will work with key suppliers, as well as cross-functional partners and key stakeholders.

Job Description

Sourcing Manager – Oils, Wheats and Grains

As a Sourcing Manager at Mars, you will work closely with the global category manager & be responsible for sourcing Oils, Wheats and Grain categories for the North America region. Together you will support the development of category buying strategies and lead execution. Drive value by leading strategic sourcing events, negotiations and managing contracts. This position will work with key suppliers, as well as cross-functional partners and key stakeholders.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• 5-8 years of solid procurement experience in multinational Food & Beverage industry.
• Food Industry Experience as well as good understanding of US agriculture and commodity markets is highly preferred.
• Expertise in negotiations, contract management and running large RFPs.
• A passion for developing strong relationships with suppliers and cross functional stakeholders both domestically and internationally.
• Excellent communication and collaborative skills and ability to navigate through ambiguity,
• Ability to analyze complex market data / developments and drive insights and actions.
• Ability to travel approximately 20% (may vary due to business needs).

What will your key responsibilities be?

• Execute Sourcing Strategy: Leverage market and spend intelligence, lead strategic sourcing events, evaluate supplier proposals, and prepare business award recommendations to activate category strategies.
• Negotiate & Contract for Value: In partnership with the cost modeling team, conduct comprehensive analysis to inform negotiation strategies, lead supplier negotiations, and manage end-to-end legal contracting to maximize value.
• Operational & Supplier Management: Maintain operational contracts (e.g., in SAP) for accurate pricing and engage in supplier relationship management as defined by segmentation.

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.

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