Sr Manager, External Manufacturing

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

Job summary

Mars Accelerator, a division of Mars Snacking, seeks a Senior Manager of External Manufacturing, Divisional Supply to lead the external manufacturing strategy for iconic brands like Pop-Tarts, Eggo, Rice Krispies Treats, and MorningStar Farms. You will partner with cross-functional teams to drive governance, cost objectives, and world-class supplier performance.

Lead executive supplier relationships, transform networks, and align contracts, while translating demand into capacity with IBP/AOP

Qualifications

• 8+ years in supply chain or related fields with external manufacturers experience.
• CPG/food manufacturing industry experience preferred.
• Strong IBP/AOP capacity planning and network design knowledge.
• Proven cross-functional influence without direct authority.
• Strategic partnerships with supplier performance and SLAs.

Responsibilities

• Lead External Manufacturing Strategy across the division.
• Manage executive supplier relationships and partner reviews.
• Drive network transformation and standardization initiatives.
• Coordinate capacity and long-range planning with IBP/AOP.
• Align Commercial/Procurement on contracts and risk.
• Influence cross-functional teams across Ops, Quality, R&D, and Finance.

Skills

External Manufacturing

Supplier Relationships

Network Transformation

Capacity Planning

Contract Negotiations

Matrix Leadership

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

External manufacturing is at the very core of our business and growth ambition. As the Senior Manager of External Manufacturing, Divisional Supply, you will serve as the strategic architect and relationship lead across our external manufacturing network-supporting iconic brands in our Tasty & Wholesome portfolio (such as Pop-Tarts, Eggo, Rice Krispies Treats, and MorningStar Farms) as well as hyper-growth brands like Trü Frü. This is an opportunity to transform our external network into a center of excellence. You will balance strategic vision with operational rigor-driving standardization and governance across business units, leading executive-level supplier partnerships, and building a network that positions Mars Accelerator as a true "partner of choice" while maintaining world-class performance and accountability.

What You'll Do (Key Responsibilities)

• Lead External Manufacturing Strategy: Develop, own, and govern the divisional External Manufacturing strategy, optimizing network design to support growth, resilience, service, and cost objectives.
• Executive Supplier Relationship Management: Serve as the senior relationship owner for key co-man partners, leading business reviews, standardizing ways of working across BUs, and driving continuous improvement.
• Network Transformation & Standardization: Identify network optimization opportunities, build business cases for change, and implement standardized operating frameworks across the division.
• Capacity & Long-Range Planning: Partner cross-functionally with IBP and AOP planning teams to translate demand forecasts into external manufacturing capacity requirements.
• Commercial & Contractual Alignment: Collaborate closely with Commercial/Procurement on contract renewal strategies, complex commercial negotiations, and risk mitigation.
• Matrix Leadership: Lead and influence cross-functional stakeholders across Operations, Quality, R&D, and Finance without direct line authority.

What We're Looking For

• The Strategic Network Architect: Proven track record of designing, scaling, or transforming complex external manufacturing networks. We value demonstrated hands-on leadership and outcomes over specific degrees.
• Master of Strategic Partnerships: The ability to be a true "partner of choice," cultivating deep supplier relationships while holding partners rigorously accountable to performance and SLAs.
• Business & Financial Acumen: Strong commercial mindset with experience evaluating network economics, building robust business cases, and making data-backed decisions.
• Cross-Functional Influence: Proven success driving alignment across matrixed organizations with diverse brand cultures and operating cadences.

Qualifications

• Experience: 8+ years of progressive experience in Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Procurement, or Operations, with substantial experience managing external manufacturers or strategic supplier networks.
• Industry Focus: Experience in Food Manufacturing / CPG is strongly preferred.
• Skills: Deep understanding of capacity planning (IBP/AOP), network design, and supplier governance.

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