Sr. Sourcing Specialist, Grains

Mars Incorporated; Franklin (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars Incorporated is hiring a Sr. Sourcing Specialist to manage Rice, Wheat and Specialty Grain categories for North America. You will collaborate with the global category manager, drive sourcing strategies, lead events, negotiations, and contract management with key suppliers, cross-functional partners, and stakeholders.

The role emphasizes developing category buying strategies, executing RFPs, and delivering value through strategic sourcing leadership across domestic and international partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required or equivalent.
• 5-8 years procurement experience in multinational Food & Beverage.
• Food Industry experience and good understanding of US agriculture/commodity markets preferred.
• Expertise in negotiations, contract management and running large RFPs.
• Strong supplier relationships & cross-functional stakeholder collaboration.
• Excellent communication, ability to navigate ambiguity, and data-driven insights.
• Travel ~20% as needed.

Responsibilities

• Execute Sourcing Strategy: leverage market data, lead strategic sourcing events, evaluate supplier proposals, and activate category strategies.
• Negotiate & Contract for Value: conduct in-depth analysis, lead supplier negotiations, and manage end-to-end contracting to maximize value.
• Operational & Supplier Management: maintain contracts (e.g., in SAP) for accurate pricing and manage supplier relationships per segmentation.

Skills

Negotiation

Contract management

RFP management

Supplier relationship

Cross-functional collaboration

Market analysis

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Sr. Sourcing Specialist - Rice, Wheat and Specialty Grains

As a Sr. Sourcing Specialist at Mars, you will work closely with the global category manager & be responsible for sourcing Rice, Wheat and Specialty 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?

This role is part of a global sourcing organization responsible for sourcing Rice, Wheat and Specialty Grain categories for North America region.

• 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.