Strategic External Manufacturing Architect

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

Job summary

Mars Incorporated, via the Mars Snacking Accelerator division, seeks a Senior Manager to own external manufacturing strategy and governance across our brand portfolio. You will drive relationships with key contract manufacturers, align with procurement on commercial terms, and shape long-range capacity to support growth.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams across Operations, Quality, R&D and Finance to deliver resilient, cost- effective manufacturing network solutions for iconic

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead External Manufacturing Strategy: develop and govern the divisional External Manufacturing strategy to optimize network design for growth, resilience, service and cost.
• Executive Supplier Relationship Management: act as senior relationship owner for key co-man partners, lead business reviews, standardize ways of working across business units, drive continuous improvement.
• Network Transformation & Standardization: identify optimization opportunities, build business cases, implement standardized operating frameworks across the division.
• Capacity & Long-Range Planning: partner with IBP and AOP planning teams to translate demand forecasts into external capacity requirements.
• Commercial & Contractual Alignment: collaborate with Commercial/Procurement on contract renewal strategies, complex negotiations, and risk mitigation.
• Matrix Leadership: lead and influence cross-functional stakeholders across Operations, Quality, R&D and Finance without direct line authority.

Skills

External manufacturing

Strategic partnerships

Financial acumen

Cross-functional leadership

Job description

Mars Incorporated, via the Mars Snacking Accelerator division, seeks a Senior Manager to own external manufacturing strategy and governance across our brand portfolio. You will drive relationships with key contract manufacturers, align with procurement on commercial terms, and shape long-range capacity to support growth.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams across Operations, Quality, R&D and Finance to deliver resilient, cost- effective manufacturing network solutions for iconic