Strategic External Manufacturing Sourcing Lead

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

Job summary

Mars Accelerator is seeking a Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager, External Manufacturing, to shape regional sourcing strategies and supplier partnerships. You will lead Make vs. Buy decisions, supplier selection, and ongoing network optimization to support growth, innovation, and cost competitiveness.

You will collaborate with Commercial, R&D, Quality & Food Safety, Planning, Manufacturing, Finance, and Legal to secure supply continuity and drive value, with travel about 25–30%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations, Finance, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 8+ years in procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, supply chain, or related.
• Proven success in negotiations, contract execution, and delivering cost savings.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, supplier economics, and SRM.
• Experience in External Manufacturing or Contract Manufacturing preferred, with travel ~25–30%.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute multi-year External Manufacturing sourcing strategies for growth, innovation, sustainability, and cost competitiveness.
• Lead external manufacturing network strategy including Make vs. Buy, supplier selection, qualification, and long-term optimization.
• Deliver productivity and value through strategic sourcing, collaboration, and continuous improvement programs.
• Negotiate and manage complex contracts, balancing value with risk across quality, regulatory, legal, financial, and IP aspects.
• Build and lead strategic supplier relationships with executive reviews and performance management.
• Collaborate with Commercial, R&D, Quality & Food Safety, Planning, Manufacturing, Finance, and Legal teams to enable innovation and continuity.
• Monitor market trends and supplier capabilities to advise leadership on a resilient external manufacturing network.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Cross-functional leadership

Supplier relationship mgmt

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA

Job description

Mars Accelerator is seeking a Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager, External Manufacturing, to shape regional sourcing strategies and supplier partnerships. You will lead Make vs. Buy decisions, supplier selection, and ongoing network optimization to support growth, innovation, and cost competitiveness.

You will collaborate with Commercial, R&D, Quality & Food Safety, Planning, Manufacturing, Finance, and Legal to secure supply continuity and drive value, with travel about 25–30%.