Strategic Sourcing Lead, External Manufacturing

Mars Incorporated

Chicago (IL)

On-site

USD 134,000 - 185,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Job summary

Mars Incorporated Accelerator, a global division of Mars Snacking, is seeking a Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager for External Manufacturing. You will lead multi-year sourcing strategies, drive supplier partnerships, and align business needs with network optimization across functions.

In this role you will negotiate complex contracts, manage performance, and collaborate with Commercial, R&D, Quality & Food Safety, Planning, Manufacturing, Finance, and Legal to enable innovation and supply

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations, Finance, or a related discipline.
MBA, advanced degree, and/or professional certifications (CPSM, CIPS, APICS, or equivalent) preferred.
8+ years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, supply chain, operations, or commercial management.
Demonstrated success leading complex commercial negotiations, contract execution, and category management initiatives.
Experience in External Manufacturing, Contract Manufacturing, Co-Manufacturing, Packaging sourcing, or related manufacturing categories preferred.
Proven ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams and engage executive stakeholders.
Willingness to travel approximately 25-30%.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute multi-year External Manufacturing sourcing strategies that support Accelerator growth, innovation, sustainability, supply resilience, and cost competitiveness.
Lead external manufacturing network strategy, including Make vs. Buy decisions, supplier selection, qualification, capability development, and long-term network optimization.
Deliver productivity, value engineering, and working capital improvements through strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier collaboration, and continuous improvement programs.
Negotiate and manage complex commercial and contract manufacturing agreements, balancing value creation with operational, quality, regulatory, legal, financial, and IP risk management.
Build and lead strategic supplier relationships, including executive business reviews, performance management, innovation partnerships, and issue resolution to drive business outcomes.
Partner with Commercial, R&D, Quality & Food Safety, Planning, Manufacturing, Finance, and Legal teams to enable innovation commercialization, supply continuity, and business growth.
Monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and risk factors to provide strategic recommendations and ensure a resilient external manufacturing supply network.