Strategic Sourcing Manager, Category Partnerships

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 108,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five Principles commitment

Mars University learning & development

Company bonus potential

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates in the United States seeks a Strategic Sourcing Manager, Category Partnerships to lead regional procurement with global categories for MSNA. You will own relationships with key partners and may lead end-to-end sourcing of regional materials.

Ideal candidates have 5–10 years in strategic sourcing, strong analytics, and proficiency in Power BI, SAP, and MRP systems. This role offers exposure to diverse teams, competitive pay, and a robust benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain/Logistics/Materials Management or Finance or equivalent experience.
• 5–10 years in strategic sourcing, supplier/customer management and business partnering.
• Experience with supplier performance, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong communication across all levels and data-driven decision making.
• Proven project management with analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in volatile business environments with price and supply pressures.
• Proficient in Power BI, SAP and MRP systems.

Responsibilities

• Direct end-to-end regional sourcing strategy and execution for regional categories.
• Serve as primary strategic liaison between region, center of excellence and Mars Global Services; ensure KPIs/SLAs are met.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier/customer management

Innovation management

Business partnering

Supplier Performance & Relationship

Communication skills

Project management

Analytics & problem-solving

Crisis management

Change management in volatile envs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Procurement/Supply Chain/Finance

MBA or Master’s degree

Tools

Power BI

SAP

MRP systems

Job description

Job Description:

The Strategic Sourcing Manager, Category Partnerships will lead regional procurement engagement with the global Strategic Sourcing Categories across Direct and Indirect categories on behalf of Mars Snacking North America (MSNA). This Associate will own the Procurement relationship with assigned strategic sourcing categories, and act as the primary point of contact for related business partners. This role may also be responsible for the end-to-end sourcing of regional materials.

What are we looking for?

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain/Logistics/Materials Management or Finance and/or the equivalent combination of education and work experience
• 5-10 years of experience with strategic sourcing, supplier/customer management, innovation management and business partnering
• Supplier Performance & Relationship Management
• Strong experiences in strategic sourcing methodology, e-sourcing, state-of-the-art risk management tools and supplier management programs
• Excellent communication skills across all levels within the business
• Strong project management experience with deep expertise in business financials, analytics & problem-solving
• Strong crisis management and conflict resolution skills with demonstrated ability to identify “root causes” of issues and determine course of action to meet short- and long-term business needs
• Experience in managing dynamic business environments, where price stability, supply availability, and potential business outcomes are under continuous pressure and change.
• Proficient in Power BI, SAP and MRP systems

Preferred:

• MBA or other Master’s degree
• CPSM, CIPs or equivalent

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Regional Sourcing & Commercial Leadership: Directs the end-to-end sourcing strategy and execution for all regionally segmented categories. Provides critical leadership in representation of the region to deliver on key business objectives

• Global Partnership & Performance Accountability: Acts as the primary strategic liaison between the region, center of excellence and Mars Global Services, championing regional needs and priorities. Ensures partners are held accountable for delivering against key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) for Procurement related activities and objectives.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today
• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus

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 108,160.00 - USD 148,720.00