Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Mars; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global food company is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Specialist in Cape Town to manage procurement for raw materials. This role focuses on developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and driving sustainability initiatives. The successful candidate will require strong analytical and project management skills. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits

Best-in-class learning and development support

Industry-competitive salary and benefits package

Access to in-house Mars University

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of practical experience in strategic sourcing.
• Proven category management experience in procurement.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing and operational processes.

Responsibilities

• Analyze category spend, cost drivers, and supplier base.
• Lead cross‑functional teams to develop sourcing strategies.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and conduct business reviews.
• Identify and drive cost‑saving initiatives.
• Participate in benchmarking and provide category input.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align supplier strategies.
• Negotiate complex deals and manage risk.

Skills

Analytical skills

Relationship management

Project management

Communication skills

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, procurement, engineering, or operations

Job description

Job Description

Strategic Sourcing Specialist - Mars Food Cape Town South Africa

We are seeking a dedicated Procurement Specialist to manage the procurement of assigned raw material categories for the Mars Food Cape Town site. This pivotal role is responsible for leveraging supplier capabilities to advance the regional and global Food strategic agenda.

The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of sourcing strategies at the CAP site, focusing on transforming current practices, simplifying portfolios, and enhancing value through quality, productivity, innovation and sustainability.

As the Mars spokesperson to suppliers the Procurement Specialist will apply best practices in supplier management and collaborate closely with Operations and Supply Chain teams to ensure timely and complete delivery of materials. This role reports directly to the CAP site Commercial Manager.

What are we looking for

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a focus on business, supply chain, procurement, engineering or operations (preferred).
• Minimum of 3 years of practical experience in strategic sourcing (procurement) is required.
• Proven category management experience in procurement is essential.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing and operational processes.
• Effective relationship management skills both internally and externally.
• Ability to learn and adapt to changing market conditions and business dynamics.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams collaborating effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Working experience in FMCG / Food is an advantage.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and project management skills.

What would be your key responsibilities

• Category Expertise: Analyze category spend, cost drivers, market trends and supplier base to develop the most suitable sourcing strategy for packaging materials. Determine whether a regional or global strategy is appropriate. Build industry knowledge to develop cost models and execute core category strategies that enhance year‑over‑year productivity and improve total cost of ownership (TCO).
• Strategy Development: Lead cross‑functional teams to develop and execute category strategies using the Mars Strategic Sourcing Methodology (MSSM).
• Supplier Relationship Management: Manage relationships with current and potential suppliers. Perform supplier segmentation and evaluate them based on quality, service and value leadership performance. Conduct business reviews and top‑to‑top meetings as needed.
• Value Leadership: Identify and drive cost‑saving initiatives to achieve over 5% year‑over‑year productivity delivery.
• Knowledge Management: Participate in external benchmarking and industry forums to gain market intelligence. Provide category input and price risk management to Cape Town site operating plans ensuring compliance with procedures, policies, systems and controls.
• Simplification: Collect and analyse data to identify opportunities to reduce complexity, rationalise specifications and optimise the supplier base.
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align supplier strategies and timelines with business objectives. Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in local and global forums.
• Negotiation, Tendering & Contract Management: Develop commercial models, conduct tenders and negotiate complex deals. Manage price, supply, service, legal and intellectual property risks in line with business priorities.
• Risk Management & Supply Security: Forecast price volatility and define strategies to protect the business against risks.
• Transformation: Actively participate in the Global Commercial team to identify and share best practices across regions and segments. Drive change management and adoption of new ways of working.
• Sustainability: Collaborate with teams and suppliers to meet Mars Sustainability targets aiming for 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025, using at least 30% recycled content and reducing virgin plastic use by 25%.

What can you expect from Mars

• Work with over 130 000 diverse and talented Associates all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose‑driven company where we are striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best‑in‑class 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.

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Vacancy: 1