Mars · 21 hours ago
Innovation Sourcing Manager
Mars is a purpose-driven company striving to build a better tomorrow, and they are seeking an Innovation Sourcing Manager to drive commercial leadership in innovation. This role involves shaping the innovation pipeline and executing sourcing strategies aligned with global category goals, while also bridging commercial interests with supplier capabilities.
ConfectioneryConsumer GoodsFood and BeverageManufacturing
Responsibilities
Act as the One Commercial representative in Cell meetings to influence and shape the innovation pipeline from a commercial perspective
Clarify and define required supplier capabilities to support innovation initiatives (3+yr horizon)
Engage selected core partners to leverage external resources effectively
Represent the Ingredients category, including semi-finished products, essentials, and flavors
Serve as the single point of contact (SPOC) for liaising with other categories involved in innovation within relevant cells
Represent commercial interests across multiple Cells Bitesize, Bars, Gum & Mints (G&M), Ice Cream, Seasonal
Act as the commercial representative on relevant NA innovation projects
Support an expanding portfolio of projects (currently 10+), including initiatives such as ice cream sourcing strategies for new wafer products and M&M’s cookie inclusions
Drive proactive strategic sourcing by understanding external supplier capabilities and developing sourcing strategies aligned with long-term capability needs
Conducting comprehensive market landscape reviews to identify opportunities and risks
Assessing and defining required supplier capabilities to meet project needs
Proposing Best in Class (BIC) sourcing strategies that align with long-term business objectives
Leading RFx events to solicit competitive bids and allocate business to optimal suppliers
Overseeing contract negotiations, ensuring alignment with Levels of Authority (LOAs) and organizational policies
Manage program execution as the commercial SPOC from New Project Request (NPR) initiation through to completion
Implement repeatable best in class Commercial processes (following existing governance structure) embedded into the QuEST framework
Provide ad hoc sourcing and contracting support for the NA essentials category as capacity allows
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree preferably in Agriculture, Economics, Supply Chain or related industry
Preferably 5+ years of commercial or purchasing experience
Proven ability to drive business value through diverse sourcing channels and proactive opportunity identification
Knowledge /experience with sourcing and contracting, participation in complex negotiations
Strong ability to assess supplier risk and capabilities, ensuring alignment with project requirements and long-term business goals
Ability to be flexible and manage ambiguity
Ability to travel 20%, domestic and international
Preferred
MBA in Supply Chain or related industry
Innovation sourcing experience and/or collaboration with innovation teams
Benefits
Company bonus
Medical and dental benefits
Participation in 401k plan
Paid time off benefits
Company
Mars
Mars is a manufacturer of pet food, confectionery, and other food products.
H1B Sponsorship
Mars has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (3)
2024 (1)
2023 (2)
2022 (2)
2021 (1)
2020 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknown2025-03-04Debt Financing
Recent News
2026-01-25
Food Business News
2026-01-23
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