Job Summary

The primary role of the Commercial Director – Operations is to lead a team of associates in the development and execution of procurement operational strategy for all ingredients and packaging materials for Mars Petcare NA in support of all production sites within the US & Canada and >600 suppliers.  The Commercial Operations Team is the key interface between Sourcing and key business stakeholders such as Activity Management, Quality, Sourcing, Marketing, Supply, Finance and Manufacturing.  This leader is responsible for inbound supply chain strategy development, supplier performance improvement, inventory management, and ensuring the delivery of exceptional business results in the following key areas for ingredients and packaging materials:

• Development of “High Performance” Teams
• Deliver Growth Innovation- New Product Launches, Supplier Performance, and Speed to Market
• Ensure on time & in full fulfillment of all materials to Plant Operations
• Supply Risk Mitigation
• Total Delivered Cost Reduction
• Inventory Management Strategies
• Supplier Performance & Relationship Management

The role operates in a pet friendly, open office environment supporting making a world a better place for pets.

Principal Accountabilities

• Provide leadership and direction to a team of associates.  Use effective management skills to develop a High Performing Buying Operations Team and drive associate engagement.
• Provide leadership to cross-functional business partners for creation and implementation of Total Delivered Cost Reduction strategies. 
• Develop and ensure execution of strategies that improve the agility and reliability of the supply base in support of new product launches and line extensions.  Proactively work with strategic suppliers to ensure the delivery of continuous improvement ideas and technology which ultimately leads to competitive advantage and revenue generating opportunities.  
• Develop and execute strategies to ensure fulfillment of materials across the manufacturing plants within the North America region. 
• Measure and drive improvements to Supplier OTIF (On Time In Full) through scorecards and root cause corrective actions.
• Develop and execute “Best in Class” materials management strategies that balance desired service levels with cash flow management and obsolescence minimization. 
• Develop & execute inbound supply chain strategies including hub-n-spoke, min/max inventory management, and supplier owned inventory to reduce costs and reduce lead times. 
• Function as an owner of key supplier relationships and first point of escalation for critical service constraints

Critical Competencie

• Building effective teams
• Managing & measuring work
• Supply Chain Design and Implementation
• Supplier Quality Management
• Strategic agility
• Conflict Management
• Dealing with Ambiguity

Decision Making Authority and Impact

Decisions:     

• How to best manage the inbound supply chain for ingredients and packaging – determining inventory policies, target inventory levels, and minimize the risk of aged inventory & write-offs 
• Provide key input into supplier selection and all business commitments for the portfolio of the annual volume
• How to drive process improvements within Procure to Pay process and inbound supply chain for materials & finished goods (from contract manufacturers)
• Prevent interruptions in supply chain that can cause customer service issues

People Management Responsibility:

Direct reports (exempt): 4

Recommendations:

• Propose changes to supplier manufacturing processes for ingredients, packaging to eliminate food safety risks

• Propose changes to inventories in ingredients and packaging to minimize write-offs and manage supply risk for ingredients in seasonal harvest and short supply
• Hiring and staffing in the department. Decisions around organization design, objective setting, resource allocation and ways of working within the Nutro Commercial team. These decisions affect the overall effectiveness of the Nutro Commercial team
• Through in-depth analysis of the supply chain, identify areas where cost can be taken out through a total cost of ownership analysis

Key Technical Knowledge & Functional Skills

• Supply chain management skills
• Analytical & problem solving skills
• Planning, Prioritization & Project management skills
• Verbal and written skills -ability to communicate to all levels of management
• Demonstrates a logical approach to analytical challenges.  Applies appropriate analytical tools and techniques to solve problems
• Strong crisis management and conflict resolution skills.  Demonstrated ability to identify “root causes” of issues and determine course of action to meet short and long term business needs.

Key Experiences

• Minimum 10 years of Procurement and General Supply Chain experience in a progressive environment which includes the following: In depth understanding of SRM programs, continuous improvement programs, risk mitigation strategies; procure-to-pay technologies; MRP, and root cause of demand, price, inventory, and BOM variances.
• Experience in Commodity markets and/or materials sourcing

• Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics or related field preferred

About Mars:
Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5â„¢, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL® and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitalsâ„¢, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCAâ„¢ and Pet Partnersâ„¢. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 130,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.

Disclaimer:
Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.​​​​​​​

Note to Search Firms/Agencies:
Mars, Incorporated and its subsidiaries and affiliates (Mars) do not compensate search firms for unsolicited assistance unless they have a written search agreement with Mars and the requisition is position-specific.  Any resumes, curriculum vitae, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written search agreement or position-specific requisition submitted to any Associate of Mars will be deemed the sole property of Mars and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Mars.