The Global Gumbase category, being a critical component of Mars Wrigley gumbase formulas, has been historically procured from single sources which created an unhealthy level of supplier dependency and significant availability risks for Mars Wrigley manufacturing operations across the globe.  The primary purpose of this Commercial role is to ensure supply continuity, enhance supplier relationship management, develop and execute the global commercial strategy aimed at the diversification of the supply base unlocking supply assurance and value creation opportunities.

The role is accountable for developing the global supply base for gumbase across the short, medium and longer term horizon.  The incumbent will be working across functions and all regions with R&D, Supply, SRA and Legal to develop and implement the strategy and an aligned supplier base to enabling a secured supply, best value, and quality, sustainability and cash benefits.

This role will represent the global gum base category in all North American regional forums and any regional strategic initiatives. 

What are we looking for?

• Degree, Preferred MBA, both in relevant business area.
• 10 years of progressive procurement experience in commercial environment in multi-national consumer goods company, experience to include: risk management, sourcing models and supplier management programs; structuring partnership and joint venture contracts.
• Experienced in developing broad-based category or business strategies, involving collaboration with a range of stakeholders within the business. 
• Proven ability to manage complex, global projects or complex challenges
• Self- starter and problem solver with creative and innovative thinking.
• Experienced in leading change within an organization across function.
• Well-respected with gravitas, integrity and come with a robust track record of delivery
• The ability to deliver a high-level of influence, presence and impact across senior management.
• The ability to work across a wide-range of stakeholder viewpoints and facilitate conversation.
• Strong communication and networking skills.
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time, including international travel

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Lead the development and execution of supplier and supply development strategy in Gumbase category
• Create and deliver a strategic Commercial framework and strategy for the Gumbase category; e.g ongoing capabilities needed, new business models/approaches
• Collaborate with relevant internal and external partners to identify and evaluate the different options for alternative supply development
• Develop and enhance the set of selection criteria and governance process for potential partners and suppliers
• In alignment with the cross-functional teams, select potential partners for robust and diversified Gumbase supply chain (Next Gen)
• Lead the cross-functional due diligence process, including but not limiting to assessment of commercial and technical capability, compliance to Mars Material Quality Management Standards, adherence to Mars Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing program; and negotiate mutually beneficial supply and IP terms
• Lead development of JDA’s, other types of contracts and agreements, as well as contract based sourcing models with the partners, negotiations and follow through
• Drive the VL initiatives and work with x-functional and global partners to identify and implement the value creation initiatives and deliver 5% VL target for Gumbase category
• Develops Sustainability strategies for sourced materials and ensures suppliers’ compliance with the Social Responsibility Audit
• Understand and provide input to SRA, Legal and Corporate Affairs issues
• Identify and work with Legal to protect any IP that arises from the development program
• Drive alignment with the Global Gumbase team to ensure consistency category development with the overall Gumbase development strategy
• Regularly update feasibility assessment as project progress. Flag and escalate risks and opportunities

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 like-minded 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.
• 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.

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.