Mars: Where your Tomorrow Starts Today!  

Mars is a family-owned business that has been making products for people and their pets for more than 100 years. We’re behind some of the best loved brands in the world including MARS®, SNICKERS®, EXTRA®, ECLIPSE®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, DOLMIO®, BEN’S ORIGINAL ® MASTERFOODS ® and ROYAL CANIN® ORIJEN® ACANA® we are dedicated to making a positive impact on people and the planet.   

Join us in building a sustainable future where people, communities, and the planet can truly thrive.  

  
About the role: The Strategic Sourcing Manager - Packaging is responsible for sourcing packaging categories for Mars Pet Nutrition ANZ. This role creates a competitive advantage by developing, leading, and executing end-to-end category sourcing strategies, and focuses on driving total cost of ownership (TCO) reductions, ensuring continuity of supply, mitigating risk, and embedding sustainable packaging initiatives into procurement practices. 

Role Title: Strategic Sourcing Manager – Packaging (12 month assignment) 

Segment: Mars Pet Nutrition 
Location: Melbourne or Wodonga Victoria  
Hours: Full Time, 12 month fixed term 
Reporting to: Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager - Packaging & External Manufacturing 

What you’ll do:  

• Develop and execute 3–5 year local, regional, and global packaging strategies, leveraging market trends to drive sustainable packaging innovations. 

• Lead complex RFPs, RFIs, and contract negotiations while monitoring vendor performance across quality, delivery, compliance, and cost. 

• Establish commercial contingency plans and identify alternative suppliers and materials to mitigate supply chain risks. 

• Partner with R&D, Marketing, Manufacturing, SQA, and Supply Planning to ensure flawless new product development and packaging transitions. 

• Identify and drive Value Leadership initiatives to optimize operational efficiency and deliver measurable cost savings. 

• Conduct should-cost and TCO modelling, manage packaging budget planning, track spend variances, and report savings metrics (PPV, VL, cost avoidance). 

• Build strategic alignment and influence key partners across local manufacturing sites (Bathurst, Wodonga, Melbourne) and global/regional sourcing teams. 

Your unique ingredients: 

• Relevant tertiary qualifications (eg Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business management, Supply Chain, finance, engineering,) 

• 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, direct procurement, or category management, with a focused background in packaging materials 

• A good understanding of packaging conversion processes, commodities and market fundamentals 

• Broad understand of procurement function, with knowledge also of Quality & Food Safety methodologies 

• Strong communication, project management and change management skills 

• Strong team player with good self-awareness and ability to build relationships with peers and broad range of associates 

Why you’ll love working for Mars:   

• Purpose: Help craft beloved brands with a legacy of over 100 years of local manufacturing making products that people and pets will love all while helping to build a more sustainable future.  

• People: A culture that values your contributions, fosters leadership, and recognises the impact you make. Your work truly matters here.  

• Development: Shape your career with personalised development and real opportunities to grow from day one.   

• Enjoy a team and business environment that is invested in helping you manage and grow your energy for work and life.  

Mars is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, 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.  

We know everyone’s needs are different, and we’re committed to making our application process accessible and supportive for all candidates. If you require any adjustments along the way, simply let us know in your application form. We’ll work with you to understand what will help you feel comfortable and supported.