Job Description:

Sr Director, Category Management & External Manufacturing

Location: Chicago, IL

Accelerator, a global Division of Mars Snacking, is on the front line of unlocking growth across high-potential categories and brands to fuel what’s next for Snacking. It’s home to both emerging and enduring brands, including KIND, TRÜ FRÜ, NATURE’S BAKERY, RXBAR, EGGO, POP-TARTS and RICE KRISPIE TREATS. Combining the scale of Mars with the agility of a start-up, our Division has the ambition to accelerate the future of snacking by delivering products consumers love today, discovering category-shaping innovations for tomorrow and developing entrepreneurial teams whose impact will last for generations. We’re looking for passionate talent who dare to dream big, agile collaborators who talk straight and decide fast, and driven performers with a growth mindset. If this inspires and energizes you, you’ve found the right place where you can do cool things with fun people for one of the biggest snacking companies in the world!

As the Senior Director of Category Management & External Manufacturing, you will provide the strategic leadership for all commercial sourcing, external manufacturing, and supplier partnership activities across the Accelerator Division. This is a business-critical role where you will be responsible for a significant portfolio of external manufacturing and division-specific spend, shaping division strategy and influencing enterprise-wide procurement priorities. You will be the architect of value creation, the driver of supply chain resiliency, and the enabler of growth and innovation for some of the most exciting brands in the snacking industry. Leading through a combination of direct team mentorship, matrix influence, and executive stakeholder engagement, you will be accountable for delivering sourcing excellence and strengthening our competitive advantage.

What are we looking for?

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field.
• 12+ years of progressive procurement, sourcing, or commercial leadership experience, with a deep understanding of managing complex categories and supplier relationships.
• 5+ years of proven people leadership experience, with a passion for leading managers and developing high-performing, engaged teams.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing sourcing strategies that deliver measurable value through cost optimization, risk mitigation, and supplier-led innovation.
• Extensive experience leading complex commercial negotiations and managing strategic supplier and contract manufacturing relationships.
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and drive alignment across cross-functional teams in a highly matrixed global organization.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen, with expertise in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), should-cost analysis, and value creation methodologies.
• (Nice-to-have) Direct experience leading complex external manufacturing networks and large-scale procurement transformation initiatives.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Lead and evolve the regional sourcing organization, providing strategic leadership and oversight for all Source-to-Contract activities across our External Manufacturing network.
• Define and execute regional sourcing strategies for External Manufacturing, Co-Packing, and selected raw material categories to deliver sustainable value, supply continuity, and cost competitiveness.
• Serve as a senior procurement leader and trusted business partner, building alignment with executive stakeholders on sourcing strategies and key investment decisions.
• Drive complex commercial negotiations and supplier strategies that enhance our competitiveness, innovation, resilience, and overall enterprise value.
• Champion talent development by providing matrix leadership, coaching, and strategic direction to a globally-based, high-performing sourcing community.
• Establish clear performance expectations and governance processes for suppliers, holding partners accountable for delivery against KPIs and business commitments.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with Quality, Manufacturing, Planning, R&D, and Finance to align sourcing strategies with business requirements and network needs.
• Represent the Accelerator Division in enterprise governance forums and strategic supplier reviews, ensuring our divisional priorities are integrated into enterprise sourcing strategies.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse 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.

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The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.