Sr Specialist, Co-Ops - Packaging

Location: USA-Illinois-Chicago

Job Description

The Sr. Specialist Commercial Operations Packaging is accountable for translating category sourcing strategies into operational execution that delivers value creation, security of supply, regulatory compliance, supplier performance, and business growth. This role serves as the primary connector between Sourcing, Manufacturing, R&D, Quality, Finance, and suppliers to ensure successful delivery of innovation, seasonal programs, inventory optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives. The role leverages digital tools, advanced analytics, and AI-enabled insights to proactively identify risks, drive performance, and improve decision-making.

What are we looking for?

3 or more years of procurement experience.

Strong stakeholder/supplier relationship management skills, both domestically and internationally.

Bachelor's Degree required in Supply Chain, Procurement, Logistics or related field

What will be your key responsibilities?

Category Strategy Execution

Partner with Strategic Sourcing to influence and shape category strategies through operational insights, supplier performance data, site feedback, and business requirements.

Develop and execute operational implementation plans for category strategies across North America.

Act as the primary Category Connection Leader between sourcing teams, manufacturing sites, planning, quality, and suppliers.

Supplier Performance Management

Own supplier relationship management and supplier performance governance processes.

Lead supplier scorecards, business reviews, corrective action plans, and continuous improvement programs.

Drive supplier accountability against service, quality, cost, responsiveness, and sustainability metrics.

Escalate and manage supplier performance risks affecting manufacturing operations.

Value Leadership (VL)

Accountable for delivering Value Leadership initiatives and supporting category productivity goals.

Identify and execute cost savings, cost avoidance, and value engineering opportunities.

Partner with sourcing teams to track realization and sustainability of benefits.

Security of Supply (SoS) & Regulatory

Accountable for Security of Supply programs including risk assessment, mitigation strategies, alternate sourcing, and contingency planning.

Lead execution of regulatory compliance initiatives impacting materials, suppliers, and manufacturing operations.

Monitor supplier risk indicators and proactively develop mitigation plans.

Innovation and Seasonal Execution

Lead operational execution of innovation and seasonal programs.

Ensure successful launch execution, capacity readiness, and supply continuity.

Inventory Strategy & Cash Performance

Own category inventory strategies supporting service, risk mitigation, and working capital objectives.

Monitor inventory health, safety stock compliance, obsolescence, and cash performance metrics.

Partner with Supply Planning to balance service, inventory, and cash targets.

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.

A strong focus on 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.

The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 71,200.00 - USD 97,900.00