JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Description:

Sr. Sourcing Specialist – Rice, Wheat and Specialty Grains

As a Sr. Sourcing Specialist at Mars, you will work closely with the global category manager & be responsible for sourcing Rice, Wheat and Specialty Grain categories for the North America region. Together you will support the development of category buying strategies and lead execution. Drive value by leading strategic sourcing events, negotiations and managing contracts. This position will work with key suppliers, as well as cross-functional partners and key stakeholders.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s Degree.

• 5-8 years of solid procurement experience in multinational Food & Beverage industry.

• Food Industry Experience as well as good understanding of US agriculture and commodity markets is highly preferred.

• Expertise in negotiations, contract management and running large RFPs.

• A passion for developing strong relationships with suppliers and cross functional stakeholders both domestically and internationally.

• Excellent communication and collaborative skills and ability to navigate through ambiguity,

• Ability to analyze complex market data / developments and drive insights and actions.

• Ability to travel approximately 20% (may vary due to business needs).

What will your key responsibilities be?

This role is part of a global sourcing organization responsible for sourcing Rice, Wheat and Specialty Grain categories for North America region.

• Execute Sourcing Strategy: Leverage market and spend intelligence, lead strategic sourcing events, evaluate supplier proposals, and prepare business award recommendations to activate category strategies.

• Negotiate & Contract for Value: In partnership with the cost modeling team, conduct comprehensive analysis to inform negotiation strategies, lead supplier negotiations, and manage end-to-end legal contracting to maximize value.

• Operational & Supplier Management: Maintain operational contracts (e.g., in SAP) for accurate pricing and engage in supplier relationship management as defined by segmentation.

About Mars:

Mars is a family-owned business with more than $50 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®, 5™, 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 Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCA™ and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 150,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.

Commitment to Equal Employer Opportunities:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in accordance with applicable law and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other category protected under federal, state, and local laws. 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.

A Note to Candidates Regarding AI

Embracing AI as a vital skill for today and tomorrow, we welcome candidates to use AI to assist with your preparation as you engage with our recruiting process—from helping to perfect your CV/resume to using it to refine your interview skills. While AI can assist you, we expect that your ideas, responses, and demonstration of competencies throughout the recruitment process are authentically your own. We value genuine engagement and want to see the real you shine. At Mars, AI is here to support—not replace—the human connection at the heart of our recruitment process.

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.