Innovation Sourcing Manager

Mars • Newark, NJ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Innovation Sourcing Manager role is essential to drive commercial leadership in innovation by proactively shaping the innovation pipeline and ensuring seamless execution of sourcing strategies aligned with global category goals. This position bridges commercial interests with supplier capabilities, enabling the organization to effectively leverage external resources and deliver best-in-class innovation projects that support long-term business growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferably in Agriculture, Economics, Supply Chain or related industry
• Preferably 5+ years of commercial or purchasing experience
• Proven ability to drive business value through diverse sourcing channels and proactive opportunity identification
• Knowledge /experience with sourcing and contracting, participation in complex negotiations
• Strong ability to assess supplier risk and capabilities, ensuring alignment with project requirements and long-term business goals
• Ability to be flexible and manage ambiguity
• Ability to travel 20%, domestic and international

Nice To Haves

• MBA in Supply Chain or related industry
• Innovation sourcing experience and/or collaboration with innovation teams

Responsibilities

• Act as the One Commercial representative in Cell meetings to influence and shape the innovation pipeline from a commercial perspective
• Clarify and define required supplier capabilities to support innovation initiatives (3+yr horizon)
• Engage selected core partners to leverage external resources effectively
• Represent the Ingredients category, including semi-finished products, essentials, and flavors
• Serve as the single point of contact (SPOC) for liaising with other categories involved in innovation within relevant cells
• Represent commercial interests across multiple Cells Bitesize, Bars, Gum & Mints (G&M), Ice Cream, Seasonal
• Act as the commercial representative on relevant NA innovation projects
• Support an expanding portfolio of projects (currently 10+), including initiatives such as ice cream sourcing strategies for new wafer products and M&M’s cookie inclusions
• Drive proactive strategic sourcing by understanding external supplier capabilities and developing sourcing strategies aligned with long-term capability needs
• Conducting comprehensive market landscape reviews to identify opportunities and risks
• Assessing and defining required supplier capabilities to meet project needs
• Proposing Best in Class (BIC) sourcing strategies that align with long-term business objectives
• Leading RFx events to solicit competitive bids and allocate business to optimal suppliers
• Overseeing contract negotiations, ensuring alignment with Levels of Authority (LOAs) and organizational policies
• Manage program execution as the commercial SPOC from New Project Request (NPR) initiation through to completion
• Implement repeatable best in class Commercial processes (following existing governance structure) embedded into the QuEST framework
• Provide ad hoc sourcing and contracting support for the NA essentials category as capacity allows

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager