Job Description:
Are you passionate about driving growth through innovation, collaboration, and purpose-led partnerships? Mars Food & Nutrition has an exciting 12 month contract role for a Commercial Strategic Sourcing Manager – Co Manufacturing to join our team based in Sydney or Wyong.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of Mars Food & Nutrition in Australia by unlocking new business opportunities through external manufacturing. You'll connect closely with internal market and development teams to build a robust future project pipeline and lead strategic partnerships with Australian co-manufacturers. With a strong focus on supply chain excellence, commercial agility, and long-term value creation, this role is key to enabling our 2025 ambitions and delivering better food today for a better world tomorrow. Reporting to the Regional Commercial Head Australia, with a dotted line to the Global External Manufacturing Director, you’ll be at the heart of our growth, innovation, and sustainability agenda.
What are we looking for?
A Bachelor's in Commerce, Business Management, Supply Chain, or Finance.
Demonstrated working experience in a commercial or business management role, including supplier management, commercial/purchasing/business management.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to make sound business decisions in complex and ambiguous business environments.
The ability to develop and implement commercial and business strategies.
Experience in managing S&OP processes with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to travel up to 30-40% of the time.
What will be your key responsibilities?
Business Development:
Connect with market stakeholders to map customer demand with Australian Coman capability to support MFA Growth ambition for 2025/2026
Act as a liaison between Coman factories and sourcing managers to implement changes based on business needs (e.g., specification, volume changes)
Co-lead future Kevin’s Chilled meals & H&S off-shelf innovation projects.
COGs Transformation and Price Risk Management:
Lead COGs transformation programs and ensure program delivery
Perform cost structure analysis for Coman products to drive value
Manage the direct materials budget and work with buyers to close gaps in Purchase Price Variance
Identify suppliers, negotiate pricing agreements, and conduct preliminary supplier audits in conjunction with the EMQA team.
Supply Chain and Supplier Relationship Management:
Manage supplier relationships including regular supplier performance reviews and work on continuous improvement initiatives.
Develop contracts and supply chains to support new market launches and ensure reliable operations.
Monitor demand forecasts and identify potential supply issues, escalating risks as needed.
Activity Management:
Champion the activity management process and continuous process improvement for Co-manufacturing teams.
Implement the QUEST process and ensure the delivery of activities from concept through supply according to agreed lead times and targets.
Facilitate periodical Coman Meetings as stage-gate meetings and update internal customers on project statuses when required.
What can you expect from Mars?
Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
Join a purpose-driven company 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.
Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, 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.