Sr Manager, Category - Cans

Location: USA-Illinois-Chicago

As a Senior Manager, Category Lead - Cans, you will be globally responsible for the Mars Snacking category strategies for cans. You will partner closely with the Sourcing Managers who will be responsible for executing the strategy and sourcing approach you define. You will be accountable for the key global strategic supplier relationship and developing the cost reduction pipeline for the next five years. Significant cross-functional collaboration with a wide range of senior stakeholders is expected.

At Mars Snacking, we are on a mission to redefine global packaging. We are seeking a visionary, high-impact Global Category Lead – Cans (Senior Manager) to architect, lead, and execute the global strategy for our cans packaging portfolio. This is a high-visibility, global leadership position where you will own the long-term strategic agenda, steer a $400m+ portfolio, and pioneer sustainable, resilient packaging innovations.

If you are a visionary thinker who thrives on complex global challenges, high-stakes strategic partnerships, and leading through influence, this is your opportunity to make a lasting global impact.

What are we looking for?

Procurement Expertise: 10+ years of progressive procurement or strategic sourcing experience, with a proven track record of creating and delivering high-impact global category strategies.

• Strategic Thinker: Exceptional ability to synthesize market dynamics, anticipate industry trends, and construct long-term strategic roadmaps.
• Relationship Architect: Outstanding stakeholder management skills, with a passion for developing strong, collaborative, cross-functional, and supplier relationships.
• Academic Foundation: Bachelor’s degree at a minimum (Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field).

• What will be your Key Responsibilities?
• Global Category Lead of Global Cans for Mars Snacking.
• Develop & Execute Category Strategy: Define and own the long-term global category strategy, translating it into an annual sourcing plan executed by regional sourcing teams to deliver on cost, cash, resilience, quality, innovation and sustainability goals.
• Manage Strategic Relationships: Serve as the primary business partner for internal stakeholders and lead strategic relationship management for key suppliers to drive innovation and development.
• Drive Category Transformation: Utilize market intelligence to identify and lead high-priority, transformational initiatives that shape the future direction and success of the category.

Key Strategic Pillars & Responsibilities

• Visionary Category Strategy & Global Transformation (40%)
• Architect the Global Strategy: Define, own, and execute the five-year+ global category strategy for cans, aligning it with the Mars Snacking broader sustainability, quality, and business growth objectives.
• Drive Category Transformation: Leverage advanced market intelligence and technology to identify and champion high-priority, transformational initiatives that shape the future direction and competitive advantage of the category.
• Value Creation & Pipeline Leadership: Develop and execute a robust, multi-year cost reduction, value engineering, and cash flow pipeline to deliver on Mars’ financial and operational commitments over the next five years.
• Strategic Relationship Management & Sourcing Execution (30%)
• Global Supplier Alliances: Lead strategic relationship management for key global suppliers, turning vendor transactions into powerful partnerships that drive co-innovation, joint value creation, and long-term development.
• Empower Sourcing Execution: Partner closely with regional Sourcing Managers, defining the strategic sourcing frameworks and guidelines they need to execute flawlessly.
• Supply Chain Resilience: Build highly resilient supply networks, proactively managing risk to ensure quality, security of supply, and business continuity.
• Cross-Functional Leadership & Influence (30%)
• High-Influence Business Partnering: Serve as the primary, trusted advisor for senior internal stakeholders across R&D, Supply Chain, Sustainability, and Finance.
• Collaborative Leadership: Drive alignment and seamless cross-functional collaboration across a diverse, global network of senior stakeholders to execute a unified category vision.

• 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.
• Purpose-Driven Culture: Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by Mars’ famous Five Principles, striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

• Continuous Growth: A strong focus on your learning and development from day one, including unlimited access to our in-house Mars University.
• Global Scale & Autonomy: The freedom and backing to lead high-priority, transformational initiatives on a global scale.
• Competitive Rewards: An industry-competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including a performance-based 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 119,040.00 - USD 163,680.00