Mars Inc

Sr Manager, External Manufacturing

Mars Inc$134K — $184K *
Food & Beverages
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years in Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Procurement, or Operations with a focus on external manufacturers.
  • Preferred experience in Food Manufacturing / CPG sectors.
  • Deep understanding of capacity planning, network design, and supplier governance.
  • Proven experience in designing or transforming complex external manufacturing networks.
  • Strong relationship management skills, proven in executive partnerships.

Responsibilities

  • Develop, own, and govern divisional External Manufacturing strategy.
  • Lead executive-level relationships with key co-man partners and drive continuous improvement.
  • Identify opportunities for network optimization and implement standardized frameworks.
  • Collaborate with planning teams to align forecasts with manufacturing capacity needs.
  • Work with Commercial/Procurement on contract strategies and risk mitigation.
  • Influence cross-functional stakeholders across various departments.

Benefits

  • Medical and dental benefits.
  • Participation in 401k plan.
  • Paid time off benefits.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

The Opportunity: Why This Role Matters

External manufacturing is at the very core of our business and growth ambition. As the Senior Manager of External Manufacturing, Divisional Supply, you will serve as the strategic architect and relationship lead across our external manufacturing network-supporting iconic brands in our Tasty & Wholesome portfolio (such as Pop-Tarts, Eggo, Rice Krispies Treats, and MorningStar Farms) as well as hyper-growth brands like Trü Frü.

This is an opportunity to transform our external network into a center of excellence. You will balance strategic vision with operational rigor-driving standardization and governance across business units, leading executive-level supplier partnerships, and building a network that positions Mars Accelerator as a true "partner of choice" while maintaining world-class performance and accountability.

What You'll Do (Key Responsibilities)
  • Lead External Manufacturing Strategy: Develop, own, and govern the divisional External Manufacturing strategy, optimizing network design to support growth, resilience, service, and cost objectives.
  • Executive Supplier Relationship Management: Serve as the senior relationship owner for key co-man partners, leading business reviews, standardizing ways of working across BUs, and driving continuous improvement.
  • Network Transformation & Standardization: Identify network optimization opportunities, build business cases for change, and implement standardized operating frameworks across the division.
  • Capacity & Long-Range Planning: Partner cross-functionally with IBP and AOP planning teams to translate demand forecasts into external manufacturing capacity requirements.
  • Commercial & Contractual Alignment: Collaborate closely with Commercial/Procurement on contract renewal strategies, complex commercial negotiations, and risk mitigation.
  • Matrix Leadership: Lead and influence cross-functional stakeholders across Operations, Quality, R&D, and Finance without direct line authority.


What We're Looking For
  • The Strategic Network Architect: Proven track record of designing, scaling, or transforming complex external manufacturing networks. We value demonstrated hands-on leadership and outcomes over specific degrees.
  • Master of Strategic Partnerships: The ability to be a true "partner of choice," cultivating deep supplier relationships while holding partners rigorously accountable to performance and SLAs.
  • Business & Financial Acumen: Strong commercial mindset with experience evaluating network economics, building robust business cases, and making data-backed decisions.
  • Cross-Functional Influence: Proven success driving alignment across matrixed organizations with diverse brand cultures and operating cadences.


Qualifications
  • Experience: 8+ years of progressive experience in Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Procurement, or Operations, with substantial experience managing external manufacturers or strategic supplier networks.
  • Industry Focus: Experience in Food Manufacturing / CPG is strongly preferred.
  • Skills: Deep understanding of capacity planning (IBP/AOP), network design, and supplier governance.


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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 134,400.00 - USD 184,800.00

About Mars Inc

Mars, Incorporated is an American multinational manufacturer of confectionery, pet food, and other food products. It was founded in 1911 and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia. Mars operates in six business segments: Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks, and Symbioscience. Some of its most popular brands include M&M's, Snickers, Twix, Milky Way, Skittles, and Pedigree. The company is known for its commitment to sustainability and has set a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 67% by 2050.
Learn more about Mars Inc
Size
125,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1911

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