Commercial Operations Lead at Mars

This position is responsible for oversight of the Commercial operations and inbound supply chain for the food factory in Cape Town as well as for deployment of category strategies and operations. It will provide operational excellence on a day-to day basis and be accountable for the regional commercial operations escalation process. It will be the first line of commercial contact for the Cape Town factory. The role works closely with the procurement sourcing associates, Inbound and Supply planning

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s Degree in business, economics, engineering, supply chain or related discipline
• 3 - 5 years of experience of demonstrated success in Supply Chain/Logistics or procurement, 
• Experience with procurement and/or procurement operations
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritization
• Strong customer focus and service orientation 
• Computer skills - Excel, experience in SAP or other ERP systems is a plus
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Preferred experience within FMCG
• Ability to work under pressure
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. 
• Good understanding of supply chain within the contexts of a production environment.
• The individual should be able to articulate what replenishment cycles are and how it can be used to optimize the availability of raws and packs as well as inventory and days cover management.
• Excellent excel skills ; willingness or capability to utilize digital tools
• Great collaboration skills and relationship building
• Team player, willingness to connect regionally and globally
• Project management experience
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capability

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Responsible for the facilitation of raw and pack category connections
• Drive the Risk management program in the region
• Analysis of replenishment processes highlighting gaps as well as scope for improvement.
• Responsible for Supplier Performance Management, including but not limited to reporting OTIF (On time and in full).
• Analyze buying operations program metrics and provide analytic insight
• Ensure continuity of the inbound supply of materials into the factory through, including but not limited to forecasting and understanding supplier capacity and supply of short shelf-life materials.
• Support in ensuring timely creation of contracts, contract accuracy and contract balance reporting
• Supports new materials by collaborating with key business stakeholders to verify item set-up accuracy and follow-through in preparation for contract execution
• Ensure deployment of Strategic Sourcing Strategy as well as value leadership projects in 0-18 months
• Ensure timely invoice management, reconciliation, and issue resolution (APOC)
• Represent Commercial in Activity Management forums (Innovation) from Execution onwards
• Support Supply Planning with the management of expired and obsolete raw and pack materials to minimize write off costs.
• Responsible for COMOS inputs (Raw and Pack risks) feeding into RMOS (Supply planning meeting)

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 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.