Raw Materials Buyer at Mars

Key Responsibilities

• Manage raw material availability to satisfy the market’s unconstrained demand, ensuring correct quality, quantity and continued supply.
• Apply analytical and strategic thinking skills to develop long-term category sourcing strategies, which are aligned to the business objectives in response to the internal and external environment.
• Be aware of Mars’ Quality & Food Safety requirements (Material Quality Management (MQM) and Supplier Quality Assurance Procedures (SQA) associated with the goods and services we buy.
• Identifies risks, implements, and complies with standard processes and tools to ensure ethical and responsible and sustainable sourcing in line with commercial policies, systems and controls arising out of a supplier relationship in order to protect the reputation of Mars and its brands.
• Comply and role model Mars 5 Principles (Quality, Responsibility, Efficiency and Mutuality) as well as responsible and sustainability sourcing.
• Responsible for inventory management, communicating long term risks and implementing buying strategies to address financial risk.

Context and Scope

• Rigorously applies the Mars Strategic Sourcing Methodology(MSSM) in order to develop the appropriate procurement strategy and selection of key suppliers.
• Lead cost reduction initiatives and continually optimize inbound supply chain and fit for purpose specifications for raw materials.
• Analyze commodity and economic markets; accurately assess supply and demand; identify and manage market risks and opportunities.
• Accountable for cash delivery from supplier payment terms and deployment of supplier financing where appropriate.
• Represent Commercial at various project meetings (ATG’s - Activity Task Group)  with timely and accurate information related to aforementioned raw materials.
• Influence the external environment for competitive advantage or for the good of the industry
• Be a catalyst for innovation by being the eyes and ears of the company in seeking out new materials, new origins, new opportunities for competitive advantage
• Drive continuous improvement of material quality, specification management and logistics performance of the suppliers.
• Manage STD pricing and purchase price variances (PPV’s), for raw material supplier agreements. Collaborating with internal stakeholders and our suppliers to address and resolve risks associated with supply of raw materials to eliminate losses.
• Source and implement new vendors using the Mars Vendor Creation and Approval Process in order to ensure continued supply – explore opportunities to improve overall profitability of finished goods from a prime perspective.

Relevant Quantitative and Budget Information

• Financial
• +/-R90M

Job Specifications/Qualifications

Education & Professional Qualification

• Bachelor or Degree with the focus on business, supply chain management, engineering, or operations

Knowledge/Experience

• Preferably, a minimum of 3 - 5 years’ experience in Strategic procurement and/or directly relevant supply chain discipline
• Experience in buying and effective relationship management with in ternal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of manufacturing and operational processes.
• Working experience in FMCG/Food advantageous.
• Ability to lead x-functional teams, collaborating both internally and externally.