Job Opening at Mars -(9 Positions)

The Portfolio Catalogue & Support role will support the Portfolio Managers to deliver portfolio growth for the business unit, in line with the category and portfolio strategy. The role holder will support through effective management of portfolio details and administration for the team.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Work closely with portfolio managers; with time and focus divided: - 50% on Food, 25% Pet & 25% MW
• Oversee all A&CP budget processing (Raise PO’s, FO’s, etc) and monthly budget tracking across portfolios
• Support annual portfolio plans in line with segment strategy by
• Facilitating quarterly portfolio performance reviews with internal & external data
• Managing all artwork creation & delivery for renovation/innovation projects
• Support with administration related to portfolio management - eg regional templates, website deployment, translations
• Support portfolio regulatory & legal listing / coding
• Champion identified portfolio related projects (ie renovation, innovation, profitability)
• Support Portfolio Managers in deploying brand activations (EBAs) as defined in the segment strategies eg sampling, competition terms, etc 
• Lead and co-ordinate all creative, media, social & PR agency meetings (& occasional pitch processes) 
• Drive Portfolio team training and culture/ ‘Togetherness’ agenda & team status
• Lead & Co-ordinate Portfolio Management Review (PMR) in S&OP+ (Step 1)

SCOPE:

• This role has a high degree of cross functional and cross portfolio influence, so it is critical to be able to work comfortably with multiple teams such as Sales, Category, Regulatory, Finance, etc etc. This requirement extends externally with the ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with agency partners.
• Understanding budget management, creation of PO’s, FO’s and the ability to track spending across A&CP buckets will be key as will be holding Portfolio managers accountable to spends and plans.
• Your Support in delivery of initiatives on time and in full will be imperative with key operational deliverables such as artwork creation (& approval process); legal & regulatory registration co-ordination as well as EBA execution support such as sampling, translations and website management.
• You will own step 1 of the S+OP+ process in terms of co-ordination and collation as well as drive the training & team culture agenda
• Key analytics support in the form of facilitation of quarterly performance & competitor reviews

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Job Purpose/Overview

• To provide Royal Canin (RC) industrial network with flow of safe, innovative, qualitative, competitive & sustainable raws and packs for South Africa and worldwide RC Business Units where necessary
• To ensure the Directs, Indirect and Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) South Africa Commercial team is providing to the South Africa factory a continuous flow of requested Raw & Packaging materials, respecting our nutritional and Food safety specifications, at optimum cost and in timely matter to serve our customers and the correct services to the plant
• To build, develop and lead an efficient and engaged Indirect, Direct and SQA South Africa Commercial team, able to support current and further RC markets and supply challenges in line with our 2025 vision.  Preparing the supply of Raw & Pack for 2022 and beyond is fundamental to sustain Global business objectives. 
• To manage raw materials development and innovation enabling a sustainable growth of our business, anticipating risk & opportunities.
• To assure a good collaboration and coordination with the Emerging & Seeds (E&S) Commercial teams and directors, as well as with other Royal Canin regional and global teams, managers and directors.

Responsible to sustain and develop the high level of capabilities among the team

• SQA team:  The team collectively protects RC’s supply chain from quality, technical and food safety risks associated with raw & packaging materials, their production and transportation.
• Purchasing team : build capability of supplier management and development, negotiations skills that are in line with our 5 Principles, up holds our governance expectations and strong contract management, and manages projects to improve our value creation.
• To drive the evaluation and implementation of raw & pack material quality standards (MQM & PQM) and to support the RC growth toward the health nutrition and individualization via supplier’s continuous improvement.
• To lead the development of raw material sourcing within Africa i.e. poultry meal and some cereal from South Africa to the rest RC plans worldwide, as well as ensuring alternative sourcing programme development to enable business continuity management
• The role operates in a pet friendly, open office environment supporting natural pet nutrition and making the world a better place for pets.

Key Responsibilities

• To be the commercial head in South Africa, setting commercial strategy, ensuring quality and process governance and performance targets and ways of working to ensure delivery to factory and market needs.
• To develop the capability of the Commercial team in South Africa to deliver the RC strategy through identifying individual and team development needs, onboarding new team members as required and ensuring a “high performing”, collaborative and fully engaged team.
• To prepare annually the Commercial Operating Plan for Direct and Indirect buying, consistent with RC strategy and financial targets, and to present it to stakeholders (Markets & Supply)
• Leading the agenda on raws and packs value creation and our internal DiB (Do it Best) programme.
• To co-create and gain agreement to an E&S Commercial strategy consistent with the Royal Canin and the Commercial OGSM, ensuring a sustainable sourcing of raw & packaging materials to support our markets’ growth 
• To translate this strategy into clearly focused Commercial strategic priorities (Material Strategic Sourcing at Mars) and targets. Ensure that all team members have clear “line of sight” from what they do to the impact on the strategy
• To effectively communicate, inspire and align the Commercial team behind this vision and strategy so as to drive high performance and progress
• To build highly influential relationships with internal stakeholders and to lead interfaces where required across the supply chain at local, regional and global level
• To ensure the right KPI’s are in place to monitor progress in Commercial and to immediate corrective action for any performance gaps. This includes monitoring any deviation from quality perspective, raw development, budget projections and bringing awareness to markets of any financial or sustainable risk identified linked to Raw and Packaging material.
• To develop a strong partnership with our suppliers enabling continuous improvement, to identify opportunities in the market and to propose them to the innovation team.
• To drive collaboration with the Mars commercial community and ensure optimum way of working and opportunities
• To role model good communication at a local level to ensure the E2E supply of the factory is met with a service mindset, identifying where improvements can be made, using key metrics for service performance and delivery which can be used anticipate issues or where collaborative problem solving needs to happen
• Member of the local market business leadership team

Lead & develop the SQA team, supporting the supply of RC factory in South Africa

• Lead, develop and motivate the SQA team, engaging them in Commercial & Q&FS strategies
• Determine training needs for SQA and newcomers, regarding food safety related programs
• Set up SQA functional objectives in line with Regional Royal Canin strategy
• Develop Technical competencies of the team to upskill their competencies, ensuring consistent evaluation of supplier quality program and continuous improvement
• Train and maintain SQA activities with Commercial, Factory Q&FS and suppliers to ensure consistent roll-out within region
• Royal Canin Expertise in global MQM and SQA committee
• Represent Royal Canin South Africa Commercial team through participation & influence in Global SQA Steering Team and Global Material Quality Management (MQM) Community.
• Deploy and ensure MQM and PQM compliance within SA, as aligned with Global Mars & RC SQA Strategies
• Interact with other SQA managers/directors and segment counterparts to identify best practices, improve processes, coordinate cross regional supplier reviews and collaborate on strategic projects
• Report regional periodic metrics for global roll-up
• Strategic leadership for raw material quality sourcing and continuous improvement
• Lead project teams in order to proactively manage material quality & food safety related aspects of a project, and ensure proper visibility of risks, challenges, and/or successes. Ability to translate the message around a technical risk into a relevant business risk point of view
• Support Commercial Team, Regional QF&S Directors and Factories for Business-critical Supplier Quality processes and execution
• Review supplier and material performance and manage follow-up activities for continuous improvement with designated SQA
• Assess, track and trend audit completion in the region
• Partner with formulation and Q&FS for high supply risk, cost savings projects and long term / strategic projects to drive (Do It Best)
• Improve regional supplier performance and manage material risk assessment review with SQA and Directs Team
• Implement, enhance and deploy supplier quality tools & process to include best practices from Mars MQM
• Support the development and implementation of new raw materials in response to the Innovation Pipeline
• Provide direction and input for the development and implementation of consistent SQA management systems across the region: for examples audit standards, audit template, auditor requirements, and reporting

Context and Scope

• This position reports to the Regional E&S Commercial Director, with main stakeholders within South Africa and Global.
• This is a local leadership team and line management position.
• The role covers all the RC commercial aspects for Raw & packaging materials as well as SQA responsibilities: purchasing/quality/development and innovation and all the Indirect Spend for both business Unit
• Interaction with main RC departments (Innovation, Markets, QFS, Supply, Regulatory, Finance…)

Job Specifications/Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Engineering or Agronomy, MBA is a plus
• Experience of working with raw materials used in Feed / Food applications will be an added value.
• English – Advanced level needed
• 8-9 years of experience in raw material purchase processes in directs and Indirects and quality process
• Manager experience leading teams for greater than 4- 5 years
• Strong communication and negotiation skills
• Self-motivated to develop own activity and to take initiative
• Conscious of food safety and nutritional quality
• Comfortable working in a multicultural team, speaking French is a plus
• 50% travel is required, mostly within region.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting ability
• Ability to make timely, consistent and well-balanced decisions

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This position is responsible for leading the execution of the Retail Plan for the area, including both distribution and merchandising at retail & wholesale level. Responsible for people development, coaching and performance management this role will ensure compliance and delivery of coverage allocation and plans to meet and or exceed retail objectives at the point of sale.

What are we looking for?

• Professional Degree in Business, Administration or equivalent.
• 2+Years sales representative full time experience working with leading multi- functional teams for Fast Moving Consumer Good Industries
• People Management experience
• Availability to travel 70% of time is needed.
• Retail Technology skills (V6 and Tablets, AC Nielsen Data, POS data)
• Account management experience would be a plus

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Trade Management; sell programs and promotions, securing and maintaining authorized distribution of company products, selling/merchandising Company promotions and programs and analyzing entire operation of allotted territory accounts.
• Accountable for Retail representative Development processes such as training, input for performance, review Individual KPIs.
• Continually re-evaluate our current service solutions and staffing requirements, to ensure Sales coverage/frequency are continuously developed to service our Customers at the highest of standards to maximize excellence in execution & availability.
• To manage, measure and engage our 3rd party sales & merchandising partners to execute in store strategy that meet the Growth Targets & Perfect store KPI Metrics set out by our business.
• People Management; responsible for working in the field with Retail Representatives on a regular basis, tracking performance; merchandising, display, shelf rotation.
• Make recommendations as to effectiveness of promotions & programs at both retail and wholesale level
• To build, lead and manage a highly engaged dedicated sales force & TDS Associates to deliver excellence in Availability, while creating a succession funnel for future roles.
• Establishes and maintains business relationships with the trade Customer Leaders and sales associates to enable the efficient & effective execution of Mars Perfect store strategy and deliverables.
• Prioritize and communicate joint retail objectives to Retail Representatives to ensure flawless execution
• Controls activities to ensure that sales costs are maintained within operational budget including Financial management of Costs (Sales & Merchandising Cost to serve, Travel, Communication, Meetings, In Store Trade Expenditure, Company assets)
• To partner with P&O on planned training offered within Mars with reference to system capability and category knowledge, with both the Dedicated and Syndicated Sales Force enabling them to better equipped and drive Best in Class execution.
• Manage, drive and ensure implementation of relevant Q&FS standards

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 like-minded 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.

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Join a 3 years General Management Graduate Trainee Program - Sep 2022

The Mars Leadership Experience (MLE) is a perfect grounding for a career in business leadership. You’ll manage projects, take on roles with local and international exposure, lead teams, make decisions with real consequences and much more. The challenges will come thick and fast and it will stretch you like never before.

A day in the life of a Mars Leadership Experience  graduate

• Three years, three different roles within three different functions.
• From Sales to Supply Chain Management, from Marketing to Project Management - we believe in your potential to learn fast, build strong relationships and drive our business forward.
• Each placement is tailored to your personal development, you will gain an impressive level of experience to fast track your leadership career.
• Explore the world of opportunities at Mars. We have an ongoing commitment to your growth and development.

We will provide

• A great line manager, mentors and a buddy
• Support from an amazing graduate community
• On the job learning supported by workshops to develop all the skills you'll need to become one of our future leaders
• Opportunities to interact with  Mars Senior Leaders
• Competitive salary and package

What are we looking for?

• You hold a Bachelor or Master degree and you have
• Ambition for a People Leadership Career
• Ability to  learn and grow fast
• People and Organizational agility
• Proficiency in English
• Program starts September 2022

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Delivering a safe operations environment to allow the safe and efficient production of high-quality products. Responsible for end-to-end operations starting from raw material silos through to finished product handover to the warehouse. Management of all processes relating to and delivering GMP.

The continuous improvement of factory operations and cost reduction within these areas. Ensure that planned production and continuous improvement activities are achieved at the same time as meeting cost targets, quality, Health & Safety, Do It Best (cost reduction) and operational performance. Launch new products successfully and improve the commissioning of the plant. Drive Engagement and focus on the development of the Associates.

What are we looking for?

• Self starter
• University Degree in Mechanical Engineering/Operations/Production management or equivalent and/or previous 5years experience in food/feed process industry
• Production Principles and Technology
• Experienced people-leader with ability to motivate and engage teams
• Lean Philosophy and Tools Expertise (WCM, TPM, etc)
• Advanced problem-solving skills
• Good communication & negotiation skills, Cost conscious, Initiative, Etiquette skills, Self-motivated, Team player, Safety, Hygiene & Quality conscious, Technically inclined, Management skills

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Responsible for Health and Safety within the packing, process and hygiene teams (People and Assets)
• Day to day management of manufacturing to achieve planned production within remit of cost, quality, H&S and environment
• Supporting/re-enforcing quality & food safety policy and procedures, paying particular attention to monitoring and managing CCPs & OPRPs
• Ensure the quality standards of kibble and packaging by measuring and improving performance
• Actively deploy Mars Supply Excellence (focus on PM, step-change delivery of factory operating system) and develop strong and collaborative TRIAD operations framework
• Building competencies and capabilities within Factory organisation by engaging Associates and motivating through good 2-way communications and feedback loop mechanisms
• Responsible for factory hygiene with specific attention to process flow and continuous reduction of microbiological load (GMP)
• Give input to the Capital Investment plan in co-operation with Engineering and CI Teams

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Job Purpose

Portfolio Manager – Medicalization, responsible for development & execution of marketing activities for the VET pillar where relevant for South Africa to grow the sales of our specialized Royal Canin Veterinary portfolio (Veterinary Health Nutrition). Responsibilities include, defining the strategic positioning and direction for each territory within the Veterinary portfolio supported by global guidelines, price positioning, identifying opportunities, defining the approach and strategic execution of the plans through the pillar with the overall objective to drive market share growth and become the leading veterinary prescription nutrition brand in South Africa.

Dimension
Client Portfolio –VETERINARY CLINICS AND REFERRAL CLINICS

• The role is part of the Vet marketing team and forms part of a cross pillar marketing team based in Johannesburg.

Essential duties and responsibilities:
Marketing Strategy Planning

• Setting the strategic marketing direction and developing the annual marketing plan for the specialist range (VHN)
• Adapt global marketing activities for South African market
• Monitoring and coordination of marketing activities in the VET Pillar (promotions, merchandising, sampling actions etc.) in collaboration with the Portfolio Manager for Maintenance
• Preparation of annual marketing plan including development and activation
• Work with Trade Marketing Manager to create programmes to improve overall outlet compliance with marketing programmes.
• Develop in-clinic promotional themes and events around the major priorities and product launches
• Recommend changes to strategies based on results and findings
• Analyse and report the success/effectiveness (ROI) of targeted advertising campaigns, special events/promotions.
• Approves and oversees the creative development of promotional materials, website content, advertisements, and other marketing-related projects
• Communicates with various media buyers, advertising agencies, printers, suppliers and other services to help marketing projects come to fruition
• Organization of specialized VET seminars and congresses
• Collaboration with corporate affairs department to drive science behind our products
• Development and implementation of B2B and B2C strategies
• Follow up of marketing activities in the field during field visits
• Collaboration with CRM Manager to develop digital strategies to recruit new consumers
• Managing segmentation and categorization of clients within the VET pillar
• Participation in global VET marketing teamwork
• Ensure efficient marketing activation through Distributor/ logistics support- ensure 3rd party logistics providers / distributors effectively plan for and roll out marketing activations nationally.
• Be an engaging role model and drive continuous growth of engagement within the team
• Role model adherence to the Five Principles and encourage living the Five Principles culture within the team.
• Contribute to the development of overall marketing plans, ensure effective implementation of marketing plans for VHN products in market in line with the OGSM 2025 goals and strategy.

Business Planning (AEP):

• Track brand/market performance of product, analyze and create action plan to deliver on defined KPIs
• Development of the pillar budget for VHN (including travel, promotion, advertising, etc.) in close collaboration with other portfolio manager/s.
• Annual financial and monthly brand forecasting, gap analysis, and action plans.
• Develop annual 5-year brand plans and 1 year tactical plans which aim to deliver a) holistic customer solutions, b) cross-stakeholder initiatives, and c) cross-channel/partnering activities that provide value to stakeholders and are aligned to strategic priorities.

Market (Market Conditions, Customers, Competitors) Analysis:

• Conduct analysis of competitor activities, customer needs, technology and infrastructure, therapy adoption etc. Relevant to own portfolio in order to analyze impact of market conditions, guide local operations teams, report back to the local and regional teams (incl modifications to the local  marketing plan).

Product Life Cycle Management:

• Execute product plans in line with overall objectives; execute new product and services launches as required in coordination with cross functional teams; plan and monitor inventories in line with sales requirements; highlight variances and track & report portfolio performance.

Marketing Communications & Operations:

• Support development of localized key marketing communications around own portfolio, work closely with agencies and media to develop right messaging and its delivery; seeking regional and global approvals where needed; tracking the effectiveness of the communication (Brand track) to drive differentiation for own portfolio.
• Lead execution of marketing plans for own portfolio, coordinate with internal functions and external service providers, monitor on ground execution of programs/ conferences/ events/ promotions etc., troubleshoot, ensure the right set of metrics are in place for tracking success &  determine corrective actions in line with AEP.

Stakeholder Relationship Management:

• The needs of individual stakeholders are anticipated & met through tailored strategies, based on a deep, real-time understanding of the environment.
• Brand stories are owned by marketing, and deliver an emotional message, recognized & believed by stakeholders.
• Multi-channel engagements and non-traditional partnerships are routinely considered and leveraged to understand & enhance stakeholder experience.
• Establish relationships with KOLs in the field; Identify key Physician champions; Develop support structure and relationship with sales representatives and sales management; responsible for developing and maintaining local key opinion registers; assist in coordinating Veterinary symposiums and participates in main customer events.

Sales Enablement:

• Understand and align own activities to portfolio sales and marketing objectives, map development needs &  periodically conduct training for the sales teams (product/ positioning/ therapy/ messaging etc.); ensure dissemination of the marketing collateral to sales teams and KOLs, provide guidance on product queries, monitor inventories and provide support to sales as required.
• Collaborate with the Sales Manager to drive strategies for growth
• Monitor effective execution by the sales force of KPIs linked to marketing activations within their respective regions.
• Frequent field sales visits in respective regions. This may require travel on a regular basis and is therefore expected. Travel to regions will be in line with the region’s contribution to volume sales & relevant needs of the business.
• Conduct marketing plan review meetings with sales team on regular basis (minimum quarterly)
• Submit accurate product forecasts and participate on the S&OP+ team to drive efficient ways of working through the business

General Responsibilities

• Achieves superior competitive growth and market shares. Exceeds sales targets while managing expense controls.
• Contributes to the strategic management of the operations through effective participation and close working relationship with all functions and stakeholders.
• Keeps the team focused on bringing scientific added value and services to customers as a source of competitive advantage in close collaboration with Scientific Communications
• Analyses national performance data and identifies areas for improvement.
• Understanding of overall business including business trends and Royal Canin corporate strategy, in order to identify opportunities and assess risk
• Proactively identifies customer needs and business opportunities and ensure that those are rapidly incorporated into the business plan and executed with the customer.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with (internal) regulatory, sales, finance and customer service to enhance business performance.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with (external) KOL’s and organisations, clinic administration, industry peers in order to create positive impact and change to attainment of business objectives & targets.
• Displays openness to change and a willingness to focus on the opportunities presented by change.
• Drives change by challenging the status quo. Identifies gaps and thinks strategically to bridge the gaps

Quality:

• Ensures awareness and compliance with applicable standard operating procedures and governance requirements, comply with regulatory commitments;
• As interface to Customer and Sales Organization has direct responsibility to facilitate, share documents and process to identify, notify and ensure any complaint or problem/s are addressed, thereby demonstrating high commitment to Quality in all interactions and behaviors;
• Responsible to facilitate and champion the quality requirements and the message of compliance to internal and external customers for all events and campaigns.

Job Specifications

• BCom Marketing Honours, BSc Degree Dietetics an advantage, or equivalent National Higher Diploma.
• At least 7 years appropriate experience within the medical devices, prescription pharmaceutical or associated healthcare industry.
• Fluency in the English Language (oral and written)
• Successful marketing management experience with multinational companies.
• Prior market research or consulting experience would be an advantage
• Must be mobile, position involves travel (national and international)
• Should encompass leadership qualities and should possess decision making ability
• Be able to respond well to pressure
• Think creatively
• Navision, SA4, Set2Sell experience preferred

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Job Purpose

• Provide first class personal administration and support to the Southern African Leadership Team, with the aim to impact their effectiveness.
• Manage the office as well as support other internal processes. Provide Site administration/coordination for MGS.

What are we looking for?
Note: May differ from the current job holder’s own skills and experience.

Education & Professional Qualification

• Must have Matric, Bachelors Degree an advantage
• Proficient computer skills and in-depth knowledge of relevant software such as SAP, MS Office, Outlook
• Knowledge of standard office administrative practices and procedures
• Project Management

Knowledge/Experience

• At least 3 years’ experience in providing support at a high level to an Executive team

What will be your key responsibilities?

• SALT support
• manage and maintain SALT’ schedules, appointments and travel arrangements
• arrange and co-ordinate meetings and events
• monitor, screen, respond to and distribute incoming communications
• liaise with internal staff at all levels
• filing of expenses within 60 days
• presentations – compilation, coordination and editorial support
• posting of requisitions in ebuy
• providing support for ad hoc events as requested

P&O Support

• Co-ordinate Panels for the recruitment process, meet and greet candidates, hand out case studies , physically co-ordinate candidates between rooms for panel process
• File soft copies of all associate related forms on personnel soft folders
• Payroll coordination: Ensure that all LM’s send all payroll related documents by payroll cut off dates, consolidate and route to payroll for timeous processing, etc.
• Coordinate administration, meetings & site visits with Alexandra Forbes & Discovery (manage annual calendar for on-site planned visits)
• Coordinate long service gifts/awards for associates
• Co-ordinate and file copies of all training registers, invoices and certificates for the annual compilation of WSP/ATR

Office Management

• Ongoing workflow improvement and workplace effectiveness
• Managing office materials, refreshments, and supplies for office events
• Managing the office environment ito supplies and maintenance issues
• Supervise, coach and train cleaning staff per SLA with service providers
• Support receptionist on daily requests
• Managing the Staff shop, ito operations and stock

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Account Manager is responsible for achieving profitable sales growth at customers for the Mars business. This role is expected to maintain strong relationships & best execute customer plans that deliver objectives of; revenue, growth, profit, product/assortment, everyday shelving, merchandising, pricing, promotions, and seasonal merchandising.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or equivalent.
• 5+ Years’ experience in Sales, Marketing, for Fast Moving Consumer Good Industries
• Prior Retail Account Management experience
• Fluent understanding of forecasting, Nielsen and trade management system
• Availability to travel 10% of time
• A valid driver's license and clean driving record

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Create and execute customers solutions of profitable sales growth for seasonal, placement and seasonal shelving, merchandising & pricing, that achieves customer objectives, category leadership and company objectives
• Influence customers to implement solutions through fact-based presentations that deliver results that are beneficial for both customer and company
• Complete new product launches with timely and effective execution to maximize customer impact
• Execute all agreed to solutions with customers to include accurate, timely forecasting and detailed follow through
• Manage customers trade funds that complies with internal and external requirements and continually improve effectiveness of spending
• Provide customer with category information & make recommendations for category growth, bring customer feedback & potential solutions.

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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.