Commercial Operations Associate Director

Mars • Creve Coeur, MO

2d

About The Position

Commercial Operations Associate Director - North America The Commercial Operations Team is the key interface between Procurement and key business stakeholders such as Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Finance. The primary role of the Commercial Operations Associate Director is to lead the Operations team in the development and execution of procurement operational strategy for all raw and packaging materials for Royal Canin in support of 5 production sites within North America. This role is responsible for inbound supply chain strategy development and execution, supplier performance improvement, inventory management & systems support. This role will build, develop and lead an efficient and engaged Commercial team and support the current and further RC supply challenges in line with our 2030 vision; Lead Commercial Operations team ensuring consistent deployment of practice, policies and projects; Develop and execute Inbound Supply Chain strategies; Develop the Commercial Operations function to make it a strong contributor to success and Co-develop the Target Operating Model with Planning and Manufacturing for the future. What are we looking for? Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business, economics, supply chain, logistics or related discipline. Master's degree preferred. Minimum 8 years of Procurement and General Supply Chain experience in a progressive environment Minimum 3 years' experience leading diverse teams, in multiple locations a plus In depth understanding of SRM programs, continuous improvement programs, risk mitigation strategies; procure-to-pay technologies; MRP, and root cause of demand, price, inventory, and BOM variances. Experience in Commodity markets and/or materials sourcing. Understands complexities of the materials pipeline and influence changes in specifications of quality, physical receipt, and financial transactions to reduce costs and inventories Demonstrated strong crisis management and conflict resolution skills What will be your key responsibilities? Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team: Inspire, engage, and grow a team by fostering a culture of excellence, building capabilities, and creating succession plans to ensure sustained operational and financial success. Drive Strategic Alignment and Execution: Translate regional sourcing and supply strategies into clear commercial operations priorities and targets. Collaborate Across Functions and Stakeholders: Build strong partnerships with internal teams - including Sourcing, Regulatory, Trade Compliance, Planning, Manufacturing, and Commercial communities—to enable seamless strategy execution and continuous improvement. Ensure Reliable Supply and Service to Factories: Oversee supplier and factory operations to guarantee timely, high-quality delivery of direct materials, packaging, and raw materials that meet business needs efficiently and responsively. Manage Performance and Cost Optimization: Establish and monitor KPIs, proactively address performance gaps, and lead cross-functional initiatives to reduce material costs and deliver measurable savings. Optimize Inbound Supply Chain and Inventory Management: Develop and implement innovative inbound supply chain strategies, inventory optimization, and supplier-owned inventory to reduce costs and lead times. Champion Process Excellence and Data Integrity: Co-develop and implement future Target Operating Model with Regional Planning and Manufacturing. Foster Supplier Relationships and Innovation: Serve as the primary contact for suppliers and internal teams on operational matters. Collaborate with strategic suppliers to drive continuous improvement, technology adoption, and competitive advantage. Ensure Governance, Compliance, and Risk Management: Maintain adherence to governance standards, regulatory requirements, and quality controls by partnering with relevant teams to ensure compliant, timely delivery of materials. 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. #LI-BM1 Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL®, and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCA™ and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 140,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.

Requirements

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business, economics, supply chain, logistics or related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of Procurement and General Supply Chain experience in a progressive environment
• Minimum 3 years' experience leading diverse teams, in multiple locations a plus
• In depth understanding of SRM programs, continuous improvement programs, risk mitigation strategies; procure-to-pay technologies; MRP, and root cause of demand, price, inventory, and BOM variances.
• Experience in Commodity markets and/or materials sourcing.
• Understands complexities of the materials pipeline and influence changes in specifications of quality, physical receipt, and financial transactions to reduce costs and inventories
• Demonstrated strong crisis management and conflict resolution skills

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team: Inspire, engage, and grow a team by fostering a culture of excellence, building capabilities, and creating succession plans to ensure sustained operational and financial success.
• Drive Strategic Alignment and Execution: Translate regional sourcing and supply strategies into clear commercial operations priorities and targets.
• Collaborate Across Functions and Stakeholders: Build strong partnerships with internal teams - including Sourcing, Regulatory, Trade Compliance, Planning, Manufacturing, and Commercial communities—to enable seamless strategy execution and continuous improvement.
• Ensure Reliable Supply and Service to Factories: Oversee supplier and factory operations to guarantee timely, high-quality delivery of direct materials, packaging, and raw materials that meet business needs efficiently and responsively.
• Manage Performance and Cost Optimization: Establish and monitor KPIs, proactively address performance gaps, and lead cross-functional initiatives to reduce material costs and deliver measurable savings.
• Optimize Inbound Supply Chain and Inventory Management: Develop and implement innovative inbound supply chain strategies, inventory optimization, and supplier-owned inventory to reduce costs and lead times.
• Champion Process Excellence and Data Integrity: Co-develop and implement future Target Operating Model with Regional Planning and Manufacturing.
• Foster Supplier Relationships and Innovation: Serve as the primary contact for suppliers and internal teams on operational matters. Collaborate with strategic suppliers to drive continuous improvement, technology adoption, and competitive advantage.
• Ensure Governance, Compliance, and Risk Management: Maintain adherence to governance standards, regulatory requirements, and quality controls by partnering with relevant teams to ensure compliant, timely delivery of materials.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director