Manager, Supplier Inclusion & Opportunity

Mars • Chicago, IL

8d • $108,160 - $148,720 • Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Supplier Inclusion & Opportunity develops and executes strategies to expand access to procurement opportunities, strengthen supplier competition, and improve the organization's ability to identify, evaluate, and engage qualified businesses across its supply chain. The role partners with cross-segment North America Commercial (Sourcing) teams to advance Mars Inc.’s supplier inclusion agenda, and with Mars Global Services Commercial to address requirements related to the company’s sustainability agenda, including compliance with the Supplier Code of Conduct.

The manager partners with Commercial Regional Leadership teams to lead internal and external programs that drive supplier inclusion across segments. The role reports initially to the VP MGS Commercial – Americas, although reporting lines may change. The incumbent provides regular program updates and insights to the Americas Commercial Regional Leadership Team and, as requirements develop, partners with MGS Commercial NA to support the sustainability agenda, particularly the Supplier Code of Conduct. The position includes approximately 10% travel.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in Business or a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Mars offers learning and development support, including access to Mars University, and an industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus. The posted US base pay range is USD 108,160.00–148,720.00; compensation may vary based on individualized factors. Total compensation includes variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in a 401(k) plan, and paid time off benefits.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience, mainly in Procurement.
• Experience working in a cross-functional business environment or team.
• Strong self-starter with an execution-focused approach.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel where appropriate; approximately 10% travel.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Supplier Inclusion and first-hand Procurement experience.
• Strong advocacy for the Supplier Inclusion and Sustainability agenda.
• Project and activity management skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships.
• Competencies in managing ambiguity, organizational savvy, planning and alignment, persuasion, courage, and valuing differences.
• Stakeholder and business partnering skills.
• Supplier performance and relationship management skills.
• Analytics and insights skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an enterprise-wide supplier opportunity strategy to expand qualified businesses’ participation in competitive procurement processes.
• Expand supplier discovery to include emerging businesses, small enterprises, innovative suppliers, and businesses in underserved or underrepresented commercial markets.
• Build relationships with chambers of commerce, industry associations, small-business development organizations, trade groups, and supplier networks.
• Design and implement supplier education, outreach, and engagement initiatives that increase awareness of procurement opportunities.
• Coordinate supplier forums, capability presentations, matchmaking events, and procurement-readiness workshops open to eligible businesses under neutral, objective criteria.
• Connect qualified suppliers with internal procurement decision-makers based on supplier capabilities and sourcing needs.
• Ensure supplier engagement and opportunity programs comply with applicable federal, state, local, and international laws and regulations.
• Partner with Legal, Compliance, and Supply leadership to maintain appropriate controls for supplier qualification, selection, and contracting.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting supplier engagement and procurement practices.
• Represent the organization in relevant industry forums, business associations, and supplier inclusion initiatives.
• Provide regular program updates and insights on Supplier Inclusion to the Americas Commercial Regional Leadership Team.
• Partner with MGS Commercial NA to develop and support the sustainability agenda, with a specific focus on the Supplier Code of Conduct.

Benefits

• Learning and development support from day one, including access to Mars University.
• Industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
• Variable pay.
• Medical benefits.
• Dental benefits.
• Participation in a 401(k) plan.
• Paid time off benefits.

What This Job Offers

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