Strategic Sourcing Manager- Transportation

Position Overview

Strategic Sourcing Manager – Logistics/Transportation leads purchasing for indirect goods and services within the Logistics category at a regional level. This role focuses on strategy implementation and operational excellence to deliver long‐term value, protect the business, and drive global and regional initiatives through supplier relationships and strategic partnerships. Working closely with cross‐functional teams, the manager embeds sourcing strategies and commercial processes such as responsible sourcing and supplier performance management, while optimizing the value chain and managing supplier issues.

Specifically, this position provides strategic leadership for end-to-end category management of North American Inbound Transportation, overseeing an annual spend exceeding $100 million across multiple business units. It ensures high service levels to Mars factories, leads Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and continuous improvement initiatives, and manages escalation of critical supplier-related issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Purchase indirect goods & services by securing price, capacity, and service levels in line with business commitments using sourcing tools (e.g., negotiation, e-procurement, strategic collaboration, tenders/RFPs).
• Implement supply base strategy by assessing and developing suppliers to meet business needs and opportunities.
• Ensure effective risk management of the supply base through robust contracts, KPI monitoring, and corrective actions as appropriate.
• Establish and maintain relationships with finance directors, department heads, and teams to understand needs and challenge assumptions.
• Ensure compliance with policies, systems, and controls.
• Provide market and financial insights to support internal sourcing planning.
• Recommend and implement best practices in the areas of responsibility.
• Participate in team knowledge transfer initiatives.
• Execute global and regional sourcing strategies at the local level and support major work streams.
• Participate in external forums and associations to stay abreast of industry trends.
• Lead and contribute to global/regional projects as required.
• Engage in and, when necessary, lead engagement programs.
• Actively participate in cross-segment and global/subcategory team meetings.
• Regularly maintain and update relevant KPIs, such as savings and payment terms.
• Provide support, training, and guidance to new team members; coach and motivate SET operations buyers in complex negotiations and critical issues.
• Act as liaison between sites/business units and sourcing managers to communicate changing business needs and their impact on sourcing strategies.
• Execute regular supplier performance reviews.
• Develop and implement a continuous improvement action plan, monitoring changes and adjusting as needed.
• Identify and manage supplier collaboration initiatives (e.g., electronic invoicing, operational process streamlining).
• Manage all related commercial, financial, and ethical matters while supporting commercial initiatives.
• Identify regional strategy opportunities or roadblocks and determine the next best local approach.
• Collaborate with other buying operation managers to drive continuous improvement and efficiency.
• Influence internal stakeholders to align with global and regional buying strategies.

Required Qualifications

• A passion for developing strong relationships with suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders both domestically and internationally.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Transportation, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management.
• Proven experience in supplier and customer management combined with financial acumen, specifically within Logistics and Transportation.

Benefits & Perks

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose-driven company striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Access best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including Mars University.
• Compensation & Benefits: An industry competitive salary, company bonus, and a comprehensive package including variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in a 401k plan, and paid time off.
• Base Pay Range: USD 107,071.00 - USD 147,223.00, with variations based on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.