Animal Protein Buyer

The buyer is responsible for the development and implementation of long-term, advantageous sourcing strategies. These strategies must be aligned with Business and stakeholder functions priorities, such as Quality, Cost, Supply, Innovation and Service. They must be anticipating industry and competitor landscape developments and safeguard Mars sustainable competitive advantage. In general the relationship with suppliers should be based on financial, quality, service level and sustainability aspects.

In addition to the strategy, supplier development and execution, the buyer is also responsible for the

on-going sourcing of the materials, in a tight market situation when it comes to quality and material availability.

Price forecasting is also part of the buyer’s responsibility as part of the regular S&OP cycles giving the right level of visibility enabling the business to have anticipated view of future impacts, helping to protect the P&L. The Animal Protein category is the highest spend of COGS, therefore this role having good financial and market understanding is crucial for the business success. The capacity of monitoring suppliers and key market drivers will enable regular price risk management through forecasted price reviews and Risks and Opportunities exercise.

Whilst having a relevant importance on our business, the category will require operational work, by understanding important aspects linked to deliveries, material performance and supplier’s capabilities. Delivery scheduling can’t be dissociated to the negotiation, so interaction with suppliers will cover price, volume, delivery date and the buyer will also be responsible for executing the agreed conditions at SAP, enabling efficient transactions at material receipt and accounts payable.

Considering Mars has set ambitious targets on sustainability (GHG emission and deforestation prevention) and responsible sourcing (Next Generation Supplier Program), the buyer will need to understand implications for Animal Protein Category, design and implement execution plan. Interaction with Sustainable Sourcing colleagues will be frequent and the buyer needs to have the ability to set and drive the agenda internal and externally.

**Managing a sourcing category for Mars Pet Nutrition LATAM**
- Managing a portfolio of ~35 Million US$ spend
- Implement brilliant sourcing strategies (MSSM) for the portfolio in line with the regional category strategy.
- Manage and develop the supplier base, maintaining close relationship to all sites.
- Procure the defined portfolio.
- Ensure supply of required volumes in time, manage supply base to needed demand volatility.
- Manage raw materials quality and servuce with suppliers, Commercial Operations and SQA in line with the applicable standards (eg. MQM, mycotoxins).
- In partnership with suppliers and internal stakeholders, design and deploy initiatives to deliver continuous and sustainable COGS savings.
- Lead execution of actions linked to our Sustainable in a Generation Plan, engaging suppliers towards sustainable and responsible sourcing initiatives
- Forecast and report market development in order to manage business risk and exposure for cost and availability. Delivery of inputs to key business processes (OP/Risk+Ops).

**Key Supporting Competencies**
- Business Acumen
- Strategic Agility
- Influencing others
- Peer Relationships
- Conflict management

**Key Technical Competencies**
- Sourcing strategy development
- Sourcing category expertise
- MQM standard
- Negotiation Skills