Strategic Sourcing Specialist - Raw Materials

Mars is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Specialist - Raw Materials in Cape Town, South Africa. The role involves procuring raw materials, developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Candidates should have over 3 years of experience in strategic sourcing, a relevant degree, and strong negotiation skills. The position aims to drive productivity, sustainability, and cost-saving initiatives while aligning with business objectives.
Job Description:

Strategic Sourcing Specialist - Raw Materials

Location: Mars Food, Cape Town South Africa

As a Strategic Sourcing Specialist at Mars, you will be responsible for the procurement of assigned Raw Material categories for the Mars Food Cape Town site. Your mission will be to leverage supplier capabilities to serve the regional and global Food strategic agenda by leading the development and implementation of category sourcing strategies. This includes driving best practices, portfolio simplification, and delivering value through quality, productivity, innovation, and sustainability.

You will act as a key Mars spokesperson to suppliers, applying best practices in supplier management and collaborating closely with Operations and Supply Chain teams to ensure timely delivery of materials. This role reports directly to the Cape Town Commercial Manager.

What are we looking for?
• Ideally, you’ll have 3+ years’ practical experience in strategic sourcing or procurement, with strong category management skills and knowledge of packaging materials.
• You’ll have a Bachelor’s degree focused on business, supply chain, procurement, engineering, or operations.
• Experience in FMCG or Food sectors is a plus.
• You’ll be a skilled negotiator with excellent communication, analytical, and project management skills.
• We want someone who thrives in cross-functional collaboration and shares our passion for driving sustainable sourcing strategies that deliver measurable business impact.

What would be your key responsibilities?
• Analyze category spend, cost drivers, and supplier base to develop and execute sourcing strategies that improve productivity and reduce total cost of ownership.
• Lead cross-functional teams to develop and implement category strategies using Mars’ MSSM (Mars Strategic Sourcing Methodology).
• Manage supplier relationships, conduct business reviews, and evaluate supplier performance to ensure quality and value delivery.
• Drive cost-saving initiatives to achieve >5% year-on-year productivity improvements.
• Participate in external benchmarking and industry forums to gain market intelligence and manage price risk.
• Simplify and rationalize specifications to reduce complexity and identify the right suppliers.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to align sourcing strategies with business objectives.
• Support Mars’ sustainability goals by working with suppliers to increase recycled content and reduce virgin plastic use in packaging.

What can you expect from Mars?
• Work with over 130,000 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.
• 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.