Innovation Sourcing Manager

Job Description:

Innovation Sourcing Manager
To serve as the commercial innovation lead within the NA team, ensuring proactive engagement in innovation pipelines and seamless execution of innovation projects, in line with global category strategies.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Representation and Innovation Pipeline Shaping

o Act as the One Commercial representative in Cell meetings to influence and shape the innovation pipeline from a commercial perspective.

o Clarify and define required supplier capabilities to support innovation initiatives (3+yr horizon).

o Engage selected core partners to leverage external resources effectively.

o Represent the Ingredients category, including semi-finished products, essentials, and flavors.

o Serve as the single point of contact (SPOC) for liaising with other categories involved in innovation within relevant cells.

o Represent commercial interests across multiple Cells:

• Bitesize
• Bars
• Gum & Mints (G&M)
• Ice Cream
• Seasonal

Provide sourcing support for NA innovation Projects to ensure seamless execution

o Act as the commercial representative on relevant NA innovation projects.

o Support an expanding portfolio of projects (currently 10+), including initiatives such as ice cream sourcing strategies for new wafer products and M&M’s cookie inclusions.

o Drive proactive strategic sourcing by understanding external supplier capabilities and developing sourcing strategies aligned with long-term capability needs.

o Conducting comprehensive market landscape reviews to identify opportunities and risks.

o Assessing and defining required supplier capabilities to meet project needs.

o Proposing Best in Class (BIC) sourcing strategies that align with long-term business objectives.

o Leading RFx events to solicit competitive bids and allocate business to optimal suppliers.

o Overseeing contract negotiations, ensuring alignment with Levels of Authority (LOAs) and organizational policies.

o Manage program execution as the commercial SPOC from New Project Request (NPR) initiation through to completion.

o Implement repeatable best in class Commercial processes (following existing governance structure) embedded into the QuEST framework

o Provide ad hoc sourcing and contracting support for the NA essentials category as capacity allows.

What are we looking for?

• Preferably 5+ years of commercial or purchasing experience.

• Proven ability to drive business value through diverse sourcing channels and proactive opportunity identification.

• Strong ability to assess supplier risk and capabilities, ensuring alignment with project requirements and long-term business goals. You should be comfortable conducting comprehensive evaluations to support strategic sourcing decisions.

• You will have critical experiences such as exposure to sourcing and contracting, participation in complex negotiations. Exposure to managing Inclusions will be an asset to understand supplier capabilities and market dynamics.

• Innovation sourcing experience or collaboration with innovation teams is a strong plus.

• You’ll also need to hold a Bachelors / Master's degree (strongly preferred)

#LI-AM2

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.