The Supply Chain Director DACH is a multifaceted role, combining supply chain strategy deployment with leadership elements of supply chain logistics, operational planning and market quality as well as customer service and order management. Additionally, the role provides broader business leadership as a member of the Royal Canin DACH Leadership team based in Cologne/Germany.

While leading our complex supply chain, you will provide proactive thought partnership in shaping the business strategic objectives and driving business success in alignment with the Mars Five Principles as well as customer requirements across 3 countries: Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

What are we looking for?

• Extensive experience in supply chain management preferably in a FMCG company with knowledge o f the cluster logistics market, supply chain principles, processes and best practices.

• Long term expertise in people management with proven track record in leading, inspiring, developing, and engaging (virtual) teams also in a transformational environment.

• Broad business knowledge with expertise in at least 2 of the following 3 areas: Planning functions (Demand, Supply) and/or Supply Chain functions (Logistics, Operations, Purchasing) and/or Customer Service.

• A well networked logistician with a track record of building strong collaborative relationships with stakeholders (internally and externally) on all levels with the support of strong communication skills

• Analytical, Solution-oriented and d igital mindset with a strong understanding of digital systems and tools and their practical application

• Life-long learner

• Language skills: fluent English and at least basic German for stakeholder communication required.

• Hybrid office presence in Cologne with further travel ability

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Design, develop and deploy a cluster end-to-end supply chain strategy (from factory to point of sale including customer service and order management, outbound sales, planning, transport, warehousing, and distribution) in compliance with all relevant regulations, safety and quality standards to support our business plan and to meet service level agreements with our customers.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal stakeholders (incl. finance, sales and marketing) as well as external stakeholders (e.g. logistic partners) to align supply chain activities with business objectives and customer demands/ service level agreements

• Deliver a consistently improving financial shape to the business along with results in line with our operating plan expectations (in respect of growth, earnings, cost and cash).

• Owner of Integrated Business Planning/S&OP process in DACH leading to strong and integrated planning process and positive audit results

• Ensure process leadership for the DACH unit, ensuring an efficient and effective, forward-looking decision-making-process that conforms to agreed global and regional principles and standards.

• Drive continuous improvement, innovation and digitalization initiatives within the supply chain function, leveraging technology and data analytics to improve visibility, transparency, and supply efficiency, e.g. in distribution planning, logistics (warehousing/transport) operations and order-to-cash management.

• Build, engage and develop a high-performance team by managing a strong supply talent pipeline through effective leadership.

• Develop with a proactive mindset collaboration with Royal Canin and Mars supply chain teams across our global, regional and local organization.

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 and a pets centered culture, 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.

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Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.