Job Description:

Global Category Supplier Quality Assurance Manager (M/F/X)

Segment : Mars Petcare

Type of contract : Permanent

Location : Aimargues near Montpellier (with remote work flexibility and travel in Europe up to 40%-50%)

The supplier Quality Assurance Manager will :

• Ensures Supplier Quality Systems meet MARS Q&FS standards for raw materials.
• Develops new and existing suppliers to meet growth and quality targets.
• Responsibilities: continuous supplier process improvement, food/human/product safety, quality improvement, site visits, and audits.
• Maintains relationships with internal clients to understand business needs and technical requirements.
• Requires expertise in food, chemicals, natural materials, and material science.
• Interacts with Global Commercial Category Sourcing, R&D, and manufacturing teams, focusing on specific buying categories (e.g., nutrition, animal protein, packaging).
• Manages stakeholder communication globally for Pet Nutrition & Royal Canin.
• Tracks industry trends for global sourcing strategy.
• Drives team engagement, productivity, and efficiency.

What are we looking for :

Education & Professional Qualification:

• Bachelor's or Master's in Science, Agricultural Science, Engineering, Food Technology, Chemistry, or related fields.

Knowledge/Experience:

• Project management experience.
• Minimum 5 years in the food industry.
• Proficient in technical auditing for Food/FMCG raw materials.
• Essential Ingredient Material Knowledge is preferred.
• Knowledgeable in quality management tools (SQA, SPC, LEAN, HACCP).
• Strong interpersonal skills; able to influence globally without authority.
• Experience in leading technical programs and change management in multi-site FMCG businesses.
• Passion for continuous improvement and quality standards.
• Ability to handle multiple high-profile projects under pressure.

Others:

• Proven collaboration with global internal customers and suppliers.
• High creativity and problem-solving skills using scientific principles.
• Fluent in English; additional languages (Chinese, French, Italian, Spanish, Malay, Indonesian) preferred.
• Willing to travel frequently (40%-50%) for supplier audits and meetings globally.

What will be your Key Responsibilities:

Sourcing Strategy:

• Lead SQA material strategy and MQSM management on the identified material categories.
• Oversee NSQ/Material Development projects (Innovation, VL /DiB, Sustainability )

Quality Management:

• Conduct Mars Q&FS audits.
• Develop and standardize global material specifications.
• Ensure supplier excellence and continuous improvement.
• Train suppliers on quality systems and resolve non-conformances.
• Update SQA metrics and manage supplier performance.

Supplier Scope:

• Mainly for EU based Supplier, potential business needs in global.

Prospector:

• Identify business opportunities through supplier contacts.

Function Expertise:

• Maintain technical expertise in raw material production.
• Support BU SQAs with technical knowledge.

Communication/Engagement:

• Handle unplanned requests and emergencies.
• Manage service for regions and train new SQA members.
• Seek new opportunities and collect feedback.

System & Program Leadership:

• Lead global programs (e.g., standardization, supplier summit, digitalization, training, budget tracking, MQSM, database management, audit calibration, global scorecard).

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 140,000 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.

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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.