A mutually rewarding experience.

 

Work. Realize your ambitions. And realize there’s more to being in business than just making a profit. That’s the Mars philosophy. And the opportunity we offer every one of our Associates. An opportunity to take what you do and make it mean more for you, for those around you and for the planet.  What you get here is challenging, interesting work. You get the tools you need to do a great job and you get to have the best possible people on your side to help you do it. And at the same time as getting to find ways to do business better today than we did it yesterday and driving a great career, you also get to build a more enlightened business and drive sustainability.

Because it’s never just about a single person, a single project or a single brand. It’s about how you can grab everything that’s within your reach here and use it to pursue mutual, long-term gain. It’s about having ideas. And ideals. Being prepared to risk failure because the promise of success means we’ll all be a little better off. It’s that mix of integrity and ambition that makes Mars such a special place to work. And why working here is always about more than just a job.

 

About Mars, Incorporated 

 

Mars is a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love. With almost $35 billion in sales, the company is a global business that produces some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, UNCLE BEN’S®, MARS DRINKS and COCOAVIA®. Mars also provides veterinary health services that include BANFIELD® Pet Hospitals, Blue Pearl®, VCA® and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire its more than 100,000 Associates to create value for all its partners and deliver growth they are proud of every day.

 

This position is responsible for leading annual planning process with Walmart and leveraging key stakeholders to develop mutual business strategy. This position is responsible for gathering and understanding industry, shopper, and category insights that serve as the foundation of the business strategy.  The Team Lead Strategic Planning and Business Operations will work directly with the Walmart Pet Merchant team and Mars field and internal sales team on all elements related to 0-36 month external long range planning.  This position will also lead the 0-12 month internal short range planning for the Walmart business.

 

This position is based in Bentonville, Arkansas.

 

What are we looking for?

 

• Minimum of 5+ years of direct selling experience, a minimum of 4 years in the CPG industry (including large accounts and headquarter calls). 
• A minimum of 2 years successful category and shopper insights experience.
• Experience managing senior executive stakeholders across internal and external retailer functions.
• Successful experience working within a team environment that includes cross functional resources/departments.
• Strong leadership in personnel engagement, strategic planning, and cross-functional relationship building.
• Demonstrates developed understanding of Pet industry, Pet Shopper, and Category dynamics across retail market place.
• Demonstrates situational and self-awareness while presenting, influencing, and selling strategy to key stakeholders and customers.
• Able to manage multiple internal/external relationships and understands the importance of strong relationships to meet business and customer goals.
• Demonstrated skill in managing planning cycles and processes.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross functionally and influence all levels within the organization.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to drive strategy discussions and brainstorm sessions leading to effective execution.

 

What would be your key responsibilities?

 

Goals will be achieved directly by the Team Lead Strategic Planning and Business Operations through the following Principle Accountabilities:

 

Business

• Delivery of annual planning process enabling – NSV, Earnings, Cash, and Share growth.
• Deep understanding and translation of pet industry, shopper, and category insights with ability to create a business strategy and plan based on insights.
• Expertise in understanding drivers of shopper behavior and growth in digital commerce across pure play ecommerce and grocery pick-up/delivery.
• Foster customer relationship with Walmart Sr. Merchant planning champion, focused on 1yr. - 3yr. planning process delivering mutual growth strategies.

 

Organization

• Provide vision/direction to team and roadmap for achievement of objectives.
• Cross-functional engagement and alignment with CIS, Sales Planning, Marketing, Finance, Supply, and Retail.
• Influence key internal and external stakeholders to deliver Walmart planning process.
• Foster HPC culture across Walmart team focused continuous improvement.
• Break through internal operating silos to bring appropriate Mars business to Walmart planning process.

 

People

• Coach/train for high performance
• Quality development plans for all associates
• Lead/Model High Performing Team behavior
• Succession Planning
• Talent acquisition

 

 

What can you expect from Mars?

 

• The opportunity to learn, develop and take charge of your own career. 
• An industry competitive compensation package including generous benefits (i.e., 401k, health, etc.)    
• Commitment to make A Better World For Pets™ a world where they’re healthy, happy and welcome.   
• Commitment to our Purpose and our Five Principles. 
• An environment where all Associates feel valued, supported and comfortable being themselves at work. 
• The opportunity to work cross functionally, add value and impact a better world for generations to come. 

 

#LI-KR2

 

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.