Commercial Operations Head EU

Commercial Operations is a core function within Commercial. The team is accountable for the Inbound Supply Chain across all raw and packaging materials, which spans hundreds of materials and supplier

locations to the EU Royal Canin Supply network. Collectively, the function supports continuous supply to our factories, protects the business by partnering with stakeholders and suppliers to proactively identify and

mitigate risk, supports inventory optimization and effective total cost of raws & packs ownership. The role builds the inbound supply strategy and engages the team while also looking ahead towards future

opportunities to bring best in class capabilities and processes to the business.

What are we looking for?

• Advanced degree in Business administration, Logistics or related technical field is preferred
• 8+ years of experience in Commercial or Supply related fields
• Breadth of understanding of raw and packaging materials and conversion processes
• Understands complexities of the materials pipeline and influences strategies to drive Efficiency and improve Service
• Experience leading diverse teams, in multiple locations
• Ability to quickly analyze, define root cause and problem solve issues
• Works across and influence an extensive network of cross functional, cross segment and global stakeholders to ensure initiatives are aligned and executed
• Ability to demonstrate crisis management and conflict resolution skills

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team: Inspire, engage, and grow a team of 12 associates by fostering a culture of excellence, building capabilities, and creating succession plans to ensure sustained success.
• Drive Strategic Alignment and Execution: Translate regional sourcing and supply strategies into clear commercial operations priorities and targets. Ensure all team members understand their impact on Royal Canin’s broader business goals.
• Collaborate Across Functions and Stakeholders: Build strong partnerships with internal teams - including Sourcing, SQA, Regulatory, Trade Compliance, Planning, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Commercial communities—to enable seamless strategy execution and continuous improvement.
• Ensure Reliable Supply and Service to Factories: Oversee supplier and factory operations to guarantee timely delivery of quality raw materials and packaging that meet business needs efficiently and responsively. Partner Supply, Sites and Engineering to ensure long-term factories master plan matching sourcing and supply strategies
• Manage Performance and Support Cost Optimization: Establish and monitor KPIs, proactively address performance gaps, and support cross-functional initiatives to reduce total cost of ownership and deliver measurable savings.
• Optimize Inbound Supply Chain and Inventory Management: Explore, develop and implement innovative inbound supply chain strategies, inventory optimization, and supplier-owned inventory to reduce costs and lead times.
• Foster Supplier Relationships and Innovation: Serve as the primary contact for suppliers and internal teams on operational matters and suppliers service performance. Collaborate with strategic suppliers to drive continuous improvement, technology adoption, and competitive advantage.
• Ensure Governance, Compliance, and Risk Management: Maintain adherence to governance standards, regulatory requirements, and quality controls by partnering with relevant teams to ensure compliant, timely delivery of materials.
• Champion Operations Excellence and Digitalization: Engage the EU Operations Team to deploy best in class service, process and solutions as well as explore opportunities to drive Efficiency and enhance functional capabilities with digital tools, analytics and automation.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with 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.
• A strong focus on 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.
• Find out more about what Mars can offer you by visiting our Global Careers site