GPO Director, Procurement Processes

We are seeking a visionary, results-driven GPO Director based in Brazil to lead the deployment and continuous evolution of our global commercial process and digitalization strategy. In this senior leadership role, you will champion the digital transformation of our procurement landscape, transitioning traditional methodologies into highly automated, best-in-class workflows. You will manage a high-performing global team and oversee a complex portfolio of digital transformation programs. By working in close lockstep with Digital Technologies (DT), Global/Segment Buyers, and MGS Finance, Controller, and Internal Audit, you will ensure our Source-to-Resolve (S2R) processes are exceptionally efficient, deliver an intuitive user experience (UX), and maintain bulletproof compliance

What will be your key responsibilities?

• 1. Digital Procurement & Strategy Leadership

• Drive Digital Transformation: Act as the global architect for our procurement digitalization roadmap. Champion the integration of next-generation technologies to shift toward a highly automated, friction-free purchasing ecosystem.

• Platform Ownership & Implementation: Oversee the deployment and optimization of core digital platforms, driving the integration of tools such as SAP Ariba, ZIP (serving as our primary "commercial front door"), and advanced e-sourcing systems like Keelvar.

• Process Efficiency & User Experience (UX): Ruthlessly audit current S2R processes to remove operational friction. Design digital workflows that prioritize the end-user experience (buyers and stakeholders) to drive maximum tool adoption

• 2. Team & Program Management

• People Leadership: Build, lead, and mentor a talented global team of Process Owners and digital specialists. Foster an inclusive environment of continuous learning and high performance.

• Portfolio Governance: Direct multiple simultaneous, large-scale process transformation programs, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with Mars’ global enterprise design.

• 3. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Change Management

• DT & Buyer Alignment: Partner closely with Digital Technologies (DT) teams to translate business requirements into technical capabilities, and collaborate with Segment Buyers to ensure systems support practical sourcing needs.

• Global-Regional Bridge: Gather global insights and local regulatory requirements (e.g., regional e-contracting or local eInvoicing rules) and advocate for them to shape the global GPO agenda.

• Cross-Segment Synergy: Collaborate with MGS Finance, Internal Audit, and Compliance to ensure process changes align with overall financial and organizational goals.

• 4. Compliance, Risk, & Data Governance

• Control Standards: Ensure all digitized and offline processes strictly adhere to internal control standards, corporate compliance rules, and audit requirements.

• KPI & Value Tracking: Standardize process performance tracking via advanced analytics. Monitor tool utilization, cycle times, and compliance, converting data into actionable insights for the Mars Commercial Leadership Team.

What are we looking for?

• Education: University degree (Bachelor's) in Engineering, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, or Computer Science. An Advanced Degree (Master's) or MBA in Business Analytics, Data Science, or Finance is highly desired.

• Professional Experience: 8+ years of progressive strategic sourcing, commercial procurement, or process management experience, preferably within a large, highly matrixed global organization.

• Digital Procurement Expertise: Proven, hands-on experience deploying, integrating, or optimizing leading procurement platforms, specifically SAP Ariba, ZIP, and advanced e-Sourcing engines like Keelvar.

• Leadership Capabilities: 5+ years of experience managing teams and successfully directing complex, multi-market transformation programs.

• Collaborative Mindset: Strong relationship-building skills with a track record of partnering successfully with Digital Technologies (DT), business buyers, finance, and internal audit teams.

• Analytical Skills: Advanced analytical and financial acumen, with the ability to synthesize complex, multi-source data to drive process strategy.

• Communication: Exceptional oral and written communication skills; fluent in English.