Manager – Supply Chain Operations

Role overview

The Manager, Supply Chain Operations, is tasked with shaping, rolling out, and delivering supplier and category plans for the Packaging category across the assigned markets. The position carries full accountability for category results, including supplier performance, sourcing delivery, and supply assurance, while staying aligned with customer needs and regional priorities.

As the main owner of supplier relationships in the assigned scope, this role builds dependable, trust-led partnerships that help ensure consistent, high-quality, and cost-effective supply to the McDonald’s system. It also drives the consistent use of global supplier engagement models, performance measures, and sourcing approaches so suppliers meet expectations on cost, quality, service, and innovation.

The position oversees sourcing for packaging materials such as paperboard, plastics, and inks. It covers the full sourcing cycle, including RFP and RFI activity, supplier evaluation, negotiations, and contract finalization. The Manager is also responsible for procurement delivery within the category scope, supplier performance management, supply continuity, and reducing risk through capacity planning and contingency planning.

Another key part of the role is maintaining packaging supply control to support customer demand, including aligning supply planning and managing risks to supply. Where needed, the Manager also engages with customers to share updates and keep alignment on supply, cost, and performance results.

This role works closely with teams across Packaging Development, Global Sourcing Services, Quality, Compliance, and Client Management to connect sourcing plans with commercialization and supply chain execution across markets. It is an important role in turning category strategy into delivery, while improving cost efficiency, protecting supply continuity, and strengthening operational performance.

Category execution and strategy deployment

• Put category strategies into action across assigned markets in line with regional and global goals.
• Convert strategic direction into practical sourcing and supplier plans that deliver the intended category outcomes.
• Support the creation of category plans and ensure they are effectively implemented at market level.
• Make sure regional needs and market insights are reflected in supplier decisions and execution.
• Remain accountable for category results across the assigned markets, including cost, supply, and supplier performance.

Supplier management and sourcing execution

• Lead supplier relationship management for the suppliers in scope, including strategic and critical suppliers.
• Develop strong supplier partnerships that support reliable delivery, innovation, and competitive pricing.
• Run sourcing activities such as RFPs, RFIs, supplier selection, negotiations, and contract completion.
• Manage supplier segmentation and portfolio choices in line with category and business objectives.
• Provide direction and oversight to ensure supplier engagement and performance management are carried out effectively.

Supplier performance and continuous improvement

• Own supplier performance against agreed KPIs covering cost, quality, service, and innovation, and push continuous improvement.
• Implement supplier performance frameworks such as STEP programs to achieve foundational and transformational outcomes.
• Work with internal stakeholders and subject matter experts to align regional priorities with global supplier strategies.

Supply assurance and risk management

• Be accountable for supply continuity across the assigned markets, including capacity planning, contingency planning, and production alignment.
• Spot and reduce risks linked to supply interruptions, price changes, quality issues, and supplier underperformance.
• Manage exposure to raw materials and support decisions that balance cost and risk.
• Help ensure uninterrupted supply of core and promotional items to meet customer expectations.

Financial and cost management

• Deliver cost-optimisation and value-creation goals within the assigned category scope.
• Track pricing, cost drivers, and spend visibility across markets.
• Maintain financial discipline in sourcing decisions and supplier agreements.

Stakeholder and cross-functional engagement

• Act as the main link between suppliers, customers where needed, and internal stakeholders.
• Partner with Product Development, Quality, Commercial, and Procurement teams to support sourcing, commercialization, and supply execution.
• Contribute to product development, supplier selection, and risk management decisions.
• Serve as the escalation contact for supplier and supply chain issues within the assigned scope.

Process, governance and source-to-contract execution

• Ensure sourcing processes, supplier engagement frameworks, and procurement policies are followed consistently.
• Lead Source-to-Contract activities within scope, including support for negotiations and contract execution.
• Handle contract execution together with central Procurement Services teams.
• Maintain accurate and reliable reporting on supply, cost, and supplier performance.

Skills and experience required

The ideal candidate will have around 8 or more years of experience in supply chain, procurement, or strategic sourcing, along with a strong record of achieving supplier performance and category delivery outcomes. The role calls for clear ownership of cost, supply, and supplier performance results, as well as the ability to lead commercial negotiations and secure effective outcomes.

Strong supplier relationship management skills are essential, including the ability to drive performance through structured engagement and accountability. Success in this role also depends on effective stakeholder management in a matrix environment, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and align people around business goals.

Applicants should be comfortable analysing market trends, cost drivers, and operational data to support decisions and solve complex problems. A sound understanding of supply continuity, risk management, and cost-risk trade-offs is also important, together with strong commercial awareness and financial judgement.

The position requires someone who works with urgency, takes ownership, and can manage complexity while delivering results. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are needed to build alignment and resolve issues. Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and familiarity with procurement or sourcing systems are expected. A bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related discipline is preferred, and professional certifications such as CIPS are an advantage.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field is preferred. Professional certifications such as CIPS are considered beneficial.