Sr. Business Process Owner, Global Record To Report

Job Description:

Pet Nutrition (PN) is the most vibrant category in the FMCG sector. As we work to transform this exciting category, a new program, Shepherd, has been mobilized by the Mars PN leadership team. Shepherd is focused on the accelerated creation and implementation of a next generation ERP for Pet Nutrition. Much more than a simple "Lift and Shift," this program will undertake a major process simplification and harmonization scope as we digitally transform our business.

Shepherd is focused primarily on four mega process areas: Finance, Source to Pay (procurement and vendor mgmt.), Plan to Fulfill (manufacturing and distribution), and Lead to Cash (order processing and payment). This transformation requires thought leadership, quality decision making, deep technical know-how, and an ability to navigate complex business challenges while applying a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach to each of these mega processes.

The role of Global Record To Report (RTR), Fixed Asset (FA), Intercompany (IC), Invoice to Pay (I2P), Invoice to Cash (I2C) and Tax and Treasury (T&T) Sr. Business Process Owner (BPO), within the Finance process area, will collaborate closely with fellow BPOs guiding the redesign of Finance processes capturing its impact on the financial template. Throughout this transformative journey, the Global RTR, FA, IC, I2P, I2C and T&T Sr. BPO will be instrumental in ensuring compliance with our Finance Manual, minimizing the impact on Record to Report (R2R) processes and the overall Finance template.

Beyond process redesign, this role involves a crucial liaison function with various consulting teams from both the business side and system integrators. Acting as the guardian of the company's business processes, the Global RTR, FA, IC, I2P, I2C and T&T Sr. BPO will manage the vision for our financial systems, translating complex business requirements and system limitations between internal stakeholders and contractors.

In a landscape of impending transformation, the Global Record To Report (RTR), Sr. BPO will not merely support change but drive it, navigating transitions, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that our finance processes are robust, efficient, and strategically aligned.

• The role is required to support Global ERP transformation and radical process simplification initiative for Pet Nutrition at the same time engaging with other segments across Mars that are executing the same transformation Initiatives. The role is a full-time role assigned to the project and will end with the project end.

• The role operates across regions and functions for Shepherd.

• The role brings standard and best business process practices to the SI and technology teams. Partnering with these teams to provide input into the configuration of the ERP.

• Coordination and communication across all S&F, Commercial, Supply and Demand functions to ensure the mobilization of all interested parties to the delivery of Shepherd.

• Works with Regional Deployment directors, Functional directors & Senior Managers but also consultants, DT, Finance copilot and external partners.

• Works through influencing and indirect control depending on the nature of the delivery.

What are we looking for?

• Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. A Master's degree or MBA would be considered an advantage.

• Functional Acumen: A strong understanding of financial concepts, financial shared service organizations, and financial analysis.

• ERP Knowledge: Experience or formal training in ERP systems is desirable. Experience in ERP transformation projects or ERP implementation would be advantageous.

• Project Management: Certification in Project Management methodologies such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2 would be considered a plus.

• Finance: Extensive knowledge and experience in the following business processes: financial accounting, closing and reporting processes; invoice to pay; Invoice to cash; fixed asset accounting, Intercompany accounting, and tax and treasury.

• Understanding of interdependencies across roles in S&F, Supply Chain, Demand, and Commercial.

• ERP Systems: Knowledge of ERP systems, especially regarding their implementation processes, data structures, workflows, integration management, and key project phases. Experience with ERP transformations, especially in the context of finance processes performed by shared service organizations, would be highly valuable.

• Business Transformation: Experience in leading or participating in business transformation projects, with a focus on aligning finance functions with new business processes and ERP systems.

• Stakeholder Management: Proven experience managing relationships with stakeholders at various levels, including senior management, consultants, and cross-functional teams. The ability to translate business requirements and system limitations across different audiences is essential.

• IT and Technology: Exposure to modern technology trends in Finance such as RPA, AI, and OCR would be advantageous. Familiarity with data analytics tools and techniques would be beneficial.

• Leadership: This role is expected to have three direct reports. Experience in leading people and projects, coordinating teams, or managing initiatives is essential. This includes the ability to influence without authority and drive cross-functional collaboration.

• Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to adapt and succeed in a changing environment. This includes experience with first-time situations or conditions, learning agility, and the ability to operate with limited information and high ambiguity.

• Communication: Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex information with precision and clarity at all levels of the organization

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Business Process Ownership: Drive the overall vision, strategy, and execution for the RTR, FA, IC, I2P, I2C and T&T business processes, ensuring alignment with broader corporate strategy.

• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: Establish strong relationships with key stakeholders across the program, cross-segment teams (particularly, working closely with Royal Canin Sr. BPOs to agree on key elements of design to ensure consistency in financial processes across PN and RC driving synergies at a Petcare level), MGS Finance, Corporate Tax and Treasury, ICTCs, DT organization, and Corporate Technology Teams. Additionally, collaborate effectively with Shepherd PMO, Change Management, various technology teams, and consultants ensuring alignment and promoting organizational agility.

• Process Design & Transformation: Actively participate in the design of RTR, FA, IC, I2P, I2C and T&T business processes, advocating for simplified and standardized operations and supporting the smooth transition to new methodologies. Propose improvements and potential archetypes required for process and system changes based on the business needs. Coordinate alignment between all regions within Pet Nutrition as well as cross-segment alignment on all changes. Own the governance of all process and system changes and document all changes for outlined scope within RTR, FA, IC, I2P, I2C and T&T process areas, including inter-dependencies across different process areas.

• ERP Architecting: Take charge as the chief business process architect, defining the ERP template to mirror end-to-end RTR, FA, IC, I2P, I2C and T&T business processes.

• Pilot and Deployment: Create capability library to support capability based on new process and system definitions. Hand-over all changes and collaborate with regional teams for implementation and monitor execution. Track simplification outcomes with specifically defined KPIs. This role is the enabler providing critical support for change.

• Continuous Learning and Strategic Influence: Apply lessons from past experiences to new or first-time conditions. Use a deep understanding of RTR, FA, IC, I2P, I2C and T&T business processes to provide thought leadership, influencing project/program outcomes and overall business strategy.

• Leadership and Conflict Management: Inspire, mobilize, and motivate teams, adapting your interpersonal style to engage a diverse workforce. Resolve conflicts effectively and deliver difficult messages with empathy and clarity.

• Communication and Problem-Solving: Exhibit exceptional communication skills, conveying complex information with precision and clarity at all levels of the organization. Overcome barriers to project delivery by leveraging diverse program/project management methodologies and demonstrating resilience under pressure.

• Best Practice Advocacy: Advocate for the sharing and implementation of best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• ERP Stewardship, Fit-Gap Analysis & Educational Leadership: Safeguard the integrity and utility of the ERP core template, engaging in Fit-Gap analysis and validating identified gaps. Act as a 'Center of Excellence', educating and supporting the Power and Key User community on ERP usage, process updates, and best practices.

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.