Director, Cocoa Life Operations

Job Description
Are You Ready to Make It Happen at Mondelēz International?
Join our Mission to Lead the Future of Snacking. Make It Matter.
Mondelēz International is seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Director of Operations for its Cocoa Life program. This individual will be entrusted with the responsibility of driving excellence in the implementation and effectiveness where the program is implemented. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute significantly to the future of sustainable cocoa at Mondelēz International.
How you will contribute
You will contribute to the strategy development and implement programs to sustainably source key raw ingredients such as cocoa, wheat, and palm oil. In addition, you will oversee strategy development and execution of the company's human rights due diligence approach and implement forced and child labor monitoring and remediation; partner with the Supply Chain to support strategies and execution of Mondelēz International's carbon dioxide, water and waste programs, and build stronger relationships among Public and Government Affairs Center's of Expertise and Business Units to provide strong and guiding input to regulatory positions. You will play a key role in the company's external stakeholder engagement and investor relationships.
What you will bring
A desire to lead the future for our company and accelerate you career with experience and knowledge in:

• Developing and implementing a sustainability strategy and program that encompasses agriculture, end-to-end science-based environment, and social/ human rights
• Partnering with brands and business units to drive business growth through sustainability programs
• Leadership roles in a Fortune 500 company sustainability platform, particularly in formulating the business case and securing investment
• Expertise in Sustainability approaches and related cutting-edge innovation and technology

More about this role
What you need to know about this position:
This Director-level role carries significant responsibility for the performance of Cocoa Life operations across a designated set of countries. The successful candidate will directly influence the effectiveness and efficiency of our Cocoa Life program, which is a critical component of our overall business strategy. The role requires strong experience in managing operations, a good understanding the complex socio-economic factors that impact cocoa farming communities, the ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and to leverage cross functional strengths. The Director will represent Mondelēz International's commitment to sustainable cocoa in some stakeholders 'groups.
What extra ingredients you will bring:
Key Responsibilities:
Steer the implementation of the Cocoa Life strategy

• Drive the roll out of the Cocoa Life program to deliver the volume required by the brands (scale up plan)
• Spearhead the development and execution of comprehensive plans for cocoa operations across multiple countries, ensuring seamless alignment with program goals and priorities
• Proactively identify, rigorously assess, and capitalize on opportunities for improvement of Cocoa Life program, with the overarching aim of increasing impact, optimizing operational efficiency and enhancing value creation for brands.
• Enhance cross-functional collaboration - foster strong relationships across internal functions to implement the Cocoa Life strategy
• Partner with M&E lead on Cocoa Life's learning agenda to drive continuous improvement of the program's interventions
• Proactively identify, comprehensively assess, and effectively manage risks associated with Cocoa Life operations, including potential risk of missing volume targets

Drive strategic partnerships

• Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key strategic partners
• Lead negotiation of proposals and contract finalization with strategic partners
• Establish and maintain effective communication channels with internal and external stakeholders and build collaborative relationships.
• Active contribution in selected industry platforms

Oversee operations & Execution:

• Exercise comprehensive oversight over all facets of program operations
• Work cross-functionally in the implementation, and maintenance of MDLZ process, policies, and procedures.
• Provide strategic direction to cross-functional teams, empowering them to achieve operational excellence, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and consistently elevate cocoa quality and sustainability standards.
• Diligently manage comprehensive budgets for cocoa operations across multiple countries, ensuring responsible allocation of resources and adherence to MDLZ's financial policies.
• Implement rigorous cost control measures to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations, maximizing the return on investment

Operational team & Talent Development:

• Build, nurture, and empower a high-performing, diverse, and engaged team of cocoa operations professionals across multiple countries, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and shared success.
• Provide personalized coaching, strategic mentoring, and targeted training opportunities to team members, empowering them to enhance their skills, expand their knowledge base, and maximize their professional potential.
• Cultivate a vibrant and inclusive team environment that fosters open communication, encourages creative problem-solving, and promotes a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Ensure effective and transparent communication and seamless coordination across all levels of the organization, fostering a unified approach to achieving strategic objectives.

Education / Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management/procurement, Business Administration, International Development, or a related field. A Master's degree or MBA is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 12-15 years of progressive experience in operations, supply chain management, or agricultural development, with a significant portion of that experience in a leadership role with multi-country responsibilities.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully managing complex operations in multiple countries, with a proven ability to drive significant improvements in efficiency
• Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively negotiate with and influence a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural environment, demonstrating sensitivity to cultural nuances and building strong relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong commitment to promoting responsible sourcing practices.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to leverage data-driven insights to make informed decisions and drive continuous improvement.
• Willingness and ability to travel to cocoa-growing regions and MDLZ hubs
• Fluency in English and French is required. Other relevant languages spoken in cocoa-growing regions is a plus.
• Helpful but not a requirement: Deep and comprehensive understanding of the cocoa supply chain, encompassing farming practices, processing methods, market dynamics, and the multifaceted sustainability challenges facing the industry

Job specific requirements:
Key Competencies:

• Global Supply Chain Expertise
• Operational Excellence & Efficiency
• Sustainability Leadership & Advocacy
• Stakeholder Management & Engagement
• Team Leadership & Talent Development
• Results driven with strong risk management & mitigation
• Cross-Cultural Communication & Collaboration
• Negotiation & Influencing
• Strategic decision making

To Apply:
Highly motivated and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their application online through the Mondelēz International careers website. Please include a detailed resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your relevant experience and highlighting your contributions to the cocoa sector.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Mondelēz International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are firmly committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other legally protected status. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our success and we are dedicated to fostering a culture of respect, equity, and belonging for all employees.
No Relocation support available
Business Unit Summary
At Mondelēz International, our purpose is to empower people to snack right by offering the right snack, for the right moment, made the right way. That means delivering a broad range of delicious, high-quality snacks that nourish life's moments, made with sustainable ingredients and packaging that consumers can feel good about.
We have a rich portfolio of strong brands globally and locally including many household names such as Oreo, belVita and LU biscuits; Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate; Sour Patch Kids candy and Trident gum. We are proud to hold the top position globally in biscuits, chocolate and candy and the second top position in gum.
Our 80,000 makers and bakers are located in more than 80 countries and we sell our products in over 150 countries around the world. Our people are energized for growth and critical to us living our purpose and values. We are a diverse community that can make things happen-and happen fast.
Mondelēz International is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Job Type
Regular
Sustainability, Well Being & Social Impact
Corporate & Government Affairs