Empowered to act, not wait for permission: Sophie Rowen on what she enjoys most about her role at MDLZ

Tuesday, November 03, 2026

From joining Mondelēz International as a Supply Chain graduate in 2019 to exploring six different roles in seven years, Sophie Rowen's career journey reflects the breadth of opportunities available at MDLZ. Working across projects, teams and supply chain operations has helped her build new skills, embrace challenges and discover different ways to make an impact. In this story, Sophie shares what makes working in Supply Chain at Mondelēz International rewarding, from the people who make every challenge worthwhile to a culture that encourages ownership, continuous learning and career growth, and how she brings you make MDLZ to life every day.

Tell us something about yourself and your journey at Mondelēz International.

I joined Mondelēz on the Supply Chain Graduate Scheme in September 2019, and in the seven years since, I've had the opportunity to take on six different roles across a variety of teams within Supply Chain. That breadth of experience has been incredible, from delivering large-scale projects like a warehouse migration, to visiting factories, warehouses, and co-packers to really understand how our supply chain operates end to end. Every move has taught me something new and given me a deeper appreciation for how it all connects. It’s an exciting company to be part of and you never know what’s coming next.

What attracted you to the company as a graduate?

It was the brands that first caught my eye, and the idea of working with childhood favorites like Cadbury felt like a dream come true. But what truly sealed it was what I discovered when I dug a little deeper. The growth opportunities, the investment in people, and the ethos of the company made it clear this was far more than a place to start my career. It was a place where I could see myself building one for the long term.

When you started as a graduate, could you have imagined how far your career would develop over the next seven years?

I always knew the opportunities for growth and development were available and that was one of the things that attracted me to MDLZ in the first place. But honestly, I didn't expect to have so many opportunities, or to progress as quickly as I have. What I love is that the learning never stops. Just when you start to feel like you've mastered a role or an area, something new comes along to challenge you. There is always a different project to dive into and an exciting shift just around the corner, and seven years in, that still has not changed.

What do you enjoy most about your role today?

Two things stand out for me. First, the people. Supply Chain can be challenging, fast-paced, and let us be honest, full of drama. But it is the people around you that make it genuinely enjoyable. You are never on your own, and the team I work with are some of the best people I have ever had the privilege of working alongside. They turn even the toughest days into a moment you can laugh about afterward.

Second, the autonomy. In my current role in Fulfillment, and across Supply Chain more broadly, we are trusted to make decisions every day. We take ownership of products, service, and waste, and we are empowered to act rather than wait for permission. That level of responsibility makes the work feel meaningful.

What makes Supply Chain interesting for you?

No two days are the same, and that is what keeps it exciting. Supply Chain sits right at the heart of the business, and we are responsible for getting products from our factories to the right customers at the right time. What makes it so dynamic is that we are constantly influenced by factors we cannot always predict, both internal and external. One week it might be an unexpected heat wave driving a surge in demand for our cheese category. The next, it could be global supply challenges affecting our ingredients, or a new technology changing the way we operate. Every day brings a different problem to solve, and on top of that, there is such a breadth of roles to explore, so your career never stands still.

What advice would you give your younger self on the first day at the company?

Just say yes, even when it does not sound like your thing. Whether it is a project that does not excite you on paper or an opportunity that feels like a stretch, you never truly know what it might lead to. Some of the best roles I have had are the ones I did not want at first, but I went in with an open mind and a willingness to give it a shot. The reality is that you can always say no later, but you cannot go back and say yes to an opportunity you never tried.

As previously being part of the Graduate scheme, what are your biggest takeaways/ learnings from the program that helped you where you are today?

My biggest takeaway is to keep asking questions. Early on, it felt daunting, especially once you have been in a role for a while and feel like you should have all the answers. But I quickly learned that nobody knows everything, and asking someone to explain a concept or a process is welcomed and respected at every level. It is always better to ask than to quietly assume you understand.

The second is that networking is vital, but it happens far more naturally than you might expect. It goes beyond formal mentoring sessions. It’s the coffee catch-ups, the conversations in passing, and the people you collaborate with on projects. As you grow and move through different roles, every person you have worked with becomes part of your network. You never know when your paths will cross again or when that connection will make all the difference.

With everything you have experienced and achieved here, how do you bring “YOU Make MDLZ” to life in your own way?

For me, “You Make MDLZ” means that the culture here isn’t something that just happens; it’s something each of us builds every day. I try to bring that to life through my team. Whether it’s our team check-ins, where we genuinely connect before diving into the week, or stepping up to mentor new graduates and showing them what Mondelēz is really like from the inside, I want people to feel that this is a place where they belong and can grow. I’m proud that my team feels supported to do their best work, and I think that’s what makes Mondelēz special. It’s the people who choose to show up for each other.