To contribute towards the delivery of Global Food projects by developing innovative product solutions, in order to deliver the Global Innovation pipeline. The projects can be highly complex, involving raw materials, recipe and processes; the role involves leadership of the product development workstream, typically as a Technical Project Lead within a cross functional project team. The job holder will be required to develop an understanding of the technical needs and capabilities across the regions and the ability to influence regional and global stakeholders across several business functions (including but not limited to R&D, Commercial, Supply and Marketing). They will be required to collaborate closely with regional partners to enable technical solutions to be developed and delivered. The job holder will also be expected to help support and drive our Mars Food culinary agenda.

What are we looking for?

Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Food Chemistry or Biochemistry

Alternatively: Culinary education/training with secondary education in food science

• Prior experience in product development
• Culinary/Kitchen/Restaurant experience
• Project management
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Fluent in English (verbally and written)
• Professional knowledge of raw material, recipe / formulation, manufacturing processes in a relevant field
• Excellent interpersonal skills, e.g., communication, relationship building, networking, teamwork

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Developing product solutions from initial concepts which deliver to defined consumer and customer benefits and ensuring these solutions deliver to a business model as part of the global food strategy - translate product development briefs into final product propositions aligning with internal stakeholders. Understands how to leverage technology platforms across multiple product propositions.
• Working seamlessly with Global and Regional Marketing, Packaging Innovation, Process Development, Science & Technology, Commercial, CMI, and Supply to establish product targets and key routes to implementation. Continuously drives improvements to how we work, particularly with regards efficiency and agility. Influence the S&T workstreams.
• Product development workstream leadership, effectively managing delivery to time, cost and quality whilst working with and influencing key stakeholders – understanding the balance of proposition Desirability, Viability and Feasibility. Development and delivery of the Product Specification.
• Effective risk management of the product development workstream, linking cross functionally.
• Driving the product development workstream to pre-stage gate ‘technical readiness.

Culinary Responsibilities:

• Drives product centred activities across our global markets, which enable customer engagement activities to take place while building confidence in our products with our key trade partners
• Leads product centred activities that expose associates and senior leaders including the Mars Family to our products thereby building confidence in the products we are proud of and ultimately more product ambassadors (e.g., Mars board meetings and family assemblies, food academy, connect to grow, global food summit, development week, cook-ups)

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 like-minded 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.