Product Development Scientist

Job Description

At Mars Food & Nutrition, you will help shape the future of food as a Product Development Scientist within the Global Food innovation pipeline. In this role, you will lead the product development workstream for highly complex projects, working closely with cross-functional teams to turn ideas into viable, scalable products. The position focuses on translating consumer needs and business ambitions into tangible product solutions.

Your Challenge

As a Product Development Scientist, you will be at the heart of global food innovation. Your role is crucial in leading development from concept through technical readiness while ensuring products meet standards for desirability, feasibility, and viability.

What are your key responsibilities?

• Lead the product development journey from initial concept to technical readiness, managing timelines and budgets while ensuring high standards are met.
• Collaborate with Global and Regional Marketing, R&D, Engineering, Supply, and Commercial teams to develop and evaluate new product concepts.
• Act as the product workstream leader, influencing stakeholders across regions and functions and supporting seamless teamwork from idea to launch.
• Apply expertise in food technologies, raw materials, recipes, and manufacturing processes to ensure robust product testing, risk management, and delivery of global product specifications.
• Drive efficiency and agility in ways of working, contributing insights that help shape the Science & Technology strategy.
• Quantify and describe key quality attributes through iterative prototyping, sensory evaluation, and consumer research.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Food Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Culinary Arts
• At least 5 years’ experience in product development within the food industry
• Culinary or kitchen/restaurant background, ideally as a Development Chef
• Strong project management skills and proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Professional knowledge of raw materials, recipe formulation, and manufacturing processes
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose-driven company focused on building the world of tomorrow.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to Mars University.
• An industry-competitive benefits package, including company bonus.