At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global food safety standards and drive continuous improvement across Mars Petcare.
- Company: Join Mars, a purpose-driven company committed to a better world for pets.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, and best-in-class learning opportunities from day one.
- Other info: Global role with 25% travel, offering excellent career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on pet nutrition and safety while working with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in Food Safety Management Systems and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
This job is with Mars, an inclusive employer and a member of my Gwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.
Job Description
Food Safety Management Systems Lead
At Mars Petcare, our purpose is simple: A Better World for Pets.
Every day, millions of pet parents trust our brands to provide safe, high-quality nutrition for their pets.
As our Food Safety Management Systems Lead, you'll play a critical role in protecting that trust by driving world-class food safety standards across all global Pet Nutrition Units, Pet & Innovation Centres, and is the liaison with the Food Safety Hub and Corporate team.
This is a highly visible global role responsible for leading the governance, implementation and continuous improvement of Food Safety Management Systems across Mars Petcare.
Working across more than 65 manufacturing sites and partnering with regional, segment and corporate stakeholders, you'll help ensure compliance with FSSC 22000, HACCP, GMP, Food Fraud and Food Defense requirements while driving a culture of continuous improvement.
What will you do?
As the global subject matter expert for Food Safety Management Systems, you'll partner with Quality, Manufacturing, R&D and Corporate teams to strengthen food safety capabilities and ensure consistent standards across our Petcare operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the global deployment, governance and continuous improvement of FSSC 22000 across
Mars Petcare Nutrition Divisions.
- Drive compliance with Food Safety Management
Standard , HACCP, GMP, Food Fraud and Food Defence programmes.
- Monitor food safety performance, identify risks and opportunities, and ensure robust action plans are in place.
- Develop food safety standards, processes and documentation aligned with evolving regulatory and business requirements.
- Support and coordinate external certification audits and technical food safety assessments.
- Build capability across the organisation through training, coaching and food safety community leadership.
- Partner on digital transformation initiatives that enhance food safety compliance and effectiveness.
What are we looking for?
- Strong experience in Food Safety Management Systems within a manufacturing environment.
- Deep knowledge of HACCP, ISO 22000 and ideally FSSC 22000 standards.
- Experience leading cross-functional projects and influencing stakeholders across global organisations.
- Auditing experience within HACCP, GMP or ISO/FSSC 22000 environments.
- Excellent communication, facilitation and coaching skills
- Strong capability in risk management, continuous improvement and programme governance.
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Science, Technology or a related discipline.
What can you expect from Mars?
- Work with 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 Mars University.
- An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
Please note: This is a global role requiring approximately 25% international travel to support manufacturing sites, audits and stakeholder engagement activities across the Mars Petcare network.
Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or who are neurodiverse during the application and recruitment process.
To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here
Food Safety Management Systems Lead employer: Mars
Mars in Melton Mowbray is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With competitive salaries, private healthcare, and ample opportunities for career advancement, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles while working with state-of-the-art technology in the FMCG sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Safety Management Systems Lead
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Mars.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Mars!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Mars, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Mars, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Food Safety Management Systems Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Mars, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Mars.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Mars. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Mars. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mars
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Mars’s mission.
