Job Description
This is a strategic leadership position responsible for driving global Innovation & Renovation (I&R) across a portfolio of iconic food brands. The Director leads a multidisciplinary team (~35 Associates) covering Product Development, Packaging, Materials, Culinary, Consumer Insights, and Digital, with a focus on breakthrough innovation, renovation, sustainability, and digital transformation. The role is pivotal for Mars Food & Nutrition’s growth, health & wellbeing, and sustainability ambitions.
What are we looking for?
- 12+ years of R&D leadership in food/nutrition within FMCG.
- Proven success in global innovation and renovation.
- Consumer insights, culinary, material science, cost optimization, digital R&D.
- Business continuity, risk management, and operational excellence.
- Demonstrated leadership in leveraging digital technologies - such as data analytics, AI, ML, and digital product development - to drive innovation and accelerate R&D outcomes.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management; experience managing large, multicultural teams.
- Advanced degree (MSc/PhD) in Food Science, Technology, Culinary Arts, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
What will be your responsibilities?
- Innovation & Renovation Leadership
- Craft and execute a global I&R R&D strategy for all brands, ensuring a robust pipeline of consumer-centric, culinary-led, and science-based products.
- Collaborate with Marketing, Commercial, and Supply teams to identify and prioritize innovation opportunities.
- Foster creativity, agility, and discipline, leveraging external partnerships and digital tools.
- Lead initiatives to ensure supply chain resilience and risk mitigation for critical materials and processes.
- Drive sustainable margin improvement via material science, process innovation, and supplier partnerships.
- Oversee technical risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
- Lead global efforts to reduce environmental impact of packaging.
- Develop technical solutions for packaging regulations, ensuring compliance and proactive adaptation.
- Collaborate with Commercial and Supply Chain to create sustainable packaging solutions.
- Embed sustainability principles throughout product and packaging development.
- Build deep expertise in key ingredients and packaging materials.
- Work with procurement and suppliers to qualify and implement new materials/technologies.
- Ensure adherence to global food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
- Align global R&D team to divisional priorities and annual goals.
- Lead budget planning and resource allocation, ensuring strategic alignment.
- Establish KPIs and drive process efficiency and effectiveness.
- Oversee governance, analysis, and reporting for innovation and technical project portfolios.
- Promote cross-functional collaboration and provide governance to technical forums.
- Drive technical capability development, especially in digital and sustainability.
- Plan capital investments to support innovation and growth.
- Develop unified R&D communication strategies with Corporate Affairs.
- Lead design and implementation of new operating models and processes.
- Inspire and develop a diverse, high-performing global R&D team.
- Build strong relationships with internal/external stakeholders.
- Represent Mars Food & Nutrition R&D at global forums, industry events, and with key customers.
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. A strong focus on 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.
