At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global innovation and renovation for iconic food brands, driving sustainability and digital transformation.
- Company: Join Mars Food & Nutrition, a purpose-driven company focused on health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and access to Mars University for continuous learning.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across global teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while leading a diverse, talented team.
- Qualifications: 12+ years in R&D leadership with expertise in food science and digital technologies.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
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?
- Experience: 12+ years of R&D leadership in food/nutrition within FMCG.
- Track Record: Proven success in global innovation and renovation.
- Expertise: Consumer insights, culinary, material science, cost optimization, digital R&D.
- Experience: Business continuity, risk management, and operational excellence.
- Experience: Demonstrated leadership in leveraging digital technologies - such as data analytics, AI, ML, and digital product development - to drive innovation and accelerate R&D outcomes.
- Leadership: Exceptional communication and stakeholder management; experience managing large, multicultural teams.
- Education: Advanced degree (MSc/PhD) in Food Science, Technology, Culinary Arts, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
What will be your responsibilities?
- Innovation & Renovation Leadership
- Strategy Development: 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.
- Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate with Marketing, Commercial, and Supply teams to identify and prioritize innovation opportunities.
- Culture Building: Foster creativity, agility, and discipline, leveraging external partnerships and digital tools.
- Business Continuity & Value Leadership
- Supply Resilience: Lead initiatives to ensure supply chain resilience and risk mitigation for critical materials and processes.
- Cost Optimization: Drive sustainable margin improvement via material science, process innovation, and supplier partnerships.
- Risk Management: Oversee technical risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
- Packaging Sustainability Program Leadership
- Sustainability Initiatives: Lead global efforts to reduce environmental impact of packaging.
- Regulatory Compliance: Develop technical solutions for packaging regulations, ensuring compliance and proactive adaptation.
- Innovation in Packaging: Collaborate with Commercial and Supply Chain to create sustainable packaging solutions.
- Sustainability Integration: Embed sustainability principles throughout product and packaging development.
- Material Expertise
- Raw Material Mastery: Build deep expertise in key ingredients and packaging materials.
- Supplier Collaboration: Work with procurement and suppliers to qualify and implement new materials/technologies.
- Compliance: Ensure adherence to global food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
- R&D Operations Excellence
- Strategy & Execution: Align global R&D team to divisional priorities and annual goals.
- Budget & Resources: Lead budget planning and resource allocation, ensuring strategic alignment.
- Performance Metrics: Establish KPIs and drive process efficiency and effectiveness.
- Portfolio Governance: Oversee governance, analysis, and reporting for innovation and technical project portfolios.
- Collaboration: Promote cross-functional collaboration and provide governance to technical forums.
- Capability Building: Drive technical capability development, especially in digital and sustainability.
- Capital Investment: Plan capital investments to support innovation and growth.
- Communication: Develop unified R&D communication strategies with Corporate Affairs.
- Transformation: Lead design and implementation of new operating models and processes.
- Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
- Team Leadership: Inspire and develop a diverse, high-performing global R&D team.
- Stakeholder Management: Build strong relationships with internal/external stakeholders.
- Representation: 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.
Global R&D Director, Innovation & Renovation, Mars Food & Nutrition in London employer: Mars
Mars Food & Nutrition is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and sustainability within the food industry. With a strong commitment to employee development through initiatives like Mars University, a collaborative work culture, and a focus on diversity, associates are empowered to drive meaningful change while enjoying competitive salaries and benefits. This strategic leadership role offers the opportunity to lead a talented team in a dynamic environment, making a significant impact on global food brands and their future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global R&D Director, Innovation & Renovation, Mars Food & Nutrition in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want to see how you can fit into our team at Mars Food & Nutrition, so be ready to share your insights on innovation and sustainability in food!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When discussing your experience, highlight how you've led diverse teams and driven successful projects. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and motivate others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who align with our values.
We think you need these skills to ace Global R&D Director, Innovation & Renovation, Mars Food & Nutrition in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your R&D leadership experience in food/nutrition and any successful innovation projects you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell your story! Explain why you're passionate about innovation in food and how your background aligns with Mars Food & Nutrition's goals. Don't forget to mention your experience with digital technologies and sustainability.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your ability to lead diverse teams and manage stakeholders. Share examples of how you've fostered creativity and collaboration in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you into the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mars
✨Know Your Innovation & Renovation Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into Mars Food & Nutrition's current innovation and renovation strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in driving consumer-centric and science-based products.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and success in managing large, multicultural teams. Think about specific instances where you fostered creativity and agility within your team, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Digital Savvy
Since digital transformation is key, be prepared to discuss how you've leveraged technologies like data analytics, AI, and ML in your previous roles. Share concrete examples of how these tools have driven innovation and improved R&D outcomes.
✨Engage with Sustainability Initiatives
Mars places a strong emphasis on sustainability, so come equipped with insights on how you've led sustainability initiatives in packaging or product development. Discuss any innovative solutions you've implemented that align with their environmental goals.
