At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development from concept to launch, creating innovative food solutions.
- Company: Join Mars Food & Nutrition, a purpose-driven company making a global impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, and access to Mars University for continuous learning.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and stay ahead of culinary trends.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for food with science to create products consumers love.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field, plus culinary experience and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Job Description
Segment
Mars Food & Nutrition
Location
Oud-Beijerland, Netherlands
Type of contract
Permanent | Full-time
At Mars Food & Nutrition, we’re passionate about creating foods that consumers love and brands that make a positive impact around the world. As a
Product Development & Culinary Scientist
, you will help shape the future of our global innovation pipeline by transforming consumer and customer needs into exciting product solutions.
In this role, you’ll combine food science, product development, and culinary expertise to bring new products to life.
From early-stage concepts through to technical readiness and market implementation, you’ll play a critical role in delivering products that are desirable for consumers, viable for the business, and feasible to manufacture at scale.
You’ll lead the product development workstream for global innovation projects while partnering with colleagues across R&D, Marketing, Commercial, Supply, Engineering, Consumer Insights, and Quality & Food Safety.
Working across multiple projects, you’ll influence stakeholders globally and help ensure our products continue to delight consumers around the world.
What will be your key responsibilities?
- Lead product development activities across innovation and renovation projects from concept through launch.
- Translate product development briefs into compelling product propositions aligned with consumer, customer, and business needs.
- Develop scientifically sound and culinary-inspired product solutions that deliver against our global food strategy.
- Partner with Global and Regional teams to establish product targets and successful implementation pathways.
- Drive product development workstreams while balancing consumer desirability, technical feasibility, and commercial viability.
- Manage project timelines, budgets, risks, and technical deliverables to ensure successful execution.
- Own critical product attributes, including taste, product performance, nutritional profile, and recipe cost.
- Utilize prototyping, sensory evaluation, consumer insights, and technical testing to optimize product performance.
- Manage intellectual property opportunities and risks throughout the product development process.
- Support regional adaptation of propositions where required to meet local consumer and market needs.
- Communicate progress, recommendations, and technical decisions effectively to stakeholders at all levels.
- Driving Culinary Excellence
A unique part of this role is bringing culinary thinking into product innovation.
You will
- Champion culinary excellence throughout the product development process.
- Lead product-centered activities that strengthen engagement with customers, consumers, and internal stakeholders.
- Help build culinary capability across the global product development community.
- Stay connected to emerging culinary trends, food culture, and industry developments to inspire future innovation.
- Build and maintain relationships with external culinary experts, suppliers, and innovation partners.
What are we looking for?
We’re looking for someone who enjoys turning ambitious ideas into great products and thrives at the intersection of science, food, and consumer experience.
- Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Food Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.
- Culinary training, culinary education, or hands-on experience in a professional kitchen, foodservice, or product development environment.
- 3+ years of experience in developing food products within an R&D, innovation, manufacturing, or food development environment.
- Strong understanding of ingredients, recipe formulation, food technologies, and manufacturing processes.
- Experience leading complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
- Strong project management and organizational capabilities.
- Ability to build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders across functions and regions.
- Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
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 a company bonus.
Product Development & Culinary Scientist in London 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 Product Development & Culinary Scientist in London
✨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 Product Development & Culinary Scientist in London
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.
