At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the charge in developing sustainable packaging solutions and drive innovation.
- Company: Join Mars Food & Nutrition, a leader in sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, and access to Mars University for continuous learning.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and influence in a purpose-driven company.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while collaborating with diverse partners and teams.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and 5+ years in packaging R&D or sustainability roles.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Job Description
Segment
Mars Food & Nutrition
Location
Paddington
Type of contract
- permanent, full-time
- Drive the Future of Sustainable Packaging Innovation
At Mars Food & Nutrition, we're reimagining packaging to help create a more sustainable future.
From advancing circularity and recyclability to exploring breakthrough materials and technologies, innovation is at the heart of delivering our sustainability commitments.
We're looking for a
Sustainability Open Innovation & Technology Lead to identify, develop, and scale the next generation of sustainable packaging solutions.
This is a highly visible role where you'll connect external innovation ecosystems with internal business priorities, translating emerging technologies into real-world impact across our portfolio.
You'll build strategic partnerships with startups, suppliers, universities, research institutes, and industry leaders while working cross-functionally with Packaging R&D, Sustainability, Regulatory, Engineering, Quality, and Commercial teams to bring future-ready packaging solutions to life.
If you're passionate about innovation, sustainability, and shaping what's next, we'd love to hear from you.
What are your Key Responsibilities?
- Open Innovation & Technology Scouting
- Identify, assess, and prioritize emerging packaging technologies, materials, suppliers, startups, research organizations, and innovation partners.
- Build and manage an external innovation network across academia, technology providers, industry associations, and sustainability ecosystems.
- Continuously monitor packaging technology trends, regulatory developments, competitive activity, and market innovations.
- Evaluate new technologies and materials against sustainability, technical feasibility, cost, scalability, and business requirements.
- Translate external innovation opportunities into actionable business recommendations and project pipelines.
- Packaging Sustainability Innovation
- Lead the identification and development of innovative packaging solutions that support recyclability, recycled content, material reduction, alternative materials, and circular economy objectives.
- Conduct technical assessments, feasibility studies, and proof-of-concept evaluations for new packaging technologies and materials.
- Support development and implementation of packaging solutions that address current and emerging sustainability requirements.
- Build technology and material roadmaps aligned with business priorities, sustainability targets, and regulatory commitments.
- Identify opportunities to accelerate delivery of sustainability goals through innovation and external collaboration.
- Partnership Development & External Collaboration
- Establish and manage strategic relationships with suppliers, startups, universities, research institutes, and technology providers.
- Facilitate collaboration between internal stakeholders and external partners to accelerate innovation delivery.
- Support evaluation, onboarding, and management of innovation partners and development projects.
- Identify opportunities to leverage capabilities across Mars segments, Corporate and external networks.
- Technology Development & Implementation
- Lead innovation projects from opportunity identification through feasibility, development, pilot validation, and implementation.
- Partner with Packaging R&D, S&T, Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, and Sustainability teams to scale new technologies and materials.
- Support technology transfer and implementation across internal manufacturing sites and co-manufacturing partners.
- Identify and proactively manage technical risks, barriers, and implementation challenges.
- Support development of business cases, and stakeholder recommendations for innovation investments.
- Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
What are we looking for?
- Degree in Packaging Science, Materials Science, Engineering, Sustainability, Food Science, or a related technical discipline
- 5+ years of experience in Packaging R&D, Sustainability, Open Innovation, Materials Development, Packaging Technology, or related functions.
- Experience evaluating and implementing packaging innovations, new materials, or emerging technologies.
- Experience managing external innovation partnerships and supplier collaborations.
- Strong understanding of packaging materials, recyclability, circular economy principles, and sustainability trends (M. Sc./Ph. D. projects in relevant areas are welcome).
- Experience leading technical projects from concept through implementation.
- Proven ability to influence stakeholders and lead cross-functional initiatives without direct authority.
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
Ready to unlock the next generation of sustainable packaging?
If you're excited by emerging technologies, external innovation, and building partnerships that accelerate sustainability, this could be your opportunity to make a lasting impact at Mars.
Apply today and help us transform innovative ideas into sustainable solutions for tomorrow.
Sustainability Open Innovation & Technology Leader - UK 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 Sustainability Open Innovation & Technology Leader - UK in London
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like Mars that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like Mars that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like Mars. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like Mars when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability Open Innovation & Technology Leader - UK in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with Mars's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Sustainability Open Innovation & Technology Leader - UK.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research Mars and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that Mars is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Sustainability Open Innovation & Technology Leader - UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mars
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with Mars.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at Mars.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of Mars. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
