Sr. Product Development Scientist

Sr. Product Development Scientist –
Mars

The Associate in this role will be expected to serve as technical project leader (TPL) and contribute to the development of superior propositions based on pet & pet parent insights. They will work in close partnership with the relevant marketing and supply functions, brand boards and R&D functional teams to ensure the technical robustness and validation of the product design.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science/Technology, Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Science related technical field or equivalent
• 6+ years Product Development/Product Innovation experience in food related Industry
• Must have experience with leading technical project teams
• Must have experience in translating insights into product execution (idea to concept to execution)
• Proven ability to work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment
• Technical project management experience and expertise
• Up to 20% travel required

• Advanced degree in Food Science/Technology, Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Science related technical field

• Technical project lead for central product innovation projects, representing all R&D functions as part of the core project team and leading the technical project team to ensure the development and validation of superior propositions based on pet & pet parent insights and robust technical deliveries at DB and AB stage gates.
• Accountable for technical delivery of medium/high complexity innovation projects or sub-projects, ensuring compliance with relevant S&OP+ business processes (Global Innovation Process (GIP), QUEST, Design for Vertical Start Up Product & Pack) and managing delivery on time, cost and quality while influencing key stakeholders.
• Lead technical project team with risk and opportunity management mindset, delivering robust risk assessments and timely communication of project status, breakthroughs and findings.
• Ensure product solutions meet agreed business model delivering against critical success factors and targets (nutrition standards, palatability, digestibility, fat quality, recipe cost, carbon intensity, shelf‑life, claims) while applying regulatory/legal, quality, and food & people safety considerations.
• Leverage internal and external resources to build competitor landscapes and identify insights on product design, claims, ingredients.
• Generate and be custodian of product project deliverables at GIB‑NPR‑DB‑AB stage gates (Product Brief, technical project time plan, key quality attributes, specifications, Readiness Reviews, Innovation Blueprint).
• Work seamlessly with global & local marketing, process & packaging innovation, regional and site R&D, commercial, CMI, and supply to establish product targets and implementation routes.
• Build functional excellence in Product Development, staying informed on technology, innovation and business trends, competitive set, trade customers, equipment suppliers.
• Proactively manage intellectual property risks and opportunities.
• Provide training and support to associates within the Product Development fields of expertise.

• Work with diverse and talented associates, guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose‑driven company striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best‑in‑class learning and development support from day one, including Mars University.
• Industry‑competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

Mars does not sponsor visas for this role.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Food and Beverage Manufacturing