The Central Innovation Technology Hubs play a key role in contributing to the delivery of our Pet Nutrition growth sufficiency ambition. This is achieved through the delivery of innovation projects spanning our brands within Pet Nutrition. 

The scope of these projects varies in the levels of complexity but typically encompasses innovation and renovation, which covers different ingredients, processes, packaging, product designs and claim technologies.

The associate in this role will be expected to serve as a senior product development scientist to ensure delivery of superior propositions based on Pet and Pet parent insights. They will work in close partnership with other Product Developers and the TPLs within the Technology Hub to ensure the technical robustness and appropriate validation of the product design, as well as collaborate with other R&D functional teams, demand, PMO and IE.

What are we looking for?

• University degree in Science or Engineering.

• Technical agility and experience in Food technology.

• Track record in the delivery of complex technical programmes.

• Experienced in insight-led innovation.

• Fully operational in Project & Programme Management

• Actively builds collaborative and effective relationships with partners across the business and external partners.

• Ability to effectively collaborate and influence stakeholders and peers in R&D, Demand, Supply and Commercial.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Accountable to ensure product solutions deliver to the agreed business model that consistently delivers against project critical success factors and targets (Nutrition standard (MPENS, AFFCO, etc), palatability, digestibility, faeces quality, recipe cost, carbon intensity, shelf-life, and claims). Understands and applies regulatory/legal legislations, quality standards, and food & people safety considerations to development.

• Leverages internal and external resources to build relevant competitor landscapes to identify insights on product design, claims, ingredients, etc.

• Responsible for building functional excellence in Product Development. This includes being informed of technological, innovation and business trends, competitive set, trade customers, equipment suppliers and be able to match & apply to development projects.

• Responsible for proactively managing Intellectual Property risks and opportunities.

• Planning and execution of line trials at both pilot and production scale, including designing early prototypes, trial risk assessments, completing the paperwork associated with pack outs, analytical testing requests, shelf life studies, feeding requests, purchasing materials, etc.

• Partners with the technical project team to build a robust project time plan, considering risks and opportunities to establish relevant scenarios. Also, defining resource requirements (FTE, budget) and proactively requesting necessary approvals.

• Responsible for providing training and support to other associates within the Product Development fields in which the job holder has expertise.

• Provides technical coaching/mentoring to other associates to support the delivery of their projects.

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.

Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or who are neurodiverse during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here.

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