The Product Development Senior Scientist is an important role within the Europe R&D Innovation Delivery System 1 organization. It is responsible for insight development, design, development, and translation of product innovations for the Favorites areas of growth, with a primary focus on Chocolate. This role will also be responsible to execute regional value leadership and supply security projects. This role reports to the product development director and leads R&D feedback in the cross-functional cell forums.

This role will be a leading part of a team that will provide deep technical product and process understanding and will work with lead markets to develop insights to drive innovation. The incumbent will be responsible for leading and delegating product development activities and is accountable for the execution of the allocated projects within the Europe R&D Delivery System.

This position requires strong technical know-how and tactical execution to define and execute a portfolio of complex projects, looking at new perspectives to solve existing and new brand solutions within the Chocolate portfolio. As a regional Product Development Senior Scientist, this role may work on all product categories, based on the needs of the business.

The Senior Product Development Scientist possesses strong problem-solving, drive for results, command skills, excellent project management skills, a creative and entrepreneurial growth mindset, and an ability to create strong networks and relationships to drive the innovation agenda. They work leading a cell activity, supporting the team and driving action in the cell as well as building effective cross-functional working teams to drive projects to execution.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor or equivalent in Food Science/Chemical/Biology or related subject area.

• 5+ year’s industry experience in R&D (product/pack/process/quality) within FMCG. Previous work experience in chocolate product development and making process will be given priority

• Experience of translating consumer/business insights into scalable product solutions.

• Have worked with business (QuEST) and R&D (RADAR, Veritas) systems to manage projects from concept to launch.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• R&D Representation in cross-functional cell forums

• In conjunction with LM’s in the team, delegate projects activities to associates supporting the cells where this role holds responsibility

• Responsible for leading product development activities and is accountable for the execution of the allocated programs and work streams to bring the project through to commercialization

• Ensures that the product development for Favorites is delivered for the brands they are designed to meet the brand KQA’s.

• Ensures that the product development process is carried out such that timelines are met to market products.

• Ensures that the product specifications are accurate to ensure correct costing.

• Ensures that Product quality and Manufacturing quality performance measures standards and corrective actions are specified for each new and current product to ensure performance at the required level for all manufactured products.

• Works within cross-functional teams to ensure that desirability, feasibility and viability are evaluated for all projects as part of the development process.

• Works closely with R&D Factory Innovation peers to ensure products developed can be scaled effectively within existing internal manufacturing technology capabilities.

• Collaborates with regional R&D peers to ensure the effective technical delivery of the project

• Remains abreast of new developments in food technologies, packaging, design, category trends and related fields Direct responsibility for project expense budget

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 like-minded 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.

• Best-in-class 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.

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