Product Development Technologist at Mars

Job Purpose

• The job holder owns product development program projects to drive successful execution of innovation and renovation activities in line with performance, cost, nutrition, and timing targets.

Context and Scope

• Accountable for R&D leadership of projects
• During R&D leadership of projects responsible to supporting other R&D sub functions to deliver business objectives
• Close collaboration with commercial, marketing, activity management and supply to ensure projects meet all business objectives and are delivered successfully

What are we looking for?

• Education & Professional Qualification
• Minimum: Degree in Science, preferably Food Science, Food Engineering, Food Chemistry or Biochemistry
• Preference: Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Food Chemistry or Biochemistry
• Knowledge/Experience
• Minimum 2 years experience in Research and Development
• Proven track record of building collaborative, cross-functional business relationships
• Project management skills and ability to work in a deadline driven environment
• Beneficial to have proven expertise in either dry blending and/or wet sauce processing and ingredient knowledge

What will be your key responsibilities?

• R&D leadership of development and renovation projects (planning & technical lead)
• Translate product development briefs into final product propositions
• Provide viable and feasible product solutions that meet business targets with respect to product performance and cost that can be implemented in factories with excellence
• Quantification and description of KQA’s through iterative prototyping, sensory evaluation and consumer research (in collaboration with sensory and consumer scientists)
• Develop and maintain Ingredient and product specifications
• Owns product performance (especially taste), recipe costs and nutritional profile
• Application of state of the art product development tools (e.g. Design of Experiments, Zero based costing) and leveraging of latest flavour and ingredient technologies
• Adapt propositions to local market requirements where needed
• Develops in-depth expertise and leadership on critical projects
• Supports the benchmarking program on key products in specific markets
• Develops and maintains product declarations and labelling in partnership with Scientific & Regulatory Affairs
• Responsible for WIL (Work Integrated Learning) Student Program which includes recruiting and training the successful candidate.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 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.
• 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 company bonus.