Job Purpose/Overview

The Associate Product Development Scientist DS1 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 will be 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 product development activities and is accountable for the execution of the allocated projects within the Europe R&D Delivery System 1 team.

This position requires technical know-how to execute a number of projects, looking at new perspectives to solve existing and new brand solutions within a specified area of the Chocolate portfolio. As a regional Associate Product Development Scientist, this role may work on all product categories, based on the needs of the business to enable flexible resourcing of projects.

The Associate Product Development Scientist possess a solid drive for results, 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 both independently and with guidance to deliver relevant innovation and will work effectively with cross functional teams to drive projects to execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for delivering product development activities and is accountable for the execution of the allocated programs to bring projects through to commercialization.
• Ensures that product development designs are delivered for the brands and to meet the brand KQA’s.
• Ensures that the product development process is carried out such that project timelines are met.
• Ensures that the product specifications are as accurate to ensure correct costing.
• Responsible for delivering MQM requirements for any new materials introduced in products developed.
• 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

Context and Scope

They will be responsible for working on specific projects to deliver regional Favorites innovation, value leadership and supply security.

They will participate as part of x-functional project teams to bring new innovations to market, ensuring delivery of the technical elements of the project.

They will possess an understanding of all manufacturing technologies for which they will be developing new products.

Will apply scientific and innovative methodology across the whole program of work, incorporating the best internal and external tools and methodologies.

Regional travel will be required to factories as well as key markets.

Job Specifications/Qualifications

1. Education & Professional Qualification

Minimum: Bachelor of Science or degree equivalent in a technical area including engineering, chemistry, food science is required.

2. Knowledge/Experience

Minimum:

• Project management skills.
• Experience working in kitchen, Lab or pilot plant.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and learning agility.

Preferred:

• Experience in working with outside vendors to deliver project requirements
• Hands on experience in the development and successful launch of new products, packages and processes in FMCG
• Experience working with marketing and Supply

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.