Executive Assistant - R&D

Job Description:

Who are we?

Accelerator, a global Division of Mars Snacking, is on the front line of unlocking growth across high-potential categories and brands to fuel what’s next for Snacking. It’s home to both emerging and enduring brands, including KIND, TRÜ FRÜ, NATURE’S BAKERY, RXBAR, EGGO, POP-TARTS and RICE KRISPIE TREATS. Combining the scale of Mars with the agility of a start-up, our Division has the ambition to accelerate the future of snacking by delivering products consumers love today, discovering category-shaping innovations for tomorrow and developing entrepreneurial teams whose impact will last for generations. We’re looking for passionate talent who dare to dream big, agile collaborators who talk straight and decide fast, and driven performers with a growth mindset. We’re proudly part of Mars, while also building something boldly different. If this inspires and energizes you, you’ve found the right place where you can do cool things with fun people for one of the biggest snacking companies in the world!

What you’ll do

Reporting to the Director of Strategy and Performance, the Executive Assistant serves the Senior Vice President of R&D and Quality for the Accelerator business—the division supporting KIND, Tru Fru, Nature's Bakery, and the newly acquired Kellanova brands.

The ideal candidate has an interest in leadership effectiveness and business-related topics. They have experience managing complexity and ambiguity on a global scale and know how to provide excellent customer service. They bring outstanding communication and negotiation skills and enjoy overcoming challenges in a collaborative team environment. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment and is excellent at managing complexity and ambiguity on a global scale. This is a highly visible role within the organization interacting with top executives and assistants globally.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage a complex calendar, independently planning and making decisions based on priorities with a forward-thinking, strategic approach.

• Collaborate with executive team members to determine and prioritize business strategies.

• Provide department leaders with recommendations and consultation to improve teamwork.

• Provide support and oversight for special projects and initiatives.

• Prepare presentation decks, interpret data, and develop clear, compelling stories.

• Work with leaders to deliver, monitor, and communicate progress toward goals.

• Respond to inquiries on behalf of the executive.

• Plan and coordinate internal meeting logistics, including Microsoft Teams video and audio conferences, meeting rooms, catering, and guest arrival arrangements.

• Plan external meetings, including hotel blocks, group transportation, property searches, cost management, and meeting invitations.

• Arrange domestic and international travel, including flights, hotels, and transfers.

• Provide expense report support to Mars senior leaders.

• Process and update purchase order requests for multiple groups within the unit or segment.

• Interface with leadership, internal staff, clients, key stakeholders, high-profile individuals, and important personal contacts.

• Complete paperwork, business invitation letters, and applications to obtain visas for Leadership Team members and senior leaders, serving as the point of contact for visa applications.

• Support the Executive Assistant Team with event management and work overflow, demonstrating strong collaboration and ownership.

• Perform other duties as required based on capacity assessment.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in a related field required; bachelor’s degree preferred.

• At least five years of relevant experience supporting senior leaders.

• Excellent organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to manage conflict and lead projects and initiatives.

• Ability to switch effectively between tasks, adapt to changing priorities, and deliver results efficiently.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.

• Ability and interest in learning new tools and systems and managing frequent changes and upgrades.

• Experience planning across global time zones.

• Demonstrated integrity and discretion when handling confidential information.

• Comfort providing feedback to, directing, and engaging senior leaders globally.

• Cultural sensitivity and respect for different ways of being and thinking.

• Curiosity about business and how decisions are made in global organizations.

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 company bonus.

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The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range listed is applicable to IL:USD 91,055.00 - USD 125,201.00