Global Principal Scientist (Food Technology)

Job Description

Job Description:

The Global Principal Scientist (Food Technology) is positioned in the Global Mars R&D organization which is committed to operating effectively at a global scale by developing and transferring products

and technology efficiently to enable rapid global implementation of winning innovations and value leadership opportunities.

This role provides the segment’s science leadership by translating business foresight into science priorities and creating applied science knowledge with the purpose of translating it into product
& process solutions or raw material benefits over a horizon of 2 to 5 years.

Discovery is characterized by consumer pull or science & technology (S&T) push. The job holder will lead the discovery process end to end and will be responsible for:

• doing gap analysis, converting foresight and insights into technical ideas
• selling and prioritizing ideas by interacting with Mars Foods Technical Leadership Team and Mars Science Leadership Team,
• transform ideas into R&D projects under the science platform.
• manage the platform and projects toward successful delivery.

When a discovery with clear benefits has been demonstrated and is ready for deployment, there will be a handover to the relevant Technology Platform for implementation.

Secondary this role is to provide global expertise and leadership to accelerate and deploy external innovation through cross-segment programs, bilateral collaborations, R&D consortiums, and start-ups.
This role has multiple dimensions, high scope, and will lead applied science know-how transfer across regions and across segments when appropriate.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Provide leadership in fundamental and applied scientific understanding of food science & technology-related topics to enable cutting-edge new technology developments (Technology push and Consumer pull).
• Technologies are extensive from raw material, recipe, product format/function and manufacturing/processing. The job holder needs to demonstrate a good understanding of process-product interaction and be able to utilize the
  knowledge to create new benefits.
• Develop, Manage and Deliver all agreed science programs.
• Support or manage transfers of applied science and technologies globally, in line with business demands and priorities.
• Depending on the type of initiative, handover can happen to another R&D team or Engineering team for implementation. However, sometimes the job holder can also be expected to lead the deployment.
• As technical project lead manages science projects through the stage gate process. Manage project budget, reporting, knowledge capture and provide CAB input.
• Manage R&D projects with internal/external innovation partners and represent S&T in cross-segment forums and consortiums.
• Develop external innovation protocols and act as a facilitator between Mars associates and external providers to maximize the value of the collaboration.
• Develop and apply best practices for external innovation.
• Maintain a network within the segment, with cross-segment S&T teams, with the Corporate-science community, with external research entities and with academics.
• Provide funding solutions considering internal (segment and corporate) and external donor funding opportunities.
• Develop and apply best practices for technical knowledge management.
• Provide input into the Applied Science &Technology Strategy and the Platform strategies.
• Contribute to the development of a high-performing global S&T Team.
• Manage WBSO process for R&D programs.
• Secure IP on all developments and lead patent applications
• Custodian of the Mars Science Operating System in the segment

What are we looking for?

​Education & Professional Qualification

• PhD in Food Technology/Science/Engineering
• Proven leadership capabilities with teams of non-direct reports and multifunctional disciplines

Knowledge/Experience

• Minimum 10 years in an R&D environment of a food industry, experience in a global role in FMCG preferred.
• Experience in developing and managing science/ technology platforms.
• Good understanding of product innovation, food manufacturing processes and quality systems
• Good understanding of process-product interaction and be able to create insights benefiting the goals of the projects. This includes raw materials, intermediates, and the final product.
• Good understanding of food unit operations including mixing, filling, material handling, sterilization/pasteurization, and packaging.
• Proven experience in leading technical initiatives end-to-end: from ideation, pilot, and scale-up to implementation on the factory floor or product on the shelf
• Proven ability to work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment.
• Proven ability to transfer technical knowledge and skills.
• Experienced in managing complex innovation projects.
• Verbal and written expertise in English
  ​

Travel Capability

• The success of this role requires ad-hoc global travel. The ability to work across time zones as well as the ability to hold a passport and obtain visas for relevant countries is mandatory.
• Ability to travel 20-40% of the time

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 company bonus.

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.