Microbiology Manager - Mars Corporate (flexibility to location considered)

Job Description:

Microbiology Manager - Mars Corporate (flexibility to location considered)

As the Corporate Microbiology Manager within the Mars Food Safety Hub, this role will play a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards of microbiological safety across all Mars segments globally. This role will develop and implement the corporate microbiological food safety strategy, lead the global Mars Microbiology Community, and enhance global microbiology capabilities through expert guidance and mentorship. As well as identify and assess emerging microbiology risks, govern the implementation of microbiological standards, and ensure the deployment of scientifically robust research insights.

This role demands strategic leadership, advanced technical expertise, and a proactive approach to maintaining Mars' reputation for excellence in food safety.

What are we looking for?

• MSc / PhD in Microbiology with applied experience in research and factory microbiological risk management

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in Microbiology and the food industry

• Advanced expertise in risk assessment and management, preferably with applied experience in food processing technologies

• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

• Ability to influence key stakeholders in a global matrix structure

• Willingness to travel at least 25% of the time

What will be your key responsibilities?

• ​Develop and Implement Strategy: Formulate and deploy the Mars Corporate microbiological food safety strategy, leading global programs to support implementation across all business segments.

• Lead the Microbiology Community: Manage and guide the global Mars Microbiology Community, providing expert technical guidance, review, and governance for standardization and transformation of microbiological risk assessments and control programs.

• Enhance Global Capability: Coach and mentor microbiology experts, providing leadership, development management, and technical coaching to roles in Corporate, Science, Innovation, R&D, Supply, and Commercial sectors.

• Risk Identification and Assessment: Identify and evaluate emerging microbiology risks and opportunities, ensuring the continuous improvement of corporate microbiology standards and training tools.

• Governance and Expertise: Oversee the global governance of the Mars microbiology strategy and controls, developing and refining corporate microbiology standards, training tools, and food safety position statements.

• Strategic Support and Leadership: Provide microbiology expertise for material risk assessments, incident support, HACCP, and Front-End Innovation, support strategic programs like Leading in Quality, GFSC Food Safety Research, and MGS Labs Strategy, and offer technical leadership for food safety audits of Mars manufacturing plants and suppliers.

• External Engagement: Ensure robust scientific alignment and deployment of internal/external microbiological research insights by connecting Mars with key external experts in industry, academia, regulatory bodies, and NGOs

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.

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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.