Product Development Scientist

Job Description

Job Description:

Segment: Food & Nutrition

Location: Oud-Beijerland

Contract type: Permanent

Shape the Future of Food at Mars!

At Mars Food & Nutrition, we believe that food brings people together and has the power to make the world a better place. Are you passionate about creating innovative food solutions that delight consumers and drive positive change? Join our team as a Product Development Scientist and help us deliver the next generation of global food innovations!

Your Challenge

As a Product Development Scientist, you will be at the heart of our Global Food innovation pipeline. You’ll lead the product development workstream for highly complex projects, working closely with cross-functional teams to turn ideas into delicious, viable, and scalable products. Your role is crucial in translating consumer needs and business ambitions into tangible product solutions that make a real difference.

What are your key responsibilities?

• Lead Product Development:
  Take ownership of the product development journey, from initial concept to technical readiness. You’ll manage timelines, budgets, and ensure every product meets our high standards for desirability, feasibility, and viability.

• Drive Innovation:
  Collaborate with Global and Regional Marketing, R&D, Engineering, Supply, and Commercial teams to develop and evaluate new product concepts. You’ll be the driving force behind technical solutions that align with our culinary and scientific ambitions.

• Cross-Functional Leadership:
  Act as the product workstream leader, influencing and inspiring stakeholders across regions and functions. You’ll participate in Activity Task Groups and ensure seamless teamwork from idea to launch.

• Technical Excellence:
  Apply your expertise in food technologies, raw materials, recipes, and manufacturing processes. You’ll ensure robust product testing, risk management, and the delivery of global product specifications.

• Continuous Improvement:
  Challenge the status quo by driving efficiency and agility in our ways of working. Your insights will help shape the Science & Technology strategy and improve how we innovate.

• Quality & Consumer Focus:
  Quantify and describe key quality attributes through iterative prototyping, sensory evaluation, and consumer research, ensuring every product exceeds expectations.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Food Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Culinary Arts
• At least 5 years’ experience in product development within the food industry
• Culinary or kitchen/restaurant background, ideally as a Development Chef
• Strong project management skills and proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Professional knowledge of raw materials, recipe formulation, and manufacturing processes
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset

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.
• 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.

Ready to make your mark at Mars Food & Nutrition? Apply now and help us create food solutions that matter!