Program Manager, Mars Research Review Broad (MRRB) and Strategic Programs

Job Description

Job Description:

Job Purpose/Overview

The Operations team within Corporate Science and Technology (CST) provides the structure and support required to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the CST team and the Chief Science Officer.

The purpose of the Program Manager role is twofold. Firstly, to manage the Mars Research Review Board (MRRB), a critical corporate-led forum that governs the policies associated with scientific research conducted within Mars, chaired by the Chief Science Officer. Policies include the Biomedical and Clinical Research Involving Human Participants, the Animal Research Policy, and the Science Research & Engagement Policy. Secondly, the role will provide dedicated program management for complex programs and forums led by the Corporate S&T team, establishing and optimizing the ways of working, organizing and facilitating meetings, setting agendas, recording and communicating minutes and outcomes, capturing and tracking actions, and ensuring effective communications within the program teams and with stakeholders and customers.

What are we looking for?

• Degree in relevant science fields such as health sciences, food sciences, and plant sciences.

• Proven experience in managing complex programs across multiple geographies.

• Practical experience in running scientific research studies is essential, experience in running studies involving pets and or human subjects desirable.

• Preferably holding Project Management Certification(s) E.g. PRINCE2, Project Management Professional (PMP), Association of Project Management (APM) and/or Managing Successful Programs (MSP) or equivalent.

• Ability to navigate complex challenges and make trade-offs.

• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders to drive alignment in discussions.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• A proficient program manager with proven skills working across multiple geographies.

• Experience in working with external research partners.

• A self-starter, willing to drive things forward and operate with some autonomy.

• Resilience, motivation, and agility are required to consistently deliver in a dynamic environment.

• Some travel and out-of-hours calls and meetings will be required in this role (20%).

What will be your key responsibilities?

MARS Research Review Board Management

• Responsible for developing and implementing effective frameworks, protocols, and processes for the MRRB working together with Business Unit (Mars Petcare, Mars Snacking, Mars Food & Nutrition) RRB leads to ensure clear and effective ways of working that are aligned across Corporate and Business Unit RRBs.

• Work with the Business Unit Research Review Board (RRB) leads to develop and drive appropriate agendas for the bi-annual MRRB meetings, including preparation of pre-reads and recording meeting minutes.

• Maintain and continuously improve the content of key policies owned by the MRRB ensuring updates are timely and communicated internally and externally where appropriate.

• Support the Chief Science Office with regular external landscape reviews of this field of ethics and peer company positions. Work together with Business Unit RRB leads to make any necessary recommendations for the evolution of policies and supporting documents as the need arises.

• Work with the Global Head of Welfare and Ethics and Business Unit RRB leads to building and maintaining a network of external ethical advisors that can be called upon to provide perspective as appropriate.

• Develop and maintain appropriate training materials and documentation required to drive awareness and compliance. Work together with Business Units, Mars University, and other vehicles to ensure appropriate access and tracking for relevant Associates as part of compliance verification. Promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement across the MRRB forums.

• Establish and manage appropriate Knowledge Management processes and portals for the MRRB and priority research programs, ensuring effective document storage, access, and archiving.

• Understand and appropriately manage key stakeholders internally in collaboration with the Chief Science officer (such as MRRB Board members, Business Unit research review board members, R&D Leadership team)

Corporate S&T Program Management

• Responsible for establishing and driving effective program management for critical programs in the Corporate S&T team. Works with the Corporate S&T Science leaders to establish program meeting cadence, roles and responsibilities, workflows, and formalisms for milestone tracking and effective communications within the research program teams and with stakeholders & customers.

• Responsible for organizing research program meeting calendars, building agendas, ensuring the capture of notes and actions, and ensuring effective follow-up on action completion.

• Responsible for identifying and elevating issues with resource constraints, technical hurdles, and milestone/deliverable risks to the wider Operations team for support in addressing.

• Works closely in partnership with the Corporate S&T Program Management function within the Operations Team to ensure effective knowledge capture & management of research outputs and to ensure all critical programs are managed in compliance with Quality Management Processes.

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 a company bonus.

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#TomorrowStartsToday

#ProudlyMars

Total rewards at Mars include base pay, competitive benefits, and an annual bonus (if the position is eligible). The full-time pay range for this role is: USD 72 432,00 - USD 108 648,00 / £72,431.00 - £90,539.00

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.

Total rewards at Mars includes base pay, competitive benefits, and annual bonus (if position is eligible). The full-time pay range for this role is:

USD 72 432,00 - USD 108 648,00

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.