R&D Packaging Technologist

Job Description:

Mars: Where your Tomorrow Starts Today!

Mars is a family-owned business that has been making products for people and their pets for more than 100 years. We’re behind some of the best loved brands in the world including MARS®, SNICKERS®, EXTRA®, ECLIPSE®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, DOLMIO®, BEN’S ORIGINAL ® MASTERFOODS ® and ROYAL CANIN® we are dedicated to making a positive impact on people and the planet.

Join us in building a sustainable future where people, communities, and the planet can truly thrive.

About the role: This role will be working for our Mars Petcare segment, where we make life better for pets and their owners.

Location: Bathurst

As our Packaging Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring our packaging lines run at peak efficiency while maintaining the highest quality and safety standards. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot technical issues, deploy innovative new packaging designs, and implement Lean/Continuous Improvement methodologies to eliminate waste and optimize cost. You will also support the delivery of Dry innovation and renovation projects that deliver growth to the ANZ business.

This is a dynamic, hands-on position where you can truly make an impact on our manufacturing efficiency, waste reduction, and overall product quality.

What you’ll do:

• Lead and participate in troubleshooting activities to rapidly resolve packaging and process-related issues, minimizing impacts on product quality, cost, and manufacturing efficiency.

• Monitor and adapt packaging process conditions to ensure lines run efficiently, consistently meeting semi-finished and finished product specifications, Q&FS standards, and operational targets.

• Collaborate with Packaging Engineers and Product Teams to successfully transition and deploy new packaging designs within defined process capabilities.

• Partner with key stakeholders across Supply, Engineering, R&D, and Quality & Food Safety (Q&FS) to ensure seamless handovers during process, packaging, or equipment modifications.

• Verify that packaging-related Standard Running Conditions (SRCs) are accurate, recommend necessary updates, and develop clear troubleshooting guides for our shift Associates.

• Support and drive cost-saving initiatives that improve line run rates, optimize efficiency, and reduce raw material waste without compromising product quality.

Your unique ingredients:

• 2+ years in a Food Manufacturing environment working in Quality, Food Safety, Engineering, or Packaging, Process Product Development is highly preferred.

• Food Science, Process Engineering, Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or equivalent bachelor’s degree preferred (not mandatory).

• Strong communication skills.

• Curious mindset

Why you’ll love working for Mars:

• Purpose: Help craft beloved brands with a legacy of over 100 years of local manufacturing making products that people and pets will love all while helping to build a more sustainable future.

• People: A culture that values your contributions, fosters leadership, and recognises the impact you make. Your work truly matters here.

• Development: Shape your career with personalised development and real opportunities to grow from day one.

• Enjoy a team and business environment that is invested in helping you manage and grow your energy for work and life.

• Stay active and energised with an onsite gym and walking track

• Convenient onsite parking for a hassle-free commute

Mars is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, 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.

We know everyone’s needs are different, and we’re committed to making our application process accessible and supportive for all candidates. If you require any adjustments along the way, simply let us know in your application form. We’ll work with you to understand what will help you feel comfortable and supported.

Internal applicants: This role has been graded a T1 opportunity. Please discuss this role with your line manager before applying including obtaining their endorsement.