Science Research

Job Description

Job Description:

Job Opportunity: Chemistry Technical Leader

Location: Waltham, Leicestershire

Job Type: Permanent

Salary: £63,000 - £80,000 (DOE) + Bonus + Benefits

The WALTHAM Petcare Science Institute is Mars Petcare’s global research hub dedicated to pioneering science that supports our Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS™.

We are seeking a highly skilled and visionary Chemistry Technical Leader to provide deep technical expertise, leadership, and line management within chemistry research at WALTHAM and across Mars Petcare R&D.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 5 direct reports engaged in chemistry research, fostering professional growth and excellence.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive chemistry capability strategy for WALTHAM, including an innovation pipeline utilizing large-scale chemical analytics.
• Provide practical and theoretical expertise in chemistry relevant to Mars Petcare’s ecosystem, supporting research programs and product innovation.
• Establish and nurture professional networks with internal teams, external collaborators, and leading universities to enhance WALTHAM’s scientific impact.
• Research, develop, and implement advanced methodologies and tools for chemical analysis to enable new products and services.
• Support cross-functional teams such as Royal Canin, Pet Nutrition, and Antech in applying chemistry insights and methodologies.
• Drive the generation and protection of intellectual property related to chemistry innovations.

About You

• PhD in Natural Products, Flavour, Food, or Advanced Analytical Chemistry, or equivalent industry experience.
• Broad and deep knowledge of analytical and organic chemistry.
• Extensive experience in Research & Development environments
• Proven expertise in advanced analytical techniques including chromatography, spectroscopy, spectrometry, and physical measurements, with a strong emphasis on mass spectrometry methods and data interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality research across multiple projects simultaneously in ambiguous and dynamic environments.
• Strong networking, influencing, and stakeholder engagement skills across diverse teams and external partners.
• Proven track record of communicating research findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at global scientific forums.

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 a company bonus.

Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or who are neurodiverse during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here.

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