Scientist External Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description:

Job Purpose/Overview

Mars Drinks and Treats is an entrepreneurial business focused on extending the Mars brands into new categories beyond confectionery through external partners (manufacturers and distributors). The business currently operates in a number of categories, such as Milk Drinks, Hot Chocolate, Cakes, Biscuits, Chocolate Spreads, Free From, Specialist Sports (protein) and Quick Serve Restaurants across the UK, Europe and beyond.

We have a unique and exciting opportunity to deliver external manufacturing quality assurance initiatives and ensure that externally manufactured products comply with the Mars standards. In addition, the candidate needs to have knowledge in legal compliance and product development.

A successful candidate will thrive in working in a dynamic, fast-paced and complex environment in a cross-functional team. They will be connected to the delivery of the business results, gaining business acumen, external perspective and experiencing an agile environment.

Location: Slough, UK, hybrid type (50% min on-site)

Salary: £36,000 - 44,000 (based on the level of experience), annual bonus, benefits

What are we looking for?

• Academic education in food science/ technology or related subject

• Minimum 2 years experience in a Quality and Food Safety role in the food industry or related industries

• HACCP, ISO, and quality & food safety management systems

• Risk assessment & management

• Lead auditor qualification is desirable or the willingness and ability to complete this course.

• Basic Food microbiology

• Basic technological knowledge around food processing equipment

• Familiar with the NPD concept to launch process

• Dynamic and enthusiastic individual with a strong, well-rounded background in all aspects of food manufacturing and retail, including supplier auditing and management

• Strong relationship builder with good supplier management skills

• Proven and effective project management and organisational skills

• Visible passion, behaviour and leadership around the Mars first principle – Quality

• Confident and able to use your own initiative, thinking outside the box to consistently reach and exceed high technical standards while being able to flex your approach to meet the changing and fast paced business needs

• A logical and analytical approach to improving systems and methods, plus strong communication and relationship building skills

• Attention to detail is a must in this role

What will be your key responsibilities?

On-going verification of external manufacturers:

• Perform Quality & Food Safety audits at external manufacturers, verifying the quality and effectiveness of their quality management systems and processes (e.g. HACCP, supplier quality assurance) and compliance to the Mars requirements. Create and implement actions plans and monitor progress to ensure completion, in line with mandated timeframes.

• On-going management of product quality and performance through verification, ensuring key performance indicators are met

• Non-conformance management, including monitoring and follow-up of complaints

New product development:

• Lead Risk Assessments to ensure that all quality and food safety and legal hazards have been identified and effective control measures are in place for new products

• Create Technical Specifications based on risk assessment output, product specifications and manufacturer’s process specifications

• Participate in line trials at the supplier, assess effectiveness all controls measures and identify necessary improvements

• Participate in the creation of artwork (including managing translation requests), ensuring all legal text is correct and reviewed before packaging is printed

• Lead and execute product handovers before new products are released to the market ensuring all requirements have been met

• Sample preparation and management

• Drive implementation of Mars’ standards

• Gather and report all food safety and quality related metrics, drive necessary continuous improvement programmes and ensure that a continuous improvement culture is in place.

• Assess and drive the Mars quality culture and behaviours at the external manufacturers

• Management of all technical documentation, ensuring it is kept up to date at all times

• Participate in incident management and ensure corrective and preventative actions are implemented within agreed time frames

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.

#LI-AB2