Job Description:

The Scientist develops and executes new product formulations, line extensions, and product improvements across the Gum & Mints portfolio (such as Extra, Airwaves and Hubba Bubba). Working closely with cross-functional partners, this role turns consumer insights into tangible, great-tasting products from initial benchtop prototype through to factory scale-up.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, a related scientific discipline or equivalent
• 3+ years of FMCG product development experience
• Hands-on experience in a food lab, test kitchen, or pilot plant environment.
• Project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience of taking products from concept to launch.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and technical curiosity.
• Concise communication and experience of stakeholder management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, a related scientific discipline or equivalent

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Product Formulation & Prototyping: Design and test gum and mint formulations in the laboratory and pilot plant for sensory, consumer or shelf life testing.
• Project Execution: Lead the technical delivery of assigned innovation, cost-optimization, and ingredient-continuity projects within agreed timelines and budgets.
• Scale-up & Factory Trials: Partner with manufacturing and factory innovation teams to test and validate formulations on full-scale production lines.
• Specifications & Quality: Create and maintain accurate raw material, recipe, and finished product specifications to ensure consistent product quality, food safety compliance, and accurate costing.
• Technical Project Lead: Take technical leadership of projects and collaborate with other technical functions to represent the technical voice in cross functional project meetings.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner effectively with Marketing, Supply Chain, Packaging, Quality, and Procurement to evaluate project feasibility and ensure smooth commercial launches.
• Problem Solving: Apply sound scientific methods and root-cause analysis to troubleshoot recipe, stability, or processing issues.

What can you expect from Mars?