Packaging Sustainability Open Innovation Lead

Royal Canin USA Inc; Nederland; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Job summary

Mars Food & Nutrition in Oud-Beijerland seeks a Sustainability Open Innovation & Technology Lead to identify and scale next‑gen packaging solutions. You will connect external innovation ecosystems with internal priorities, translating new materials and technologies into real-world impact across our portfolio.

You’ll build partnerships with startups, universities, suppliers, and institutes, working cross‑functionally with Packaging R&D, Sustainability, Regulatory, Engineering, Quality, and

Qualifications

• Degree in packaging, materials science, sustainability, or related field.
• 5+ years in packaging R&D, sustainability, or open innovation.
• Experience with external partnerships and supplier collaborations.
• Strong understanding of recyclability and circular economy trends.

Responsibilities

• Identify and prioritize emerging packaging technologies, materials, suppliers, startups, and research partners.
• Build and manage an external innovation network across academia and industry.
• Monitor packaging technology trends, regulatory developments, and market innovations.
• Evaluate new technologies for sustainability, feasibility, and cost.
• Lead opportunities from concept through implementation with cross-functional teams.
• Scale new packaging technologies across sites and partners.

Skills

Open Innovation

Packaging R&D

Stakeholder Influence

Cross-functional Leadership

Sustainability

Education

Packaging Science degree

Materials Science degree

Sustainability focus

Job description

Mars Food & Nutrition in Oud-Beijerland seeks a Sustainability Open Innovation & Technology Lead to identify and scale next‑gen packaging solutions. You will connect external innovation ecosystems with internal priorities, translating new materials and technologies into real-world impact across our portfolio.

You’ll build partnerships with startups, universities, suppliers, and institutes, working cross‑functionally with Packaging R&D, Sustainability, Regulatory, Engineering, Quality, and