Process & Pack Program Manager

Mars; Barendrecht; On-site; EUR 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Job summary

Mars is seeking an experienced Packaging & Process Program Manager to lead the development and deployment of next-generation packaging and process technologies. You will shape a global program, partner with R&D, Engineering, Supply, and external collaborators, and drive scalable, sustainable solutions across our manufacturing network.

You will manage multi-year projects, coach technical talent, and translate scientific advances into business opportunities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Food Science, Technology, or related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years within FMCG/CPG environments, preferably in food manufacturing and technology deployment.
• Proven experience leading global, cross-functional projects from development through implementation.
• Strong expertise in food technology, food packaging, process engineering, food analysis, statistical analysis, and design of experiments.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience, including coaching, mentoring, and developing technical talent.
• Experience working across global and multicultural organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• PhD in related discipline and extensive experience in global technology programs and manufacturing scale-up.
• Strong understanding of sustainability challenges and opportunities within food production and packaging.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the global Packaging & Process (P&P) technology strategy, priorities, governance, and roadmap aligned with OGSM objectives.
• Build and manage a multi-year portfolio of projects with clear milestones, KPIs, and measurable business impact.
• Lead end-to-end technology development from concept through validation, implementation, and post-launch optimization.
• Serve as technical leader and SME in packaging and process technologies while coaching project leaders and developing talent.
• Identify emerging technologies and market trends, translating them into scalable business opportunities.
• Drive global deployment of innovative packaging and process technologies across factories and markets, ensuring transfer and site readiness.
• Collaborate with R&D, Engineering, Supply, Quality, Marketing, and external partners to accelerate innovation.
• Build external networks with suppliers, startups, universities, and research institutes.
• Champion sustainability by embedding environmental considerations into packaging and process solutions.
• Manage program resources, budgets, governance, risks, and reporting for objectives.
• Foster knowledge sharing and IP development across regions and segments.
• Represent Mars Food & Nutrition in scientific, technical, and industry forums.

Skills

Program management

Global leadership

Packaging technology

Process engineering

Statistical analysis

Design of experiments

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree in Engineering/Food Science/Technology

PhD in Process Engineering/Food Technology/Material Science/Mechanical Engineering/Chemical Engineering

Job description

Job Description

Shape the Future of Food

We're looking for an experienced Packaging & Process Program Manager to lead the development and deployment of next-generation packaging and process technologies that will help create tasty, accessible, healthy, and more sustainable food solutions for millions of consumers around the world.

This is a unique opportunity to combine deep technical expertise, scientific leadership, and global influence. You will drive breakthrough innovation programs, build future-ready capabilities, and help transform how food is produced across our global manufacturing network.

If you're passionate about applying science and technology to solve real-world challenges and thrive at the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and business impact, we'd love to hear from you.

What will be your key responsibilities?

As Packaging & Process Program Manager, you will establish and lead a long-term global technology program that delivers scalable solutions aligned with our strategic business ambitions.

You will:

• Define and lead the global Packaging & Process (P&P) technology strategy, priorities, governance, and roadmap aligned with OGSM objectives.
• Build and manage a multi-year portfolio of projects with clear milestones, KPIs, and measurable business impact.
• Lead end-to-end technology development, from concept creation and experimentation through validation, implementation, and post-launch optimization.
• Serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert in packaging and process technologies while coaching project leaders and developing technical talent.
• Identify emerging technologies, scientific advancements, and market trends, translating them into scalable business opportunities.
• Drive the global deployment of innovative packaging and process technologies across factories and markets, ensuring successful technology transfer and site readiness.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, Engineering, Supply, Quality, Marketing, and external partners to accelerate innovation and capability building.
• Build and strengthen external innovation networks with suppliers, start-ups, universities, and research institutes.
• Champion sustainability by embedding environmental considerations into packaging and process solutions that contribute to resilient and responsible food systems.
• Manage program resources, budgets, governance, risks, and reporting to ensure successful delivery of strategic objectives.
• Foster knowledge sharing, intellectual property development, and technical excellence across regions and segments.
• Represent Mars Food & Nutrition in scientific, technical, and industry forums.

What are we looking for?

• Master's degree in Engineering, Food Science, Technology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years within FMCG/CPG environments, preferably in food manufacturing and technology deployment.
• Proven experience leading global, cross-functional projects from development through implementation.
• Strong expertise in food technology, food packaging, process engineering, food analysis, statistical analysis, and design of experiments.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience, including coaching, mentoring, and developing technical talent.
• Experience working successfully across global and multicultural organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• PhD in Process Engineering, Food Technology, Material Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in global technology programs and manufacturing scale-up.
• Strong understanding of sustainability challenges and opportunities within food production and packaging.

Travel Requirements

• Ability to travel globally approximately 20–30% of the time.
• Flexibility to work across multiple time zones.
• Valid passport and ability to obtain visas for relevant destinations.

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 company bonus.