Process & Pack Program Manager

Mars UK; Numansdorp; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Mars University access

Job summary

Mars Food & Nutrition is seeking a seasoned Packaging & Process Program Manager to lead global technology programs that advance next‑generation packaging and process innovations for sustainable food solutions.

You will drive end-to-end deployment across factories and markets, coach project leaders, and collaborate with R&D, Engineering, Supply, Quality, Marketing, and external partners to deliver measurable business impact.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Food Science, Technology, or related discipline.
• PhD in Process Engineering or related field preferred.
• 10+ years in FMCG/CPG environments with packaging/technology deployment.
• Global, cross-functional project leadership experience.
• Proven coaching and talent development skills.
• Strong English written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the global Packaging & Process technology strategy and roadmap.
• Manage a multi-year project portfolio with milestones and KPIs.
• Lead end-to-end technology development from concept to post-launch optimization.
• Collaborate with R&D, Engineering, Supply, Quality, Marketing and partners.
• Drive global deployment of packaging and process technologies with site readiness.
• Build external innovation networks with suppliers, universities and startups.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

English proficiency

Project management

Packaging technology

Education

Master's degree in Engineering or Food Science

PhD in Process Engineering / related discipline

Tools

Design of Experiments (DOE)

Job description

Job Description:

Segment: Food & Nutrition

Location: Oud-beijerland

Contract type: Full-time, permanent contract

Shape the Future of Food

At Mars Food & Nutrition, we're driven by a simple but ambitious purpose: Better Food Today. A Better World Tomorrow.

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 us 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.

• 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 of experience 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.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're excited to lead global packaging and process innovation programs that help create a more sustainable future for food, we encourage you to apply and join us on our journey to deliver Better Food Today. A Better World Tomorrow.