Product Development Scientist

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates; Oud-Beijerland; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mars University access

Company bonus

Job summary

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates in Oud-Beijerland seeks a seasoned Technical Project Lead to steer critical renovation projects, owning the product development workstream. This senior role focuses on transforming concepts into global launches with cross-functional collaboration across regions.

You will mentor teams, drive consumer-centric solutions, and guide strategic development from concept to market, with exposure to Mars University and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7 years in product development with a proven track record translating consumer and technical insights into successful formulations.
• Mastery in flavor enhancement formulation and complex product renovation with leadership of multiple projects from concept to completion.
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Food Chemistry, or related field with hands-on experience.
• Substantial project management experience with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Culinary education or training is a nice-to-have.

Responsibilities

• Develop product solutions from initial concepts aligned with consumer benefits, customer needs, and global strategy.
• Lead the product development workstream, delivering on time, cost, and quality while influencing stakeholders.
• Drive product and formulation development through prototyping and translating designs into specifications.
• Manage risks within the development workstream, acting as technical lead on renovation projects to meet business objectives.

Skills

Flavor formulation

Project leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Consumer insights

Product development

Education

Bachelor’s in Food Science

Advanced degree in related field

Job description

Job Description:

Segment: Food & Nutrition

Location; Oud-Beijerland

Contract type: Permanent

This role is about more than just managing projects; it’s about shaping the future of our Global Food & Nutrition brands. We are looking for a seasoned Technical Project Lead to steer our most critical renovation projects, taking full ownership of the product development workstream.

In this senior position, you will be instrumental in our mission to reinvent our portfolio, acting as a technical leader and mentor. Your expertise will guide product solutions from a strategic concept to a successful global launch, collaborating with a diverse network of cross-functional and regional partners to make a tangible impact on the world we want tomorrow.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Develop product solutions from initial concepts that align with consumer benefits, customer needs, and the global business strategy.
• Lead the product development workstream, effectively managing project delivery to time, cost, and quality while influencing key stakeholders.
• Drive product and formulation development through prototyping, ensuring a consumer-centric mindset to deliver high-performing products and transfer the final design into specifications.
• Effectively manage risks within the product development workstream, serving as the technical lead on renovation projects to deliver on business objectives.

What are we looking for?

• A minimum of 5-7 years of significant experience in product development, with a proven track record of translating deep consumer and technical insights into successful product formulations. This is a senior role, and we are seeking expertise that goes beyond foundational knowledge.
• Demonstrated mastery in flavor enhancement formulation and complex product renovation. We are looking for a candidate who has led multiple projects from concept to completion.
• A Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Food Chemistry, or a related field, complemented by extensive hands‑on experience.
• Substantial project management experience with a history of leading and influencing cross‑functional teams in a fast‑paced environment.
• (Nice‑to‑have) Culinary education or training that complements your technical proficiency.

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.
• A strong focus on 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.