Product Development Scientist

Mars; Oud-Beijerland; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Mars University

Job summary

Mars in the Netherlands is seeking a seasoned Technical Project Lead to shape the future of our Global Food & Nutrition brands. You will own the product development workstream, guide solutions from concept to global launch, and mentor cross-functional teams across regions.

You will translate consumer and technical insights into high-performing formulations, drive risk management, and collaborate with partners to deliver on business objectives in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years in product development with proven consumer insights.
• Mastery in flavor enhancement formulation and renovation.
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related field.
• Strong project management and cross-functional influence.
• (Nice-to-have) Culinary education.

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.

Skills

Product development

Cross-functional leadership

Flavor formulation

Project management

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Food Science/Engineering/Chemistry

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.