Sustainability Open Innovation & Packaging Tech Lead

Mars; Oud-Beijerland; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Job summary

Mars Food & Nutrition Oud-Beijerland is seeking a Sustainability Open Innovation & Technology Lead to identify, develop and scale next‑gen sustainable packaging solutions. You’ll connect external innovation ecosystems with internal priorities, translating emerging technologies into real-world impact.

Collaborate across Packaging R&D, Sustainability, Regulatory, Engineering, Quality, and Commercial teams to bring future-ready packaging to life and drive recyclability, recycled content and

Qualifications

• Degree in packaging/science/engineering/sustainability/food science or related technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience in Packaging R&D, Sustainability, Open Innovation, Materials Development, Packaging Technology, or related functions
• Experience evaluating and implementing packaging innovations, new materials, or emerging technologies
• Experience managing external innovation partnerships and supplier collaborations
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, recyclability, circular economy principles, and sustainability trends (MSc/PhD projects in relevant areas are welcome)
• Experience leading technical projects from concept through implementation
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and lead cross-functional initiatives without direct authority

Responsibilities

• Open Innovation & Technology Scouting: Identify, assess, and prioritize emerging packaging technologies, materials, suppliers, startups, research organizations, and innovation partners
• Build and manage an external innovation network across academia, technology providers, industry associations, and sustainability ecosystems
• Continuously monitor packaging technology trends, regulatory developments, competitive activity, and market innovations
• Evaluate new technologies and materials against sustainability, technical feasibility, cost, scalability, and business requirements
• Translate external innovation opportunities into actionable business recommendations and project pipelines
• Packaging Sustainability Innovation: Lead the identification and development of innovative packaging solutions that support recyclability, recycled content, material reduction, alternative materials, and circular economy objectives
• Conduct technical assessments, feasibility studies, and proof-of-concept evaluations for new packaging technologies and materials
• Support development and implementation of packaging solutions that address current and emerging sustainability requirements
• Build technology and material roadmaps aligned with business priorities, sustainability targets, and regulatory commitments
• Identify opportunities to accelerate delivery of sustainability goals through innovation and external collaboration
• Partnership Development & External Collaboration: Establish and manage strategic relationships with suppliers, startups, universities, research institutes, and technology providers
• Facilitate collaboration between internal stakeholders and external partners to accelerate innovation delivery
• Support evaluation, onboarding, and management of innovation partners and development projects
• Identify opportunities to leverage capabilities across Mars segments, Corporate and external networks
• Technology Development & Implementation: Lead innovation projects from opportunity identification through feasibility, development, pilot validation, and implementation
• Partner with Packaging R&D, S&T, Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, and Sustainability teams to scale new technologies and materials
• Support technology transfer and implementation across internal manufacturing sites and co-manufacturing partners
• Identify and proactively manage technical risks, barriers, and implementation challenges
• Support development of business cases, and stakeholder recommendations for innovation investments
• Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous improvement

Education

Degree in Packaging Science, Materials Science, Engineering, Sustainability, Food Science, or a related technical discipline

Job description

Mars Food & Nutrition Oud-Beijerland is seeking a Sustainability Open Innovation & Technology Lead to identify, develop and scale next‑gen sustainable packaging solutions. You’ll connect external innovation ecosystems with internal priorities, translating emerging technologies into real-world impact.

Collaborate across Packaging R&D, Sustainability, Regulatory, Engineering, Quality, and Commercial teams to bring future-ready packaging to life and drive recyclability, recycled content and