Associate Director, Global Flavor & Ingredient Innovation

Mars; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 154,000 - 211,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Job summary

Mars is seeking an Associate Director of Ingredient Science covering Flavors, Mint, Seasonings, Grains, Potato, and Rice. Lead a global team and manage research programs to drive breakthrough innovation and long-term supply resilience.

You will shape mid- and long-term technology strategy with internal and external partners, delivering innovative solutions across categories and ensuring MSOS compliance and top-tier scientific rigor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food chemistry, Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Crop Science, or related discipline; advanced degrees preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive R&D leadership experience in food science, flavor chemistry, analytical science, crop science, or related CPG environments.
• Proven track record of developing senior scientific talent and building inclusive team cultures.
• Demonstrated success in converting scientific research into commercialized, deployable ingredients and resilient supply chain solutions.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and executive communication skills, with experience navigating complex, multi-stakeholder global matrices.
• Ability to travel globally up to 20%.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the 3-5+ year technology vision and research agenda across flavors, seasonings, mint, grains, rice, and potatoes in collaboration with Commercial Sourcing and Innovation teams.
• Translate cutting-edge scientific discoveries into scalable, deployable technologies that unlock brand growth and enhance consumer experiences.
• Lead technical initiatives in partnership with Commercial that de-risk ingredient supply chains, improve supply resiliency, and deliver cost and sustainability advantages.
• Lead global flavor governance to simplify development, accelerate approvals, and secure patentable opportunities and intellectual property.
• Cultivate high-performing teams: lead, develop, and inspire a diverse team of scientists and technical experts; model inclusive leadership and line management excellence.
• Ensure all programs adhere to the Mars Science Operating System (MSOS), maintaining top-tier research rigor, quality standards, and safety/QMP compliance.
• Partner effectively with cross-functional teams in R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply, Commercial, Regulatory, and external partners to align pipelines with business priorities.
• Build strategic, generational external ecosystems, collaborating with suppliers, academic institutions, and research consortia to accelerate innovation.

Skills

R&D leadership

Flavor chemistry

Analytical science

CPG environments

Education

Bachelor’s degree in food chemistry/Food Science/Chemistry/Biology/Crop Science

Ph.D. or Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Mars is seeking an Associate Director of Ingredient Science covering Flavors, Mint, Seasonings, Grains, Potato, and Rice. Lead a global team and manage research programs to drive breakthrough innovation and long-term supply resilience.

You will shape mid- and long-term technology strategy with internal and external partners, delivering innovative solutions across categories and ensuring MSOS compliance and top-tier scientific rigor.