Associate Director Ingredient Science - Flavors, Mint, Potato, Grains

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

Associate Director Ingredient Science - Flavors, Mint, Potato, Grains

The Associate Director for Flavors, Mint, Seasonings, Grains, Potato, and Rice, you will lead a global, high-performing team with multi-cultural awareness and manage a portfolio of research programs within Science & Technology for the Mars Snacking business.

In this strategic technical leadership role, you will advance science across these category programs to deliver breakthrough innovation, long-term supply resilience, and value leadership. You will shape the mid- and long-term technology development strategy in collaboration with internal and external partners, leveraging Mars business processes to deliver prioritized, relevant, and innovative solutions to key technical challenges across the segment.

What Are We Looking For?

• Bachelor’s degree in food chemistry, Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Crop Science, or related discipline; Ph.D. or Master’s degree 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, building inclusive team cultures, and driving accountability against clear technical and business milestones.
• 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%.

What will your Key Responsibilities Be?

• Define and lead the 3-5+ year technology vision and research agenda across flavors, seasonings, mint, grains, rice, and potatoes in close partnership 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; role‑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—including R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply, Commercial, Regulatory, and external partners to align technical pipelines with business priorities.
• Build strategic, generational external ecosystems, collaborating with key suppliers, academic institutions, and research consortia to accelerate innovation.

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 company bonus.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 153,600.00 - USD 211,200.00