Cocoa Nature Sustainability Manager

Mars Incorporated; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 108,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mars University

Company bonus

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Mars Incorporated seeks a Cocoa Nature Sustainability Manager to lead the Climate-Smart Agriculture PMO and Global Nature & Climate Data Analytics. The role bridges strategy, regional teams, suppliers, and MRV systems to deliver verifiable farm-level climate and biodiversity impact within Mars' SIG Plan.

Responsibilities include leading emissions modeling under GHG Protocol, guiding regenerative practices, and coordinating multi-country programs with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum degree in environment, agronomy, or related sustainability field.
• Master's preferred in GIS/remote sensing or environmental management.
• 7+ years in agribusiness sustainability, regenerative agriculture, or sustainable sourcing.
• Strong data analysis, LCA, and PMO leadership across multi-country projects.
• Strong English; Spanish proficiency benefits PMO responsibilities in LATAM.

Responsibilities

• Lead farm-level spatial analysis and traceability for cocoa origins.
• Model Scope 3 GHG emissions and pathway scenarios per FLAG/SBTi.
• PMO leadership for the Cocoa Climate & Nature program and MRV data integration.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and external partners; travel up to 20%.

Skills

Data modeling

GIS analysis

PMO leadership

Stakeholder management

English proficiency

Spanish proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science/related field

Master's degree preferred in Agronomy/Geospatial fields

Tools

Power BI

Python/R

Excel

SimaPro

Cool Farm Tool

ArcGIS / QGIS

Job description

The world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. At Mars, our Sustainable in a Generation (SIG) Plan is our roadmap to creating a healthy planet where people and pets can thrive.

The Cocoa Nature Sustainability Manager plays a dual strategic role within Mars Cocoa Enterprise. First, the role serves as Program Management Officer (PMO) for the Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Program, working with suppliers to operationalize farm-level regenerative interventions across key origins. Second, the role leads Global Nature & Climate Data Analytics, combining geographic information systems (GIS), farm-level Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), and Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems to substantiate greenhouse gases results and biodiversity improvements.

Acting as a bridge between global sustainability strategy, regional teams, external partners, and cocoa suppliers, this role ensures our interventions deliver verifiable, audit-ready nature-related impact at the farm-level. This role is critically important, as it supports Mars' most impactful GHG reduction program to date across all Mars and plays a pivotal role in enabling the company to achieve its publicly stated Net Zero commitment under the Mars SIG Plan.

Minimum requirements:

• Minimum: Bachelor's degree in environmental science, Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Sustainable Development, Data Science, or an Engineering/Business discipline with sustainability specialization.
• Preferred: Master's degree in Agronomy, Agroforestry, Environmental Management, GIS/Remote Sensing, or related applied science.
• 7+ years of relevant professional experience spanning:
  • Agribusiness sustainability, regenerative agriculture, or sustainable sourcing programs.
  • Quantitative environmental data analysis, Scope 3 / FLAG accounting, and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
  • Program Management Office (PMO) leadership overseeing multi-country agricultural projects.
  • Strategic financial acumen and analytical capabilities. Comfortable navigating digital systems for data management and reporting.
  • Strong project management skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage multiple issues, manage scope and risks

Key Functional Competencies & Technical Skills

• Data & Systems Acumen: Advanced quantitative modelling skills; hands-on proficiency with tools such as Power BI, Python/R, Excel, SimaPro, and the Cool Farm Tool.
• Geospatial & Spatial Expertise: Strong understanding of GIS tools (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, Google Earth Engine) applied to farm boundary verification, polygon validation, land-use change, and deforestation monitoring.
• Standards & Protocols: Demonstrated fluency with GHG Protocol (Corporate, Scope 3, and Land Sector and Removals Guidance), Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi FLAG), WCF GHG Accounting Guidelines, and the Accountability Framework initiative (AFi).
• PMO & Stakeholder Leadership: Proven track record in project management (governance, milestones, risk registers, supplier reviews) within cross-cultural supply chain environments.
• Language Skills: Professional working proficiency in both English and Spanish given active PMO responsibilities in Latin America.

Preferred requirements:

• Master's degree in Agronomy, Agroforestry, Environmental Management, GIS/Remote Sensing, or related applied science.
• Language Skills: Professional working proficiency in English, Spanish and French given active engagement in Latin America and West Africa.
• Experience with agribusiness sustainability, regenerative agriculture, or sustainable sourcing programs.
• Data & Systems Acumen: Advanced quantitative modelling skills; hands-on proficiency with tools such as Power BI, Python/R, Excel, SimaPro, and the Cool Farm Tool.
• PMO & Stakeholder Leadership: Proven track record in project management (governance, milestones, risk registers, supplier reviews) within cross-cultural supply chain environments.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Cocoa Climate & Nature Data Analytics, GIS, and MRV

• Farm-Level Spatial Analysis & Traceability: GIS analytics, polygon mapping, and support deforestation-free assurance mechanisms for cocoa farms. Work with the Monitoring and Evaluation (MEL) team to ensure supplier polygon and boundary data adhere to stringent quality, completeness, and geolocation integrity standards.
• Scope 3 GHG Accounting & Scenario Modeling: Lead emissions footprint calculations and trajectory modeling for cocoa sourcing in line with the GHG Protocol Land Sector and Removals Guidance (FLAG) and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Model emission reduction pathways and marginal abatement costs
• Cocoa GHG Data Inclusion in Corporate Reporting: Lead the end-to-end process for integrating cocoa-related GHG data into Mars' corporate reporting. Ensure the timely, accurate, and complete submission of data in line with central reporting requirements, supporting the development of Mars' company-wide GHG inventory, sustainability disclosures, and climate target tracking. Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to validate data quality, address reporting gaps, and continuously improve data collection and assurance processes.

Cocoa Climate-Smart Agriculture Program

• PMO the operational rollout of holistic farm-level regenerative agriculture practices-including diversified agroforestry systems, soil health restoration, biochar integration, low-carbon fertilizer application, and shade-canopy management.
• Support the design and deployment of farmer-centric incentive models (e.g., technical assistance, input access, payment for ecosystem services) to derisk the multi-year transition to regenerative cocoa farming.
• Ecosystem Co-Benefits: Ensure programs simultaneously optimize carbon sequestration, enhance on-farm biodiversity, build water resilience, prevent land degradation, and support living income and farmer resilience.

• Internal Matrix: Operates with high autonomy within a matrixed organization, collaborating daily across Mars Cocoa Enterprise Monitoring and Evaluation Team, Mars Healthy Planet teams, Regional Sourcing & Supplier Development team, and Science & Technology teams.
• External Ecosystem: Manages relationships with suppliers, technology and MRV vendors and NGO partners where programs are implemented.
• Operational Environment: Requires balancing technical rigor (GHG modeling, GIS, data architecture) with practical, culturally attuned operational program delivery in origin countries.
• Travel: Ability to travel up to 20% globally to perform on-farm assessments, attend supplier reviews, and participate in industry conferences.

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.

An 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 108,160.00 - USD 148,720.00