Global R&D Processes & Work Systems Lead

Mars; Battle Creek (MI); On-site; USD 134,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars is seeking a Senior Manager R&D Processes & Work Systems to own the global work systems strategy and cross‑process capabilities that strengthen how R&D runs its business. You will translate standards into an operating rhythm with governance, maturity models and continuous improvement.

You will lead governance across processes, build scalable capability, and collaborate with deployment, analytics and data stewardship to ensure adoption, performance and data quality across regions.

Qualifications

• Minimum bachelor's degree in engineering, Operations, Food Science, Business or equivalent.
• Minimum of 8 years' experience in work systems, operational excellence, capability building or structured business improvement in a complex organization.
• Proven ability to connect governance, performance, change and behavioral adoption into a practical operating model.
• Experience leading cross‑process continuous improvement and influencing senior stakeholders globally.
• Strong knowledge with R&D processes, systems and data expectations in quality‑sensitive environments preferred.
• Experience building playbooks, maturity models or communities of practice preferred.

Responsibilities

• Global Work Systems Strategy & Operating Model: Set direction for how work systems are deployed across R&D, including core routines, maturity models, standard methods and governance expectations.
• Cross‑Process Governance & Maturity: Own governance and review mechanisms that track maturity progression, adherence and systemic barriers across multiple process areas.
• Capability Building at Scale: Lead global capability building for work systems, including playbooks, tools, communities of practice, training approaches and coaching expectations.
• Integration Across BPO, Deployment & Data: Partner with BPOs to ensure work systems reinforce approved standards, controls and evidence requirements without duplicating process ownership.
• Performance Improvement & Change Leadership: Drive cross‑functional continuous improvement priorities that simplify work, improve adherence and strengthen business performance.

Skills

Governance

Operating model

Cross‑process leadership

Continuous improvement

Change management

Data stewardship

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Mars is seeking a Senior Manager R&D Processes & Work Systems to own the global work systems strategy and cross‑process capabilities that strengthen how R&D runs its business. You will translate standards into an operating rhythm with governance, maturity models and continuous improvement.

You will lead governance across processes, build scalable capability, and collaborate with deployment, analytics and data stewardship to ensure adoption, performance and data quality across regions.