Global R&D Strategy & Performance Leader

Mars; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 193,000 - 265,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars is seeking a Senior Director of R&D Strategy and Performance to shape and orchestrate the end-to-end R&D strategy and execution across the global organization. You will lead strategy deployment, governance, and performance management, aligning budgets and resources with enterprise growth and ensuring cross-functional collaboration and impact.

The role requires a strong track record in leading large, global programs, advancing digital-enabled processes, and influencing senior stakeholders

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science, engineering or business. Optional advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years leadership experience across R&D, transformation, operating model design, portfolio & program leadership, consulting or related CPG environments.
• Proven ability to simplify and standardize ways of working at scale with digitization and common processes.
• Proven track record of leading direct and cross-functional teams delivering complex, high-impact programs.
• Experience in performance management, governance, portfolio, budget and resource management, and continuous improvement across global orgs.
• Strong stakeholder influence across global and regional teams and enterprise partners, including Digital Technologies and Data.
• Experience leading integration and change programs across geographies and functions, translating strategy into coordinated execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Global R&D strategy and translate it into clear priorities, performance measures and investment decisions.
• Provide senior leadership for strategy deployment through KPIs, governance routines and performance frameworks.
• Oversee budget, resource and portfolio governance for highest-value opportunities.
• Define governance standards and decision forums for alignment and quality across Global R&D.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategy deployment

Governance

Portfolio management

Stakeholder influence

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in science, engineering or business

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Mars is seeking a Senior Director of R&D Strategy and Performance to shape and orchestrate the end-to-end R&D strategy and execution across the global organization. You will lead strategy deployment, governance, and performance management, aligning budgets and resources with enterprise growth and ensuring cross-functional collaboration and impact.

The role requires a strong track record in leading large, global programs, advancing digital-enabled processes, and influencing senior stakeholders