Lead R&D Processes & Work Systems

Mars Incorporated; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 79,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental benefits

401k plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Mars Incorporated is seeking a Lead R&D Processes & Work Systems to drive adoption, governance and continuous improvement of our R&D processes across regions. You translate standards into practical routines and build capability for sustainable execution.

The role emphasizes sustaining processes, guiding maturity, and collaborating with data, analytics and technical teams to reinforce an integrated operating model.

Qualifications

• Experience in process improvement, work systems, or operational excellence.
• Strong understanding of governance routines and standard work in matrix environments.
• Ability to translate standards into practical execution and coach teams.
• Exposure to R&D systems, quality expectations, data requirements, or regulated settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead adoption and continuous improvement of R&D processes and work systems.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to implement governance and standard work.
• Track process maturity, adherence and performance indicators and close gaps.
• Coordinate regional integration to sustain global standards in local execution.
• Drive root-cause analysis and practical improvements across processes and data.

Skills

Process improvement

Governance routines

Data requirements & metrics

Cross-functional collaboration

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food Science, Operations, or Business

Job description

Job Description:

Job Purpose/Overview

The Lead R&D Processes & Work Systems drives adoption, performance and continuous improvement of R&D business processes and work systems across assigned areas. The role translates approved standards into practical routines, governance and capability building so that process expectations are consistently sustained in execution.

Key Responsibilities

Work Systems Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead activation of work system elements such as standard work, maturity expectations, governance routines, problem solving and continuous improvement practices.
• Build capability through training, coaching and communities of practice so teams can adopt and sustain required ways of working.

Process Adoption & Performance

• Partner with BPOs to convert approved process standards, controls and evidence requirements into practical routines and operating mechanisms.
• Track maturity, adherence and process performance indicators and drive actions to close gaps.

Regional Integration & Sustainment

• Coordinate with regions and local stakeholders to embed global standards into local execution without losing core control points.
• Support implementation of process changes into BAU and reinforce sustained use through governance and follow‑through.

Data & Performance Integration

• Ensure data requirements are understood in execution and that process teams are equipped to create complete, accurate and timely data at source.
• Surface recurring execution or data barriers and coordinate corrective action with process owners and data roles.

Continuous Improvement & Cross‑Functional Alignment

• Lead root cause analysis and practical improvement work across processes, systems and routines.
• Partner with deployment, data, analytics and technical teams to reinforce an integrated operating model.

Context and Scope

Explain how the job gets done and the way it operates within the team and with stakeholders

This role bridges process ownership and execution. It is differentiated from deployment roles by its primary focus on sustainment, maturity and ongoing work system adoption rather than program rollout management; and from T3 roles by its focus on localized application rather than global strategy or standard ownership.

Job Specifications/Qualifications

Education & Professional Qualifications

Preferred-Degree in Engineering, Food Science, Operations, Business or equivalent experience.

Knowledge / Experience

• Experience in process improvement, work systems, operational excellence or structured capability deployment.
• Strong understanding of governance routines, standard work and behavioral change in a matrix environment.
• Ability to translate standards into practical execution and coach teams to adopt them.
• Exposure to R&D systems, quality expectations, data requirements or regulated environments preferred.
• Experience using performance measures and root cause methods to improve execution preferred.

Competencies:

• Manages Complexity
• Drives Results
• Ensures Accountability
• Builds Networks
• Collaborates

Other -

Global or multi‑regional scope; travel as required

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 79,280.00 - USD 109,010.00