R&D Strategic Lead — Snack Innovation & Portfolio Champion

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 119,000 - 164,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mars University training

Company bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates is seeking an R&D Strategic Lead for Salty & Hunger to shape POD innovation strategy and oversee a portfolio of projects. You will translate consumer insights into executable programs and collaborate with Discover, PS&I, and regional teams to scale breakthroughs.

Join Mars for a purpose-driven career with strong development support, competitive pay, and a bonus program, contributing to growth in the snacking portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, engineering, chemistry, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 7 years in food R&D, product development, or applied science.
• Experience translating consumer insights into prototypes and products.
• Experience scaling innovations with internal and external manufacturers.
• Experience scouting external technology providers or research institutions.
• Familiarity with claims development and regulatory frameworks.
• Hands-on prototyping skills; thrives in fast-moving innovation environments.

Responsibilities

• Identify consumer pain points and design targets; align initiatives with brand and regional priorities.
• Lead multiple concurrent innovation projects from feasibility through stage gates.
• Translate consumer pain points into scale-ready product, pack, and platform solutions.
• Drive formulation, packaging specs, claims substantiation, costings, and supply feasibility.
• Ensure regulatory, IP, and claims compliance across all projects.
• Govern the POD innovation pipeline with milestone tracking and KPI reporting.
• Foster cross-functional partnerships to deliver business-aligned innovation.

Skills

Prototyping

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in food science/engineering/chemistry

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates is seeking an R&D Strategic Lead for Salty & Hunger to shape POD innovation strategy and oversee a portfolio of projects. You will translate consumer insights into executable programs and collaborate with Discover, PS&I, and regional teams to scale breakthroughs.

Join Mars for a purpose-driven career with strong development support, competitive pay, and a bonus program, contributing to growth in the snacking portfolio.