R&D Strategic Lead, Snacking Innovation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Mars University access

Learning & development support

Job summary

Mars Snacking is building an internal entrepreneurship engine to develop, incubate, and scale next big innovations in Snacking. The R&D Strategic Lead will shape the POD innovation strategy through deep consumer insights while also managing a portfolio of projects to deliver market-ready solutions.

The role reports to the SVP Global Innovation R&D and collaborates with Discover, PS&I, and regional teams to ensure resources, milestones, and outcomes align with brand priorities and regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, engineering, chemistry, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years in food R&D, product development, or applied science (CPG/Packaged Foods).
• Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, formulation, packaging, and manufacturing feasibility.
• Proven track record translating consumer insights into technical prototypes and products.
• Proven track record scaling innovations with internal/external manufacturers.
• Experience scouting and partnering with external technology providers or research institutions.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive innovation strategy guided by consumer insights and regional priorities.
• Lead multiple concurrent projects from feasibility through stage gates and commercialization.
• Ensure regulatory, IP, and claims compliance across all projects; manage KPI tracking and risk.
• Foster cross‑functional partnerships to embed innovations into regional operations and scale.

Skills

Consumer insight

Portfolio management

Cross-functional collaboration

Prototyping

Regulatory compliance

Packaging/formulation

Education

Bachelor's degree in food science/engineering/chemistry

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Mars Snacking is building an internal entrepreneurship engine to develop, incubate, and scale next big innovations in Snacking. The R&D Strategic Lead will shape the POD innovation strategy through deep consumer insights while also managing a portfolio of projects to deliver market-ready solutions.

The role reports to the SVP Global Innovation R&D and collaborates with Discover, PS&I, and regional teams to ensure resources, milestones, and outcomes align with brand priorities and regulatory