Senior Manager R&D Processes & Work Systems

Mars; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 134,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mars University

Industry-competitive salary

Learning & development

Job summary

Mars in Chicago seeks a Senior Manager R&D Processes & Work Systems to own global work systems strategy and governance, translating standards into an operating rhythm across R&D.

You will lead cross‑process improvement, build playbooks and maturity models, and partner with BPO and data leads to drive performance, quality and sustainable change under the Five Principles.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.
• Maintain a clear operating model that connects process ownership, deployment, data and performance management.
• 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

Cross-process governance

Continuous improvement

Stakeholder management

R&D processes knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

R&D data systems

Job description

Job Description:

Senior Manager R&D Processes & Work Systems

The Senior Manager R&D Processes & Work Systems owns global work systems strategy and selected cross‑process capability elements that strengthen how R&D runs its business. The role ensures approved process standards are translated into a coherent operating rhythm with clear maturity expectations, governance, capability building and continuous improvement across the function.

What are we looking for?

• 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.

What would your key responsibilities be?

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.

• Maintain a clear operating model that connects process ownership, deployment, data and performance management.

Cross‑Process Governance & Maturity

• Own governance and review mechanisms that track maturity progression, adherence and systemic barriers across multiple process areas.

• Use insights to prioritize improvement work and focus leadership attention on the biggest execution gaps.

Capability Building at Scale

• Lead global capability building for work systems, including playbooks, tools, communities of practice, training approaches and coaching expectations.

• Strengthen the organization’s ability to adopt and sustain standards consistently across regions and teams.

Integration Across BPO, Deployment & Data

• Partner with BPOs to ensure work systems reinforce approved standards, controls and evidence requirements without duplicating process ownership.

• Partner with deployment, analytics and data stewardship leaders so adoption, performance and data quality are built into the operating cadence.

Performance Improvement & Change Leadership

• Drive cross‑functional continuous improvement priorities that simplify work, improve adherence and strengthen business performance.

• Support major transformation efforts by ensuring new solutions land into a sustainable operating rhythm.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in‑house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

#LI-BM1

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 134,400.00 - USD 184,800.00