Specialist, R&D Transformation

Mars (New); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 101,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars is seeking an experienced R&D Transformation leader to drive Design to Value (DtV), modernize R&D through digitization, and enable business units with differentiated capabilities. You will guide cross-functional teams, deliver defined workstreams, and apply agile practices to speed decisions and value realization.

The role requires a Bachelor's in a relevant field and 7+ years in Food CPG R&D, process improvement, or project delivery, with a focus on scalable, data-driven solutions

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Packaging, Data/Analytics, or a related discipline.
• 7+ years relevant experience in Food CPG R&D, process improvement, innovation, or project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Own defined workstreams across DtV, R&D modernization, and business-unit capability enablement, delivering outcomes on time.
• Map and improve R&D processes, identify digitization opportunities, translate user needs into requirements.
• Apply data, structured problem solving, and agile practices to accelerate delivery and show business value.
• Partner with R&D teams, business units, Digital Technologies, Quality, Supply, Finance, and external partners to create scalable solutions.
• Coordinate DtV initiatives by surfacing cost/value drivers and enabling teams to progress opportunities.

Skills

R&D leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Packaging, Data/Analytics, or related

Job description

Job Description: Deliver R&D Transformation workstreams that advance Design to Value (DtV), modernize R&D through digitization, process improvement, and agile ways of working, and enable business units with differentiated capabilities- driving R&D excellence across the Accelerator R&D teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own defined workstreams across Design to Value (DtV), R&D modernization, and business-unit capability enablement, delivering agreed outcomes, timelines, and adoption targets
• Map and improve R&D processes, identify digitization opportunities, translate user needs into requirements, and coordinate pilots and implementation
• Apply data, structured problem solving, and agile practices to simplify work, improve decision quality, accelerate delivery, and demonstrate business value
• Partner with R&D teams, business units, Digital Technologies, Quality, Supply, Commercial, Finance, and external partners to connect needs with practical, scalable solutions
• Drive DtV initiatives by coordinating technical and business inputs, surfacing cost and value drivers, challenging assumptions, and enabling teams to progress opportunities

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Packaging, Data/Analytics, or a related discipline.
• 7+ years relevant experience in Food CPG R&D, process improvement, innovation, or project delivery

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. 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 101,120.00 - USD 139,040.00

Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M's®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, BEN'S ORIGINAL®, and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCA™ and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles - Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom - inspire our 140,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.