Global R&D Director, Innovation & Renovation, Mars Food & Nutrition

Global R&D Director, Innovation & Renovation, Mars Food & Nutrition Location: GBR-London-London Job Description: This is a strategic leadership position responsible for driving global Innovation & Renovation (I&R) across a portfolio of iconic food brands. The Director leads a multidisciplinary team (~35 Associates) covering Product Development, Packaging, Materials, Culinary, Consumer Insights, and Digital, with a focus on breakthrough innovation, renovation, sustainability, and digital transformation. The role is pivotal for Mars Food & Nutrition’s growth, health & wellbeing, and sustainability ambitions. What are we looking for? Experience: 12+ years of R&D leadership in food/nutrition within FMCG. Track Record: Proven success in global innovation and renovation. Expertise: Consumer insights, culinary, material science, cost optimization, digital R&D. Experience: business continuity, risk management, and operational excellence. Experience:Demonstrated leadership in leveraging digital technologies - such as data analytics, AI, ML, and digital product development - to drive innovation and accelerate R&D outcomes. Leadership: Exceptional communication and stakeholder management; experience managing large, multicultural teams. Education: Advanced degree (MSc/PhD) in Food Science, Technology, Culinary Arts, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field. What will be your responsibilities? 1. Innovation & Renovation Leadership Strategy Development: Craft and execute a global I&R R&D strategy for all brands, ensuring a robust pipeline of consumer-centric, culinary-led, and science-based products. Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate with Marketing, Commercial, and Supply teams to identify and prioritize innovation opportunities. Culture Building: Foster creativity, agility, and discipline, leveraging external partnerships and digital tools. 2. Business Continuity & Value Leadership Supply Resilience: Lead initiatives to ensure supply chain resilience and risk mitigation for critical materials and processes. Cost Optimization: Drive sustainable margin improvement via material science, process innovation, and supplier partnerships. Risk Management: Oversee technical risk assessments and mitigation strategies. 3. Packaging Sustainability Program Leadership Sustainability Initiatives: Lead global efforts to reduce environmental impact of packaging. Regulatory Compliance: Develop technical solutions for packaging regulations, ensuring compliance and proactive adaptation. Innovation in Packaging: Collaborate with Commercial and Supply Chain to create sustainable packaging solutions. Sustainability Integration: Embed sustainability principles throughout product and packaging development. 4. Material Expertise Raw Material Mastery: Build deep expertise in key ingredients and packaging materials. Supplier Collaboration: Work with procurement and suppliers to qualify and implement new materials/technologies. Compliance: Ensure adherence to global food safety, quality, and regulatory standards. 5. R&D Operations Excellence Strategy & Execution: Align global R&D team to divisional priorities and annual goals. Budget & Resources: Lead budget planning and resource allocation, ensuring strategic alignment. Performance Metrics: Establish KPIs and drive process efficiency and effectiveness. Portfolio Governance: Oversee governance, analysis, and reporting for innovation and technical project portfolios. Collaboration: Promote cross-functional collaboration and provide governance to technical forums. Capability Building: Drive technical capability development, especially in digital and sustainability. Capital Investment: Plan capital investments to support innovation and growth. Communication: Develop unified R&D communication strategies with Corporate Affairs. Transformation: Lead design and implementation of new operating models and processes. 6. Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement Team Leadership: Inspire and develop a diverse, high-performing global R&D team. Stakeholder Management: Build strong relationships with internal/external stakeholders. Representation: Represent Mars Food & Nutrition R&D at global forums, industry events, and with key customers. 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.