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R&D Strategic Lead - Salty and Hunger (2 roles) at Mars · USA-Illin…
Job Description
R&D Strategic Lead - Salty and Hunger (2 roles)
Location: USA-Illinois-Chicago · Hybrid
Job Description:
R&D Strategic Lead - Salty and Hunger (2 roles)
Mars Snacking is building an internal entrepreneurship engine to develop, incubate, and scale the next big innovations in Snacking. The POD team fuels this pipeline by addressing emerging consumer pain points and bringing them into tangible, market ready solutions which deliver clear consumer and business impact.
The R&D Strategic Lead is a dual-focused role responsible for shaping the POD innovation strategy through deep consumer insight while also operationally managing a portfolio of innovation projects within a POD. This leader ensures that consumer-centric ideas are translated into executable programs and that each project within the POD is resourced, tracked, and delivered with excellence. The position reports directly to the SVP Global Innovation R&D and as part of the Intrapreneur lead POD team will work closely with the Discover team and lead regions.
What are we looking for?
Bachelor’s degree in food science, Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical field. Advanced degree preferred.
Minimum 7 years’ experience in food R&D, product development, or applied science (preferably in CPG/Packaged Foods).
Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, formulation, packaging, and manufacturing feasibility.
Proven track record of translating consumer insights into technical prototypes and products
Proven track record scaling innovations into market with internal and external manufacturers
Experience scouting and partnering with external technology providers or research institutions.
Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, formulation, packaging, and manufacturing feasibility.
Familiarity with claims development and regulatory frameworks.
Hands-on prototyping skills and ability to thrive in ambiguous, fast-moving innovation environments.
What will your key responsibilities be?
Innovation Strategy & Consumer Insight
- Collaborate with Discover Team to identify consumer pain points and design targets.
- Align innovation initiatives with brand, category, and regional priorities.
- Identify opportunities for global scale-up in partnership with PS&I (Portfolio Strategy and Innovation team)
Portfolio & Project Management
- Lead multiple concurrent innovation projects from feasibility through stage gates.
- Translate consumer pain points into scale-ready product, pack, and platform solutions.
- Drive technical and operational development: formulation, packaging specs, claims substantiation, costings, and supply feasibility.
- Ensure regulatory, IP, and claims compliance across all projects.
- Govern the POD innovation pipeline: milestone tracking, KPI reporting, risk management.
- Foster strong cross-functional partnerships to deliver business-aligned innovation.
- Embed innovations into business operations, strengthening regional adoption and scaling.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management
- Partner with lead regions to nurture POD innovations.
- Work closely with PS&I Leaders, R&D Discover Technical Leads, Insights, Design, SRA, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and Legal.
Outputs & Deliverables
- Scale-ready recipes, packs, claims, and specifications.
- Commercialization evidence packs (desirability, feasibility, viability, regulatory compliance).
- Projects delivered with clear consumer and business impact.
- Strengthened regional adoption and scaling opportunities for POD platforms.
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 119,040.00 - USD 163,680.00