SUSTAINABILITY LEAD - R&D

Job Description.
This role is part of the regional R&D team and is key in ensuring MARS delivers on its sustainability agenda on Sustainable Packaging Commitments and carbon footprint goals.
The role is designed to lead, coordinate and drive Regional R&D activities required to deliver the Sustainable Packaging KPI’s (D4C, Virgin Plastic Reduction, PCR use and Innovate projects) and reduce carbon footprint with a primary focus on ingredient substitution and new raw material development.
The Job holder will also ensure that the regional R&D Team has the required tools and capabilities (inc.
training) to fulfil its mission.
This role will also be the key contact point for D4C and climate in the regional organization and will collaborate cross functionally with all relevant regional functions and with Global R&D to allow accurate planning, deployment and reporting of project activities The Job holder will be an active part of the Global Climate R&D Team and have dotted reporting line to the Global Climate Technical Director.
In this community the Job holder will play a key role in sharing and codifying regional Best Practices as well as implementing capabilities and best practices developed by the Global Team or other regions.
What are we looking for? Degree in Food Science, Food Technology or equivalent.
Advance degree preferred, particularly with a sustainability focus.
Minimum 5 years of experience in research and development Extensive experience in a technical function in FMCG (or similar business) in packaging development and/or product development/formulation Track record in leadership & delivery of complex technical projects/programs Extensive experience in a technical function in FMCG (or similar business) R&D product, formulation, and process development, preferably within Innovation Actively builds collaborative and effective relationships with partners across the business Ability to effectively collaborate, influence, steer and lead senior managers and peers in R&D, Supply, Marketing and Commercial Excellent communication skills, written and oral Spanish & English, Portuguese desirable What will be your key responsibilities? Engagement, Training & Implementation of D4C and Climate knowledge and tools.
Technical point of contact within the region Drives the substitution or incorporation of Raw Materials in OE the recipes to lower the product’s carbon footprint and assesses its impact (performance, costs, regulatory, etc) Collaborate cross functionally and with suppliers to identify new sustainable ingredient options with lower carbon footprint and circularity packaging solutions Ensures new ingredient / replacement opportunities are aligned with Mars sustainability guardrails.
Works with Product Development and S&RA to develop feasible and credible product and packaging claims Ensures regional deployment of Global Ingredients or Alternative Protein developments, Works across Regional R&D Teams to identify and monitor carbon reduction opportunities beyond ingredients Drives and monitors cross functionally, the development and deployment of design sustainable pack activity in the OE.
Inputs for IVCP, AEP and other processes together with Demand, IE, Supply, S&F and Commercial for Packaging and Climate Design assessment.
Owns the collation and detail behind the annual Recipe Optimization CAP and Pack Glidepath activity for the OE Reports Quarterly, KPI’s on Sustainability Activities aligning with the global team for submission to the PSSG.
What can you expect from Mars? Work with over 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.
Best-in-class 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.
Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request.
The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.