Job Description:
The Product Development - Raw Material and Value Engineering Scientist is an important role within the Europe and Central Eurasia R&D organization. This specific role is responsible for driving value leadership (VL), supply security and simplification of our raw materials, with a primary focus on chocolate materials. This role will provide deep technical product, raw material, and process understanding and will work with other departments (such as commercial, supply, and site teams) to deliver VL, supply security and simplification of raws. The role holder needs to effectively manage opportunity selection by making data-driven decisions to decide on whether to progress each opportunity, while maintaining strong and positive relationships with commercial partners. The role holder is then accountable for the further investigation and execution of these opportunities.
This position requires strong technical expertise and tactical execution skills to define and deliver a portfolio of complex projects. As a Regional Product Development Scientist, this role may support all product categories, depending on business needs. Product Development - Raw Material and Value Engineering Scientist possesses a solid drive for results, excellent project management skills, a creative and entrepreneurial growth mindset, and an ability to create strong networks and relationships. They work independently with minimal guidance and will build effective cross‑functional working teams to drive projects to execution.
Location: Slough, UK, Hybrid work model (50% on‑site per week)
Salary: £42,700 - £50,500 (depending on the knowledge & experience), annual bonus, benefits
What are we looking for?
* Minimum: Bachelor of Science in a technical area, including engineering, chemistry, or food science, is required.
* Preferred: In addition to the minimum requirements, a Masters degree in Product Development or Project Management would be preferred.
* Minimum: Proven Project management skills typically acquired through 3+ years of professional experience in leading projects as the key technical member on a cross‑functional team. Ability to prototype a range of chocolate products in the R&D kitchen and pilot plant area. Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as strong learning agility.
* Preferred: Experience in working with outside vendors to deliver project requirements.
What will be your key responsibilities?
R&D lead (Technical Project Lead) for raw material initiatives. This includes but is not limited to:
* Assessment of opportunities identified for spec consolidation/simplification, value leadership or supply security. Leading these through from scoping to implementation.
* Completion of Technical Product Risk Management documents and other process documents, where required. Ensuring these are kept up to date and relevant through all stages of the initiative.
* Management of specification review and updates where required.
* Liaising with the raw material team for Material Risk Assessment review and updates where required.
* Liaising with the raw material team for any changes to inspection plans.
* Working with the Sensory team to organize and plan any sensory testing required.
* Pilot plant work for any prototypes/samples needed.
* Working closely with R&D Factory Innovation peers to ensure product changes can be scaled effectively within existing internal manufacturing capabilities, assisting with the organization of line trials if required.
* General housekeeping such as recipe updates, allergen labeling, lifestyle claims, or product specification updates.
* Collaborating with regional R&D peers, commercial and supply to ensure the effective technical delivery of the project.
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.
* 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 a company bonus.
Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long‑term health conditions, or who are neurodiverse during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here.
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