Principal Engineer - Factory Innovation

The Principal Engineer Factory Innovation (FI) is a key technical leadership role within the Design System 2 (DS2) organization.  This role is responsible for helping to drive the Mars Wrigley growth agenda and key programs through the implementation of DS2 innovations and Freedom to Operate (FTO) activities across our current Chocolate and Gum, Mints, and Fruity portfolio as well as any future portfolio opportunities within the “Treating and Snacking” space. 

The Principal Engineer Factory Innovation is a member of the Factory Innovation Leadership Team and will work with the Leadership Team to implement ways of working, identify tools and processes for agile project execution, and partner with cross-functional Team members to develop an efficient and effective “path to scale” for complex innovation and freedom to operate programs.  This role will explore and champion the use of new and leading-edge approaches and models to drive rapid implementation in both internal and external manufacturing (EM) sites. 

This role will also be part of the DS2 FI Central Team, which will include the Global Director, the Sr. Manager of the DS2 FI Center of Excellence, and the Sr. Engineer (SME).  This is a senior technical level position that works to develop strategy for the function, to coach and mentor other associates, influences our “commercialization” strategy and delivers value and growth through program delivery.  In addition, this position requires strong stakeholder management and influencing skills to be successful at building the “scale up” strategy and partnering with key project Team members across Supply, R&D and Commercial to execute projects.    

The Principal Engineer DS2 FI possesses an excellent drive for results, great project management skills, a creative and entrepreneurial growth mindset, and an ability to influence and create strong networks to drive the innovation agenda.  They work independently with minimal guidance and to partner well and communicate effectively with key cross functional partners.  This position requires a blend of strategic thinking, technical know-how, and tactical execution across a portfolio of diverse and complex projects.  They will work with global Product and Process Teams to look at new capabilities to deliver innovation for existing and new brand propositions.  This associate will need to deal well with ambiguity and be comfortable navigating new (or unproven) ways of working.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor of Science or degree equivalent in engineering, chemical engineering or a technical area including chemistry, or food science is required.

• Proven technical and project management skills acquired through 8+ years of professional experience in leading innovation projects as a technical member on a cross functional team. Food Technologies (including Treating and Snacking spaces) experience preferred.

• In addition to the minimum requirements, a master's degree in engineering, chemical engineering or a technical area including chemistry, or food science would be preferred. 

• Direct experience in the development and successful launch of new products, packages and processes.

• Excellent influential skills and stakeholder management.

• Preferred Qualifications: Six Sigma qualification, experience in working with outside vendors/partners to deliver project requirements, Hands on experience in the development and successful launch of new processes in FMCG

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Responsible for partnering with Technical Project Teams, Commercial and Supply to assess “path to scale” options for new DS2 innovations

• Responsible for working with Regional DS2 Factory Innovation and site Teams and/or External Manufacturing Teams to deliver Innovation and FTO projects at scale, leveraging best practice approaches (Six Sigma, Design for Vertical Startup)

• Responsible for identifying opportunities and approaches to optimize “path to scale” approach (efficiency, ways of working, etc)

• Is a senior technical leader that works to develops strategy for the function, coaches and mentors other associates (across R&D and Supply) and delivers value and growth through translation of DS2 innovation projects from concept to scale

• They understand internal and external capabilities (across current product platforms and adjacent snacking platform) and can assess concept feasibility for scale (in lead and potential follower markets)

• They have a solid understanding of Global and Regional business strategy and can identify ideas and opportunities to accelerate “path to scale” for new innovations

• They support creation of “Fit for Purpose” processes to enable faster and more effective DS2 project execution

• They are a member of the DS2 Catalyst Team responsible for early engagement with DS2 Project Teams to evaluate “scalability” of concepts and potential sourcing solutions

• Remains abreast of new developments in food technologies, process engineering, and related fields, to drive Innovation projects for new innovation of on existing assets

• Connects with peers globally and other functions to develop and share best practices, including tools and processes (DFVS, Material Qualification, EM qualification, as examples), and accelerate the global deployment of new innovations

• Initiates and coordinates trials for Commissioning, Validation and Start-up planning and execution.

• Flexibility to conduct conference calls outside of core work hours and Global travel will be required to factories as well as key markets

• May take on Technical Project Leadership (TPL) roles for new DS2 innovations and FTO programs

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 like-minded 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.

About Mars:
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®, 5â„¢, 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 Hospitalsâ„¢, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCAâ„¢ and Pet Partnersâ„¢. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 130,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.

Disclaimer:
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.​​​​​​​

Note to Search Firms/Agencies:
Mars, Incorporated and its subsidiaries and affiliates (Mars) do not compensate search firms for unsolicited assistance unless they have a written search agreement with Mars and the requisition is position-specific.  Any resumes, curriculum vitae, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written search agreement or position-specific requisition submitted to any Associate of Mars will be deemed the sole property of Mars and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Mars.