Senior Manager Product Development (DS2)

A critical role within the Product Development (DS2) Innovation team in driving sustainable business growth. This role is responsible for insight development, design, development and translation of Product innovations for favorites, enhanced favorites, new territories and adjacencies areas of DS2 growth.

Through strong people leadership this role will work with their team to identify global innovation opportunities, working with other DS2 functions to translate consumer insights into growth opportunities.

This role will be responsible for facilitating the development of key product innovation implementations globally. It is accountable for the process of creation, governance and execution of the programs and work streams allocated as part of the DS2 growth agenda.

As a global Senior Manager Product Development, this role may work on all categories and brands, based on the needs of the business. The role operates at multiple levels within the business and is an individual contributor as well as managing and leading a team. This role works across the spectrum of the product lifecycle from working in new territories, and the front end to improving our current offerings. The role requires consumer empathy and the ability to translate this into prototypes to inspire and excite the consumer & the business. This position requires a blend of strategic thinking, technical know-how and tactical execution to define and execute a portfolio of complex projects, looking at new perspectives to solve existing and new brand solutions within DS2.

This role will drive the global delivery of the 5-year innovation pipeline for DS2, for driving consistency in quality of our Packaging and the delivery of the efficiency programs.

What are we looking for?

Bachelor of Science in a technical area including engineering, chemistry, food science is required.

Master's degree in Product Development or Project management would be preferred..

Minimum of 10 years experience in project management of New Product Development as the key technical member on a cross-functional team.

Minimum of 5 years of Line Management experience: development, coaching/mentoring of direct reports and building teams

Hands on experience in the development and successful launch of new products, packages and processes.

Proven track record of managing complex projects through execution, preferably with cross functional teams

Knowledgeable in covering food safety and food hygiene programs, process, printing and legislation and raw materials

High degree of ownership, big sense of urgency and an action-biased, positive attitude. Strong critical thinking and able to operate independently

The ability to inspire and influence senior stakeholders.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Responsible for the strategy, priority setting, execution & delivery of the DS2 platform innovation projects

Defines and Sets priorities for projects identified for the platform DS2 teams; identifies and secures appropriate technical resources to bring project through to commercialization

Partners with the Platform VP’s and Marketing to input on the long-term strategy for the DS2 portfolio.

Uses deep consumer understanding & technical knowledge to develop, deliver and fuel the 5 yr product and packaging pipeline.

Collaborates with other R&D teams and Supply to deliver the innovation initiatives for DS2

Ensures that the product development for all DS2 product designs are delivered and that they are designed to meet the relevant brand KQA’s.

Ensures that the product development process is carried out such that timelines are met to market products.

Leads cross-functional teams in a design thinking way of working to deliver new and novel innovation for the brand

Acts as a key link between the Product platform and the Science and Technology teams to help set technology and research strategies required by DS2

Remains abreast of new developments in food technologies, packaging, design, category trends and related fields

Continually works to scope innovation programs and ensures the technical feasibility of the projects.

Continually works to scope for new Scale innovation and ensures the technical feasibility of the projects

Defines and Drives KQA and product governance communication where appropriate and ensures quality excellence globally.

Works on Freedom to operate programs to deliver the allocated projects.

Line Management of a team: Responsible for motivating, inspiring, engaging and developing the team.

Responsible for Developing Direct reports: Responsible for motivating, inspiring, engaging and developing the individual team members.

Connects with peers in other regions, and other functions to harmonize Innovation projects, share best practices, and accelerate the global deployment of new innovations

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.