Franklin, TN

This role will push boundaries, leading the development of innovative products via existing and emerging products for the North American business. The incumbent will work cross-functionally to lead fast paced product development, technical support for new products, all while maintaining quality design and delivering desired product performance to both the consumer and pet. 

What are we looking for?

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Food Science or Food Engineering; Advance degree preferred
• 5+ years’ experience in research and development
• Strong knowledge of food product development from bench top to full scale production
• Strong ability to work cross functionally with people in other disciplines/business areas
• Demonstrated excellence in project management and capability to lead cross functional projects
• Intellectually curious to find and develop opportunities
• Strong ability to think critically to solve complex challenges
• Strong knowledge in multiple product formats (human food, pet food or similar experience)
• Ability to communicate and transfer knowledge to others in various forms (presentations, written reports, emails, training)

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Preferred Qualifications

• Advance degree in Food Science or Food Engineering
• Food science / food chemistry and animal nutrition
• 7 years+ experience
• Understanding of Petfood consumers, market opportunities, recipes, raw materials, and process constraints
• Strong knowledge of applicable human and Petfood technologies and the manufacturing processes

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Use appropriate tools to facilitate concept and prototype evaluation (creation and presentation)
• Create and align product design briefs with cross functional project team
• Specify product design attributes and quality targets
• Own product development within projects   
• Support Process and Packaging Development Teams
• Contribute product design expertise to unit, regional, and global communities for the pet food segment
• Mentor and coach more junior R&D associates
• Follow corporate labelling and claim policy

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.