The External Manufacturing Senior Scientist Continuous Improvement role leads external manufacturing quality initiatives in the region to ensure the ongoing production of high quality and safe food products within the external manufacturing network.  This role ensures the implementation of all applicable Mars Global Quality and Food Safety Standards. In addition, supports qualification, product start up, performance management, and process improvement initiatives at Mars Wrigley Confectionery external manufacturing locations. The incumbent will use food science, engineering knowledge, quality management, project management and cost of quality skills to identify opportunities to improve consumer satisfaction, optimize processes and establish measures of quality conformance. 

What are we looking for?

Minimum Requirements:

• A BS degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Engineering or related technical field
• A minimum 5 years of experience in a technical area such as Quality & Food Safety or laboratory management quality systems
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to travel 30% of the time

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced MS degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Engineering or related technical field\
• Experienced auditor with accreditation in GFSI Quality systems such as SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000, ISO9000
• ASQ certification
• Advanced understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), HACCP, Sensory, Microbiology, Regulatory and Food Law guidelines

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Coordinates the deployment and compliance of the Mars Global EMQM standard and other applicable standards within the External Manufacturing network.
• Leads Quality efforts in manufacturing site selection by assessing quality capability and food safety systems performance.  Coordinates with the Supply Chain External Manufacturing Team to resolve site selection and audit concerns.
• Provide quality input to Change Management process, ensuring robust and verified procedure.
• Drive continuous improvement of EMQM processes through periodic reviews of standards, CAPAs, consumer and customer complaints and incidents. Drives CI of documents such as Tech Spec 1, 2 and 3. 
• Provide onboarding and training plan for EMQA associates of EMQM programs such as site audits, EMPRAs, Tech Specs, PRIMPs, Non-Cons and CAPAs. Aligns with team who will train which section. Captures training records where necessary.
• Supports training of the DS2 Factory Innovation team utilizing the Initial Assessment process owned by NA EMQM, updates as required.
• Develops and maintains an incident management guidance packet (to include how to run an incident, who to escalate to, how to sample product) trains the EMQAs and then reviews post incident to ensure best practices and learnings are applied to the guidance packet.
• Leads the MW North Americas Exman business through LRQA audits, including prepping with team and then driving corrective actions as assigned.
• Is the primary connection to the DS2 business teams, ensures clarity on DS2 projects and timelines, brings this to the EMLT quarterly to ensure awareness and feedback.

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.