The role of Mars Snacking R&D Innovation Director exists to drive innovation, sustainability, and product quality within the Mars Snacking business in India. By providing leadership in R&D innovation design, the incumbent ensures the development of high-quality products that meet local consumer insights and global innovation strategies. Additionally, the role oversees third-party manufacturing (TPM) development, driving sustainability initiatives and the transition to net zero practices. Through effective line management and people leadership, the director recruits, retains, and develops talent to deliver on innovation and sustainability goals. As a key member of the India Leadership Team, the manager represents the R&D function, fostering cross-functional collaborations to drive sustainability and product quality initiatives throughout the Mars Snacking business in India.

What are we looking for?

• At least 10 years of business experience, including a minimum of 5 years in R&D, with 2 years in line management and a proven record in people leadership and/or strategy development.
• Preferably 5 years or more experience in FMCG companies with a focus on Consumer Science within Research & Development.
• Experience in digital transformation initiatives within R&D, leveraging technology to enhance processes and drive innovation.
• Familiarity with agile methodology, utilizing its principles to drive efficient and effective project delivery.
• Strong background in quality management, ensuring adherence to high standards in product development and manufacturing.
• Strong communication and presentation skills in English; additional languages are advantageous.
• University degree (Masters or above preferred) in Engineering, Food Science, bioscience, Life Science or related fields

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Lead R&D innovation design activities and collaborate with local demand teams and Global/Regional R&D Development teams to develop and deploy India Innovation Development and Deployment strategies.
• Supervise Co-manufacturer (COMAN) development and qualification to ensure the delivery of quality, safe, products meeting financial Critical Success Factors (CSF), as well as leadership in quality and food safety.
• Provide product design briefs for innovation projects, aligning with local consumer insights and global innovation strategies while emphasizing sustainability, net zero practices, quality, and food safety.
• Serve as a member of the R&D Leadership Team for global emerging markets (GEM) and the India Leadership team to co-develop and deliver the R&D vision, functional strategies, and talent/capability building initiatives, including business continuity planning.
• Take accountability for associate and team development, including recruitment, retention, succession planning, and fostering engagement and teamwork within R&D and cross-functional teams upholding the 5 principles of Mars.
• Drive high-performing collaboration between the GEM team and various R&D functions, implementing the High-Performance Collaboration (HPC) model, Communities of Practice, and effective communication tools.
• Champion consumer and customer-centricity, facilitate cross-functional conversations, and provide training to achieve business models meeting Desirability, Feasibility, and Viability.
• Manage research expenses and provide transparency of research priority, planning, and results to drive consumer insights and product excellence, as well as business continuity.
• Partner with demand teams to create a future back technology funnel, aligning technology development with future consumer needs and market trends.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 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 company bonus.

As a Director of R&D for Mars Snacking in India, this position holds pivotal responsibility within the India Leadership Team, driving both short-term and long-term business delivery while spearheading the growth of the snacking portfolio across the region. Leading potential acquisition integrations and ensuring the highest standards of quality and food safety across Indian sites, this role also takes charge of the innovation pipeline. Additionally, as a member of the GEM R&D Leadership Team, this Director focuses on fostering cross-cluster collaboration to uncover synergies within the global emerging markets region. By leveraging extensive networks with Mars product and technology partners as well as Marketing organizations regionally and globally, this Director provides invaluable market and consumer insights crucial for shaping R&D strategies and supporting the global innovation agenda. Playing a strategic role in Co-manufacturer (COMAN) development in India, in collaboration with commercial and key stakeholders, this Director drives forward the innovation agenda. As a key figure in the India R&D leadership team, they contribute significantly to shaping the overall R&D function, talent agenda, and organizational impact. By cultivating an innovative culture, enhancing organizational capability, and influencing the generation of new product ideas across regions, this Director ensures alignment of R&D strategy recommendations with the VP R&D and regional and global functional leaders, driving impactful outcomes for Mars Snacking in India and beyond.

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.