Job Description:
Segment: Food & Nutrition
Location: Oud-beijerland
Contract type: Full-time, permanent contract
Shape the Future of Food
At Mars Food & Nutrition, we're driven by a simple but ambitious purpose: Better Food Today. A Better World Tomorrow.
We're looking for an experienced Packaging & Process Program Manager to lead the development and deployment of next-generation packaging and process technologies that will help us create tasty, accessible, healthy, and more sustainable food solutions for millions of consumers around the world.
This is a unique opportunity to combine deep technical expertise, scientific leadership, and global influence. You will drive breakthrough innovation programs, build future-ready capabilities, and help transform how food is produced across our global manufacturing network.
If you're passionate about applying science and technology to solve real-world challenges and thrive at the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and business impact, we'd love to hear from you.
What will be your key responsibilities?
As Packaging & Process Program Manager, you will establish and lead a long-term global technology program that delivers scalable solutions aligned with our strategic business ambitions.
You will:
- Define and lead the global Packaging & Process (P&P) technology strategy, priorities, governance, and roadmap aligned with OGSM objectives.
- Build and manage a multi-year portfolio of projects with clear milestones, KPIs, and measurable business impact.
- Lead end-to-end technology development, from concept creation and experimentation through validation, implementation, and post-launch optimization.
- Serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert in packaging and process technologies while coaching project leaders and developing technical talent.
- Identify emerging technologies, scientific advancements, and market trends, translating them into scalable business opportunities.
- Drive the global deployment of innovative packaging and process technologies across factories and markets, ensuring successful technology transfer and site readiness.
- Collaborate closely with R&D, Engineering, Supply, Quality, Marketing, and external partners to accelerate innovation and capability building.
- Build and strengthen external innovation networks with suppliers, start-ups, universities, and research institutes.
- Champion sustainability by embedding environmental considerations into packaging and process solutions that contribute to resilient and responsible food systems.
- Manage program resources, budgets, governance, risks, and reporting to ensure successful delivery of strategic objectives.
- Foster knowledge sharing, intellectual property development, and technical excellence across regions and segments.
- Represent Mars Food & Nutrition in scientific, technical, and industry forums.
What are we looking for?
- Master's degree in Engineering, Food Science, Technology, or a related scientific discipline.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience within FMCG/CPG environments, preferably in food manufacturing and technology deployment.
- Proven experience leading global, cross-functional projects from development through implementation.
- Strong expertise in food technology, food packaging, process engineering, food analysis, statistical analysis, and design of experiments.
- Demonstrated people leadership experience, including coaching, mentoring, and developing technical talent.
- Experience working successfully across global and multicultural organizations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- PhD in Process Engineering, Food Technology, Material Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Extensive experience in global technology programs and manufacturing scale-up.
- Strong understanding of sustainability challenges and opportunities within food production and packaging.
Travel Requirements
- Ability to travel globally approximately 20–30% of the time.
- Flexibility to work across multiple time zones.
- Valid passport and ability to obtain visas for relevant destinations.
What can you expect from Mars?
- Work with 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.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're excited to lead global packaging and process innovation programs that help create a more sustainable future for food, we encourage you to apply and join us on our journey to deliver Better Food Today. A Better World Tomorrow.
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