Job Description:
Segment: Food & Nutrition
Location: Oud-Beijerland
Contract type: Permanent
At Mars Food & Nutrition, we believe that food brings people together and has the power to make the world a better place. Are you passionate about creating innovative food solutions that delight consumers and drive positive change? Join our team as a Product Development Scientist and help us deliver the next generation of global food innovations!
Your Challenge
As a Product Development Scientist, you will be at the heart of our Global Food innovation pipeline. You'll lead the product development workstream for highly complex projects, working closely with cross-functional teams to turn ideas into delicious, viable, and scalable products. Your role is crucial in translating consumer needs and business ambitions into tangible product solutions that make a real difference.
What are your key responsibilities?
- Lead Product Development: Take ownership of the product development journey, from initial concept to technical readiness. You'll manage timelines, budgets, and ensure every product meets our high standards for desirability, feasibility, and viability.
- Drive Innovation: Collaborate with Global and Regional Marketing, R&D, Engineering, Supply, and Commercial teams to develop and evaluate new product concepts. You'll be the driving force behind technical solutions that align with our culinary and scientific ambitions.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Act as the product workstream leader, influencing and inspiring stakeholders across regions and functions. You'll participate in Activity Task Groups and ensure seamless teamwork from idea to launch.
- Technical Excellence: Apply your expertise in food technologies, raw materials, recipes, and manufacturing processes. You'll ensure robust product testing, risk management, and the delivery of global product specifications.
- Continuous Improvement: Challenge the status quo by driving efficiency and agility in our ways of working. Your insights will help shape the Science & Technology strategy and improve how we innovate.
- Quality & Consumer Focus: Quantify and describe key quality attributes through iterative prototyping, sensory evaluation, and consumer research, ensuring every product exceeds expectations.
What are we looking for?
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Food Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Culinary Arts.
- At least 5 years' experience in product development within the food industry.
- Culinary or kitchen/restaurant background, ideally as a Development Chef.
- Strong project management skills and proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Professional knowledge of raw materials, recipe formulation, and manufacturing processes.
- Fluent in English, both spoken and written.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset.
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 your mark at Mars Food & Nutrition? Apply now and help us create food solutions that matter!