Product Development

Job Description:

Product Development

Chicago, IL

The purpose of this role is to contribute to the business growth through leading product development activities and execution of the global allocated programs and work streams. The main platform of work is chocolate focusing on M&M's ecosystem projects but not limited to other categories according to business needs. Main responsibilities are gathering consumer insights to design, develop, and translate them into product innovations that will delight M&M's consumers. Efficiency and saving projects are part of the scope too. This role will be a lead contributor within a team that will provide deep technical product and process understanding for the Global Innovation organization. It is part of a cross functional team working closely with Marketing, Operations, Commercial, Consumer research, Packaging and Process development within global and lead markets. Deep technical know-how to define and execute a large portfolio of complex projects, looking at new perspectives and new tools like partnering with digital team to bring creative solutions to current challenges within the M&Ms ecosystem. This position also requires a strong foundation in complex problem-solving, project management, as well as ingredient functionality. Individuals in this role will need to be able to: develop and manage complex project timelines, develop, and execute product performance testing protocols, appropriately assess risk and contingency plans, as well as communicate effectively, influence, and management diverse stakeholders. The Scientist Product Development possesses a high drive for results, excellent project management skills, a creative and entrepreneurial growth mindset, work independently but have an ability to create strong networks and relationships to drive the innovation agenda.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in a technical area including Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or related.
• 5+ years' technical experience with confidence working on development and launch of new product, packaging, and processes in a relevant field.
• Proven project management skills typically acquired through years of professional.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross functional teams.
• Experience working with outside vendors and internal and external facilities to deliver project requirements.
• Proven hands-on experience in benchtop prototyping, as well as in the transition of new products from lab to pilot plant and from pilot plant to scale production.
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Culinary experience
• Experience with AI/Digital tools to help inspire innovation would be ideal

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Responsible for designing and leading product development activities and is accountable for the execution product innovation through to commercialization while meeting the brand expectations, IP and legal requirements, as well as quality standards.
• Ensures that the product development delivers profitable innovative designs for the brands meeting the brand Key Quality Attributes.
• Ensures that the product development process is carried out such that timelines are met to market products.
• Lead Risk analysis sessions, define mitigation plans together with a cross functional team.
• Initiates and coordinates: Lab trials for prototyping, Pilot plant trials and collaborate with a cross functional team to run scale trials to validate solutions and assure successful Start-ups.
• Continually works with key team members for efficiency and savings projects, as well as projects that tackle possible headwinds to ensures the technical feasibility and flawless execution of the project.
• Works with cross-functional and Science and Technology teams to develop technology and research strategies required for the global programs and to deliver new and novel innovations.
• Collaborates with IP when it comes to new ingredients and technologies to identify and protect any new innovation, brand and company assets.
• Remains abreast of new developments in relevant technologies, packaging, design, category trends, and related fields, assessing how these developments may translate into innovations aligned with our strategy.
• Collaborates with cross functional teams including Legal, Commercial, Quality & Food Safety, Product Development, Supply, and Digital Technologies to deliver innovations and solve business issues.
• Connects with peers in other regions, other R&D functions, and technical teams to share best practices, and accelerate the global deployment of new innovations.

#LI-PB1

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.

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.