Packaging Innovation Director - Global Pet Nutrition

Job Description:

Packaging Innovation Director - Global Pet Nutrition

The Packaging Innovation Director will provide strategic direction and technical leadership for the Pet Nutrition packaging innovation program. The role will develop and drive a packaging innovation program that will fuel and enable delivery of the Pet Nutrition innovation pipeline across prioritized pet-parent need state platforms (Care, Connect and Nourish). It is accountable for the development of a packaging science & technology project portfolio that will open-up opportunities for future innovation and growth, and support attainment of our packaging sustainability goals. This role is a key member of the R&D Innovation Leadership team.

• Bachelors' Degree in a relevant science/engineering discipline. A Masters/PhD is preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years Packaging Subject Matter Expertise with a strong record of delivering Innovative packaging solutions to market as part of FMCG and/or suppliers.
• Minimum of 8 years of leading a packaging team/function.
• Strategy, Vision, and Purpose - proven ability to develop and deliver on an R&D/innovation strategy that delivers against business needs. Excellent ability to articulate and translate business goals and requirements to the technical team, creating buy-in, and cultivating collaboration.
• Leadership -: demonstrated people/interpersonal skills, and proven ability to inspire and motivating others. Excels at people and team management.
• Influencing Internally - extensive experience engaging and influencing partners and senior leaders across functional boundaries.
• External stakeholder relationship management: In depth knowledge of the external partner landscape, and the ability to represent Mars externally including with suppliers, customers, and NGOs.
• Partnership building - track record of building strong partnerships internally and externally.

• Development and implementation of a Pet Nutrition packaging innovation strategy and program spanning prioritized pet parent need-state platforms and consumer benefit areas, working closely with key internal business partners in R&D, Marketing, Commercial and Supply to ensure innovative concepts are delivered to market.
• Drive a pet parent-centered innovation mindset across the packaging innovation team, with a strong external focus, ensuring consumer insights and technology trends are effectively incorporated into the packaging strategy and programme.
• In partnership with the Packaging Sustainability Director, drive delivery against the Mars Pet Nutrition Packaging for Growth Sustainability goals, ensuring that packaging solutions are developed in line with business sustainability strategy.
• Work in partnership with R&D and Commercial value leadership teams, delivering harmonised packaging specifications globally.
• Build key external relationships and networks that will inspire and enable delivery of the packaging innovation program (including packaging suppliers, design agencies, co-manufacturers, trade bodies and universities).
• Build strong and effective working relationships with Corporate & Legal teams, to ensure that current and future packaging solutions comply with relevant legislation.
• Leadership and development of the Packaging Innovation team, driving engagement, developing key skills and competencies, and a cultivating a strong talent pipeline.
• Act as a key and active member of the R&D Innovation Leadership team.
• Provide leadership/representation in appropriate global forums (e.g. Innovation Council, Brand Boards etc.)

• 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.