Sr. Director of Strategic Initiatives, Digital Technologies
Job Description:
About Mars Digital Technologies
Digital Technologies at Mars plays a crucial role in driving digital transformation and innovation initiatives as well as keeping our operations stable, secure, and efficient. Our work ranges from developing and managing digital platforms and tools that enhance business operations to leveraging data analytics and digital insights to inform decision-making. Our teams are implementing advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and automation to improve productivity and innovation. We also support cross-functional teams with digital solutions that streamline processes and foster collaboration, ensuring robust cybersecurity and compliance with company policies and regulations, and driving digital adoption and upskilling associates through training and resources.
Position Overview
The Strategic Initiatives Lead is accountable and responsible for the disciplined execution, orchestration, and transparency of the DTLT agenda, ensuring delivery of critical success factors and resourcing prioritization across initiatives / projects. Reporting to the Global Digital Strategy and Reinvention VP, this role will develop and manage the strategic initiative governance and rhythm that drive the deployment of the Strategic Reinvention Office (SRO), ensuring insights, reporting and value tracking across all DT initiatives are consistently applied and decision-ready. The role acts as the central nerve center, connecting segment and domain PMOs, opportunity leads, and Finance to provide a single, trusted view of progress, risks, and value delivery.
Furthermore, the role will play an integral role in enhancing the effectiveness of the DT leadership team (DTLT). Ability to inspire and motivate will be crucial in fostering a collaborative and results-driven environment, ensuring the Digital Technologies organization continues to thrive and deliver exceptional outcomes.
Associates in this role will be able to lead and guide cross-functional and cross-segment teams to deliver initiatives that enhance long-term value creation, build our culture and capability of enterprise execution excellence, and gain visibility and perspective across the enterprise.
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The role is highly visible and critical to enabling effective senior leadership decision-making across DT; requiring a strong blend of business acumen, program management, and stakeholder management at the highest levels.
Key Responsibilities
Run the end-to-end DT governance and delivery cadence, including DT Leadership Team meetings, SteerCos, OPBs, MLTs, and other formal forums
Own DT-wide program management, tracking and reporting of all reinvention initiatives, milestones, interdependencies, risks, and outcomes
Establish and maintain consistent progress, benefits, and KPI reporting
People Leadership: Lead a community of PMOs across the business to orchestrate and align all Segments and initiative-level opportunities into a coherent, integrated delivery model. Line manage some direct reports (TBC)
Ensure disciplined execution of agreed portfolio priorities, including tracking of top strategic initiatives and follow-through on leadership decisions
Ensure all major DT initiatives are underpinned by clear problem statements, business ownership, and measurable value outcomes aligned to Mars priorities
Executive Engagement: providing insights, progress updates, and recommendations on program priorities. Working with senior leaders cross-functionally, cross-segment, and corporate to drive execution
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Qualifications
10+ years of experience leading strategic programs or large-scale transformation programs within global, federated organizations
Experience with agile methodologies, strategic planning frameworks, and enterprise PMO practices
Proven experience operating in complex Mars-like environments, with multiple segments, shared services, and matrixed decision-making
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without authority in a matrixed organization
Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and executive presentation skills.
Demonstrated financial discipline, with hands-on experience managing DT spend, tracking actuals vs. plan, and supporting value realization
Experience in people leadership and line management
Ability to operate with senior DT, Finance, P&O, Commercial and Segment leaders, translating complexity into clear governance, insights, and decisions
Bachelor's degree in business, finance, supply chain, Technology, or related field; MBA preferred
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.
A strong focus on 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.
#TBdigital
The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.
The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 252,000.00 - USD 346,500.00
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- Mental Health Benefits
- Fitness Subsidies
- On-Site Gym
Parental Benefits
- Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
Work Flexibility
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
Vacation and Time Off
- Personal/Sick Days
Financial and Retirement
Professional Development
- Professional Coaching
- Leadership Training Program
- Access to Online Courses
Diversity and Inclusion