Job Description:
Associate Scientist Cocoa Sourcing Technology
This role exists to drive the future of cocoa at Mars Snacking. Transform traditional cocoa quality control into value-creation. Integrate R&D, field agronomy, data science, flavor consistency and innovation to build a differentiated, science-led cocoa sourcing and flavor strategy—from farm to consumer.
The role requires both the development and execution of experiments related to supply, processes and approaches. Mitigate risks, improve quality and drive efficiency into the cocoa raw material network globally via standardization and by effectively integrating scientific discipline into the research.
What are we looking for?
BS degree in Food Science, Food Safety, Engineering, Chemistry or related technical field.
Minimum 2+ years of demonstrated success in a manufacturing environment preference in food.
Combination of education and 3+ years of demonstrated success in food manufacturing is preferred.
Essential understanding of key recipe, raw material and process specifications that deliver quality product at expected scale.
Project management competency - accountability, communication and stakeholder management.
Strong background in food science, flavor development, cocoa, coffee or chocolate is a bonus.
Flexibility with changing priorities/timelines with ability to work independently across global & regional teams.
Experience across R&D and/or Quality and Food Safety.
What will your key responsibilities be?
Understanding and linking Mars Cocoa Enterprise strategy on People, Planet and Performance to global cocoa project & program execution.
Essential knowledge of cocoa supply chains, food safety and quality risks associated with cocoa raw materials.
Translate cocoa and chocolate science into clear, actionable insights for business stakeholders.
Design and execute pilot plant and factory trials to validate cocoa raw materials following scientific rigor and Mars Snacking Global Chocolate Governance.
Essential understanding of key recipe, raw material and process specifications to deliver quality product at expected scale.
Project management competency to enable accountability, communication and stakeholder management.
Deliver content for cocoa, raw materials and process functional competency programs
Develop and maintain expert level sensory capabilities for cocoa raw materials, chocolate, and finished goods.
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.
Skills Required
- BS degree in Food Science, Food Safety, Engineering, Chemistry or related technical field.
- Minimum 2+ years of demonstrated success in a manufacturing environment (preference in food).
- Combination of education and 3+ years of demonstrated success in food manufacturing.
- Essential understanding of recipe, raw material and process specifications to deliver quality product at expected scale.
- Project management competency including accountability, communication and stakeholder management.
- Strong background in food science, flavor development, cocoa, coffee or chocolate.
- Flexibility with changing priorities/timelines and ability to work independently across global and regional teams.
- Experience across R&D and/or Quality and Food Safety.
Mars Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Mars and has not been reviewed or approved by Mars.
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Healthcare Strength — The benefits package is positioned as comprehensive, with broad medical coverage and additional protections like life insurance and short- and long-term disability. Mental health support is emphasized, including free mental health services and wellbeing programming under initiatives such as Mars Be Well.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave is highlighted as market-leading in the U.S., with an example of 18 weeks fully paid for both parents. Additional family-related leave types such as sick time for caregiving and bereavement leave are also described as part of the overall package.
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Retirement Support — Retirement offerings are described as strong, including 401(k) matching (with a 6% match cited) and pension plans in some cases. The broader package also references retirement savings options and contributions aligned to local market practice, supporting long-term financial security.
Mars Insights
What We Do
For more than a century, Mars, Incorporated has been driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. This idea is at the center of who we have always been as a global, family-owned business. Today, Mars is transforming, innovating and evolving in ways that affirm our commitment to making a positive impact on the world around us. Across our diverse and expanding portfolio of confectionery, food, and petcare products and services, we employ 133,000 dedicated Associates who are all moving in the same direction: forward. With $40 billion in annual sales, we produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M’s®, MILKY WAY®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, ORBIT®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, SKITTLES®, WHISKAS®, COCOAVIA®, and 5™; and take care of half of the world’s pets through our pet health services AniCura, Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, Pet Partners™, and VCA™. We know we can only be truly successful if our partners and the communities in which we operate prosper as well. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our Associates to take action every day to help create a world tomorrow in which the planet, its people and pets can thrive.
