Job Description:
Job Purpose/Overview
The Lead R&D Processes & Work Systems drives adoption, performance and continuous improvement of R&D business processes and work systems across assigned areas. The role translates approved standards into practical routines, governance and capability building so that process expectations are consistently sustained in execution.
Key Responsibilities
Work Systems Leadership & Capability Building
• Lead activation of work system elements such as standard work, maturity expectations, governance routines, problem solving and continuous improvement practices.
• Build capability through training, coaching and communities of practice so teams can adopt and sustain required ways of working.
Process Adoption & Performance
• Partner with BPOs to convert approved process standards, controls and evidence requirements into practical routines and operating mechanisms.
• Track maturity, adherence and process performance indicators and drive actions to close gaps.
Regional Integration & Sustainment
• Coordinate with regions and local stakeholders to embed global standards into local execution without losing core control points.
• Support implementation of process changes into BAU and reinforce sustained use through governance and follow‑through.
Data & Performance Integration
• Ensure data requirements are understood in execution and that process teams are equipped to create complete, accurate and timely data at source.
• Surface recurring execution or data barriers and coordinate corrective action with process owners and data roles.
Continuous Improvement & Cross‑Functional Alignment
• Lead root cause analysis and practical improvement work across processes, systems and routines.
• Partner with deployment, data, analytics and technical teams to reinforce an integrated operating model.
Context and Scope
Explain how the job gets done and the way it operates within the team and with stakeholders
This role bridges process ownership and execution. It is differentiated from deployment roles by its primary focus on sustainment, maturity and ongoing work system adoption rather than program rollout management; and from T3 roles by its focus on localized application rather than global strategy or standard ownership.
Job Specifications/Qualifications
Education & Professional Qualifications Preferred- Degree in Engineering, Food Science, Operations, Business or equivalent experience.
Knowledge / Experience- Experience in process improvement, work systems, operational excellence or structured capability deployment.
- Strong understanding of governance routines, standard work and behavioral change in a matrix environment.
- Ability to translate standards into practical execution and coach teams to adopt them.
- Exposure to R&D systems, quality expectations, data requirements or regulated environments preferred.
- Experience using performance measures and root cause methods to improve execution preferred.
Competencies:
- Manages Complexity
- Drives Results
- Ensures Accountability
- Builds Networks
- Collaborates
Other -
Global or multi‑regional scope; travel as required
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 79,280.00 - USD 109,010.00Skills Required
- Degree in Engineering, Food Science, Operations, Business, or equivalent experience
- Experience in process improvement, work systems, operational excellence, or structured capability deployment
- Strong understanding of governance routines, standard work, and behavioral change in a matrix environment
- Ability to translate standards into practical execution and coach teams to adopt them
- Exposure to R&D systems, quality expectations, data requirements, or regulated environments
- Experience using performance measures and root cause methods to improve execution
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.
