Overview

Join to apply for the Senior Engineer Packaging Development (FTC) role at Mars.

Mars Chocolate Drinks and Treats is an entrepreneurial arms-length business focused on extending the Mars brands into new categories beyond confectionery through external partners (suppliers and distributors). The business currently operates in categories including Milk Drinks, Hot Chocolate, Cakes & Bakes, Desserts, Chocolate Spreads, Cake Mixes, Free From and Quick Serve Restaurants across the UK and Europe.

The role will lead the packaging capability for the Mars Chocolate Drinks and Treats unit. The Senior Packaging Engineer is a leadership role within the R&D Drinks and Treats organization, reporting to the RD head for the division. You will lead packaging development activities and be accountable for the execution of allocated projects within Europe R&D, delivering new packaging design and development from concept through to implementation in our EM network and beyond. You will also drive improvements to the design and performance of the existing packaging portfolio and identify and realize cost optimization opportunities.

You will use advanced technical knowledge to develop and implement new packaging within a specified portfolio area and coach others within a broad network of EMs.

FTC Contract till the end of 2027

Location: Slough, UK

Salary: £57,000 - £70,000 (based on knowledge & qualifications), annual bonus, benefits

Work arrangement: hybrid

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor's or equivalent in Food Science/Chemical/Biology, or related subject area.
• Degree level qualification in a relevant technical discipline (Packaging, Engineering sciences, etc); OR relevant prior technical experience; Packaging diploma/degree desirable but not essential
• Demonstrated knowledge of packaging materials, including flexibles, rigid plastic, cartons, and cases, and machine interaction
• Understanding of packaging sciences, packaging development, packaging legislation, food processing, and production.
• Good command of the English language
• At least 5 years of demonstrable experience in leading and managing projects in an FMCG environment, with project management skills including risk management, prioritization, and managing diverse stakeholders
• Experience in working with outside vendors to deliver project requirements
• Collaboration skills with different cultures
• Experience working in Food innovation
• Experience working within Flexible teams, Agile ways of working, and Design Thinking approaches

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Leads high-profile and complex packaging activities and is accountable for the execution of the allocated programs to bring projects through to commercialisation, shaping and inputting their own initiative
• Owns the technical packaging design and development for a variety of projects covering all product portfolio complexity of the Drinks and Treats division
• Creating packaging prototypes and ensuring successful line trials at co-packer and co-manufacturing sites, ensuring the relevant documentation is produced and results are accurately recorded
• Creating packaging designs and specifications that deliver the desirable KQA’s via robust risk management and the delivery of shopper, customer and supply chain requirements
• Working with cross-functional teams to deliver Desirable, Viable, Feasible and Sustainable innovation, leading projects of different levels of complexity
• Working with Regional and Global R&D teams to develop and ensure the effective technical delivery of activities and projects
• Working with the Global or Regional Supply teams to develop and deliver existing or new technology to deliver Innovation and Value Leadership
• Proactively manages Intellectual Property risks & opportunities
• Is a technical expert and contacts Regionally or Globally for packaging, facilitating pack learnings across brands/markets
• Works with the greater packaging development teams to further develop packaging standards in close cooperation with Q&FS and Suppliers
• Leading team activities across engagement and capability building, with coaching and mentoring within the team

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented associates, guided by the Five Principles
• Join a purpose-driven company striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to Mars University
• An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus

Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or who are neurodiverse during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here