R&D Product Manager

Job Description

Leading the R&D Product Management team within Mars Digital Technologies, this role is responsible for overseeing the lifecycle management of global applications in the R&D space. The R&D Product Manager plays a critical role in driving innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across Recipe and Innovation functional areas. By leveraging deep technical expertise, business insight, and strong leadership, the role ensures seamless collaboration across internal teams, business stakeholders, and external vendors to deliver high-quality digital solutions. As a people leader, the role fosters a high-performance environment, developing talent and shaping the future of R&D technology at Mars.

What are we looking for?

• IT Background with experience in product and service management within R&D.
• Certifications in ITIL, PMI, Agile, DevOps, or Scrum (preferred).
• Strong R&D knowledge, ideally within the FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) industry; experience in business functions is a plus.
• 5-7 years of experience in managing R&D-related products and services.
• Experience in Agile and DevOps methodologies (preferred).
• Technical and functional expertise in R&D architecture with the ability to drive innovation and optimization.
• Proven line management experience, fostering talent development and high-performance teams.
• Ability to navigate complex, fast-changing environments, managing multiple priorities effectively.
• Knowledge of Mars products and environments, particularly within R&D, is a plus.
• Financial and budget management experience, ensuring cost-effective and value-driven solutions.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• End-to-End R&D Product Management – Own the lifecycle management of R&D services and products, with a focus on Recipe and Innovation functional areas.
• Strategic Influence & Leadership – Support and contribute to the definition of IT solutions strategy, ensuring alignment with operational excellence, transformational programs, and business capability strategies.
• Industry & Innovation Awareness – Stay ahead of industry trends to identify and implement cost-effective, innovative solutions for R&D products and services.
• Service Management with Third-Party Vendors – Oversee vendor performance and ensure service excellence through accountability on key metrics such as SLAs, availability, and performance.
• Stakeholder Communication & Reporting – Provide regular status updates to key business stakeholders on demand progress and strategic initiatives.
• Development Management with Third-Party Vendors – Ensure high-quality development processes, maintaining accountability for efficiency and performance metrics.
• Escalation & Demand Management – Serve as the primary escalation point for business demands, coordinating across teams and resources to resolve issues effectively.
• User Community Development – Sustain and develop a network of key users, functional experts, and product owners to enhance product adoption and efficiency.
• Cross-Team Collaboration – Work closely with teams across Platform, Database, Security, Processing, Deployment, and Development to address business needs.
• Project & Program Collaboration – Align with Mars Digital Technologies (DT) signature processes, supporting Product BDS Co-Pilots in projects and programs.
• Budget & Financial Management – Oversee and manage the budget for all product areas and functions, ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Team Leadership & Development – Provide coaching and development to the team, ensuring associates build strong expertise in Mars business processes, project methodologies, and IT development techniques.
• Agile & Customer-Centric Approach – Act as a role model for agile behaviors, fostering collaboration and responsiveness in product delivery.
• Customer Satisfaction & Continuous Improvement – Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction, driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Talent Development & Succession Planning – Contribute to the HUB Talent Pipeline strategy and ensure succession planning within the team.

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.
• 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.

#TBDDT

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.