Principal Product Innovation KIND
Chicago, IL - USA
Job Summary
Job Description:
The Principal Scientist Product Innovation is a senior technical leader within the KIND Product Development team responsible for driving breakthrough product innovation from concept through commercialization. This role leads the development of new product platforms formulations and technologies that deliver consumer-centric growth while advancing the KIND brand and portfolio strategy.
The Principal Scientist leverages product development expertise technical curiosity and cross-functional influence to identify opportunities solve complex challenges and bring differentiated products to market. This role serves as a key technical expert translating consumer insights business objectives and emerging food technologies into scalable high-quality products that fuel future growth.
What are we looking for
Minimum Requirements
Bachelors degree in Food Science Chemistry a closely related discipline or equivalent
12 years of leading the end-to-end development and commercialization of new products product improvements and innovation platforms within the food industry
Deep expertise in food science product formulation ingredient functionality processing technologies and scale-up principles. Proven ability to apply scientific and technical knowledge to solve complex product development challenges and create differentiated consumer experiences
Proven track record of successfully managing complex projects including leading cross-functional teams and driving collaborative initiatives across R&D Quality Supply Chain and Marketing
Exceptional communication skills with the ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences. Adept at identifying challenges developing solutions and facilitating effective decision-making
Possesses deep subject matter expertise in product development and commercialization including formulation design ingredient functionality processing technologies scale-up and successful launch execution across food and snack categories
Demonstrates a strong ability to develop innovative and creative technical solutions that accelerate innovation timelines overcome complex development challenges and enable the successful delivery of high-impact business initiatives
Proven track record of developing and executing complex innovation programs translating consumer insights market opportunities and business objectives into commercially successful products and platforms
Extensive experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders across R&D Marketing Consumer Insights Operations Supply Chain Quality Regulatory and Procurement to drive alignment and achieve project objectives
Skilled at balancing consumer technical operational and financial considerations to deliver scalable product solutions that meet quality expectations while supporting business growth objectives
Demonstrated ability to identify evaluate and apply emerging ingredients technologies and industry trends to create differentiated products and support future innovation opportunities
Recognized for solving complex technical challenges and providing expert guidance during product development scale-up commercialization and post-launch performance optimization
Preferred Qualifications
Advance degree in Food Science Chemistry or a closely related discipline
Proven track record of developing and executing complex innovation programs translating consumer insights market opportunities and business objectives into commercially successful products and platforms
Experience mentoring and developing technical talent fostering a culture of scientific excellence continuous learning and knowledge sharing across the organization
What will be your key responsibilities
Lead the end-to-end development and commercialization of new products product improvements and innovation platforms ensuring successful delivery from concept through launch while meeting consumer business quality and operational objectives
Drive the creation of breakthrough formulations and product technologies that strengthen the KIND portfolio delivering differentiated consumer experiences and supporting business growth objectives
Develop and implement innovative technical solutions to overcome complex product development and manufacturing challenges enabling accelerated project timelines and successful execution within dynamic business environments
Lead cross-functional collaboration with Marketing Consumer Insights Supply Chain Procurement Operations Quality and Regulatory teams to translate consumer and business needs into scalable product solutions
Guide product and process development through benchtop development pilot plant testing manufacturing scale-up and commercialization ensuring technical readiness and successful launch execution
Identify evaluate and incorporate emerging ingredients technologies processing methods and industry trends to support innovation and deliver differentiated product experiences
Serve as a senior technical expert for product performance formulation and manufacturing interactions proactively troubleshooting complex technical issues and providing recommendations to support business continuity and operational excellence
Build strong partnerships with suppliers external technology providers and research partners to accelerate innovation enhance technical capabilities and support new product development opportunities
Influence project direction innovation priorities and key technical decisions through data-driven decision making technical leadership and effective stakeholder engagement
Mentor and coach scientists and cross-functional partners strengthening product development capabilities and fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning
Champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product development processes increase efficiency and improve speed-to-market while maintaining KINDs high standards for quality and consumer satisfaction
What can you expect from Mars
Work with diverse and talented Associates all guided by The Five Principles.
Join a purpose driven company where were 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.
Accelerator a global Division of Mars Snacking is on the front line of unlocking growth across high-potential categories and brands to fuel whats next for Snacking. Its home to both emerging and enduring brands including KIND TRÜ FRÜ NATURES BAKERY RXBAR EGGO POP-TARTS and RICE KRISPIE TREATS. Combining the scale of Mars with the agility of a start-up our Division has the ambition to accelerate the future of snacking by delivering products consumers love today discovering category-shaping innovations for tomorrow and developing entrepreneurial teams whose impact will last for generations.
Were looking for passionate talent who dare to dream big agile collaborators who talk straight and decide fast and driven performers with a growth mindset. Were proudly part of Mars while also building something boldly different. If this inspires and energizes you youve found the right place where you can do cool things with fun people for one of the biggest snacking companies in the world!
Mars does not sponsor visas for this role.
This position is not eligible for relocation benefits.
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 total compensation package for this position will include variable pay medical and dental benefits participation in 401k plan and paid time off 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 119040.00 - USD 163680.00Required Experience:
Staff IC
About Company
Mars proudly makes the treats, nutritious meals, and many of your favorite products. Learn why we’re ready to become a part of your family.