Design to Value Director

Mars•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Design to Value (DtV) team exists to drive enterprise-wide value creation by developing and executing an integrated, cross-functional Design to Value (DtV) capability. The objective to deliver value through sustained productivity, simplification, and harmonization across raw materials, packaging, recipes, and processes. The Design to Value Director will establish and lead a new, lean center of expertise within Mars Snacking Global R&D. This role exists to drive enterprise-wide value creation by developing and executing an integrated, cross-functional Design to Value (DtV) capability. The objective of the role is to deliver value through sustained productivity, simplification, and harmonization across raw materials, packaging, recipes, and processes. This role will shape strategy, engage senior stakeholders, develop talent/capability and ensure the DtV team delivers a robust pipeline of value programs that balance cost, growth, and sustainability, while protecting consumer value and distinctive product assets.

Requirements

Minimum of a Bachelor’s in Engineering, Business, Science, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
Minimum of 15 years of experience in R&D, strategy, consulting, or value creation roles within CPG, manufacturing, or related industries.
Consulting experience (internal or external) is highly desirable.
Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and delivering complex, high-impact programs.
Experience in portfolio optimization, value engineering, productivity, and/or simplification initiatives.
Strong stakeholder engagement, influencing, and communication skills at senior levels.
Demonstrated ability to navigate matrixed organizations and drive alignment across regions and functions.
Experience with data-driven decision making, benchmarking, and program governance.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of the Design to Value (DtV) strategy, ensuring alignment with enterprise value creation goals and R&D’s central role in portfolio change and innovation.
Build and manage a lean, high-performing DtV team (PMO, Principal Scientist Data & Analytics, DtV Senior Scientists), fostering a culture of networked learning and continuous improvement.
Identify, prioritize, and develop high-value opportunities across the business, leveraging data, benchmarking, and cross-functional insights.
Engage and influence senior stakeholders (Regional, Divisional and Functional Leadership Teams) to secure sponsorship, resources, and alignment of incentives.
Oversee the design and delivery of a sustained pipeline of value creation programs, ensuring integration across value levers (productivity, sustainability, growth, simplification, resilience).
Govern program delivery using focused KPIs (pipeline value, savings, growth, sustainability, simplification, project conversion, post-project survey outcomes).
Internalize and codify DtV capabilities, reducing reliance on external partners and building advanced internal expertise and talent pipeline.
Ensure robust governance, risk management, and consumer value protection through R&D’s unique position and the new PDA+ process.
Represent the DtV capability in global and regional forums, sharing best practices and amplifying impact across the enterprise.
Support the ongoing refinement of the DtV operating model, adapting to business needs and external learnings.