Principal Scientist - Fats & Oils

Mars•Chicago, IL

4d•$119,040 - $163,680

About The Position

The Principal Scientist Fats and Oils is a senior-level role with deep technical expertise and high learning agility, enabling continued growth in product formulation and processing capabilities within Mars snacking. The role is responsible for leading global technical initiatives in Fats and Oils sustainability, contributing to snacking innovation projects and programs, evaluating alternative and novel Fats and Oils ingredients, troubleshooting reformulation and processing challenges, supporting supplier management, and upskilling associates across the organization.

Requirements

Minimum of a bachelor's degree in food science, Engineering, Chemistry, or relevant field.
Minimum 10 years of R&D experience in food, beverage or consumer products company (preferably with raw material compliance and specifications experience and Fats and Oil Ingredients, Chocolate, Nutrition Bars, Salty Snacks or Confectionary)
Knowledge of regulatory bodies including FDA and EFSA.
Proven ability to work independently and collaborate with global teams.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership to ensure the Fats&Oils portfolio delivers on Mars Snacking’s strategic priorities and meets the evolving needs of the business.
Own the S&T Fats&Oils Strategy and collaborate with cross-functional associates to drive continuous improvement.
Deliver hands-on formulation, processing, quality assurance, and food safety support across global R&D and production sites.
Serve as a technical project leader or subject matter expert, partnering with other S&T colleagues to support sustainability initiatives and the evaluation of alternative Fats&Oils ingredients, advancing Mars’ sustainability goals and Net Zero by 2050.
Horizon-scan, identify, and recommend potential business opportunities aligned with strategy; monitor emerging scientific research and trends relevant to Fats&Oils ingredients, chocolate, nutrition bars, salty snacks, and confectionary.
Collaborate with internal teams (Scientific & Regulatory Affairs, Global Quality & Food Safety, Product Development, etc.) and external partners to generate scientific evidence supporting claims, messaging, and publications.
Partner with R&D, Commercial teams, and other Mars segments to develop strategic relationships with key external partners and suppliers, ensuring a robust ingredient pipeline that protects and creates future growth.
Work with R&D and Intellectual Property teams to proactively safeguard Mars’ intellectual property.
Represent Mars at key conferences, trade shows, and industry events to strengthen the company’s reputation within the Fats&Oils sector.
Support the team manager in leading team-building initiatives and serving as a role model to enhance engagement and the overall associate experience within the Ingredient Science team.
Mentor and upskill associates in technical leadership and capabilities.