Sr Specialist Food Safety, Quality Labs & New Technology

Mars•Chicago, IL

6d•$108,160 - $148,720•Hybrid

About The Position

Accelerator, a global Division of Mars Snacking, is on the front line of unlocking growth across high-potential categories and brands to fuel what’s next for Snacking. It’s home to both emerging and enduring brands, including KIND, TRÜ FRÜ, NATURE’S BAKERY, RXBAR, EGGO, POP-TARTS, and RICE KRISPIES 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. We’re looking for passionate talent who dare to dream big, agile collaborators who talk straight and decide fast, and driven performers with a growth mindset. We’re proudly part of Mars, while also building something boldly different. If this inspires and energizes you, you’ve found the right place where you can do cool things with fun people for one of the biggest snacking companies in the world! This is a project-based, 24-month assignment for a food safety expert who thrives on driving change and innovation. We're looking for a specialist to lead critical laboratory and technology programs aimed at making our products safer, optimizing our processes, and reducing verification costs. In this role, you will be the bridge between cutting-edge technology and our manufacturing reality, taking new analytical methods from the lab bench and deploying them in the field. You'll also partner directly with our Supply Quality Assurance (SQA) team, acting as a microbiological expert for high-risk ingredient suppliers and serving as the authorized witness for critical food safety dispositions. This is your chance to make a significant, measurable impact on how we ensure quality across the Accelerator division.

Requirements

Advanced knowledge of microbiological and allergen hazards, analytical methods, and laboratory quality systems (e.g., ISO 17025).
Proven experience managing projects, from pilot trials and data validation to the full deployment of new technologies in a manufacturing environment.
Experience auditing operational processes, particularly for high-risk ingredient suppliers, and a strong understanding of MRAs and IVT.
The ability to work with a high degree of autonomy while building strong relationships with SQA, R&D, and external lab partners to get things done.
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, or a closely related field.
7+ years of experience in food manufacturing and laboratory quality systems.
HACCP or related certification required.
Certification and experience auditing operational processes required.

Responsibilities

Lead Laboratory & Technology Programs: Manage the network of third-party labs, optimize testing practices, and serve as the SME for internal laboratories. Validate and deploy new food safety technologies and analytical methods (e.g., CleanWorks, Gene-UP).
Drive Supplier Quality: Provide microbiological expertise and support SQA during audits of high-risk supplier manufacturing sites. Partner with SQA on Material Risk Assessments (MRA), ingredient specifications, and Inbound Verification Testing (IVT).
Manage Quality Incidents & Risk: Provide PRIMP support by managing escalated testing and leading laboratory investigations. Support the division's quality risk management activities, ensuring risks are documented and tracked in the Archer platform.
Oversee Data & Training: Oversee the trending of finished product test data, leading quarterly reviews to provide recommendations for optimization. Develop and deliver training to build food safety and laboratory capability among internal teams.
Act as Authorized Witness: Serve as the authorized witness for the disposition of food safety-critical materials, ensuring compliance with Mars corporate standards.