The Consumer Technical Insights (CTI) Innovation Program Leader - Connect is a key member of their respective Need State Platform Innovation team, bringing in the pet parent voice from the start of each project. They are responsible to lead the definition of the proposition specific Job to be done (JTBD) and the translation into tangible differentiators for the product experience to brief the R&D team and then validating that the final unbranded proposition delivers against pet parent CSFs. This involves applying a mix of qualitative (incl. ethnographic), quantitative, creative and design thinking techniques / approaches to lead the team through the learning and ideation journey with the goal to deliver a superior proposition to the pet parent. To achieve this, they must also work collaboratively with their x-functional project teams to make the DVF equation work. Beyond delivering the innovation pipeline, the CTI Program Leader is actively partnering with the R&D Program Leaders on their platform team to ensure the innovation pipeline is fed with pet parent and product insight and will be the key brand contact for selected brands regarding transversal learning on proposition performance for their brand.

What are we looking for?

• Degree in food science, consumer science or similar (or equivalent experience in a similar role)
• Proven experience in R&D in an FMCG environment
• Experience in sensory and consumer science and/or product development, in a business context
• Experience in translating deep consumer insights into compelling and successful propositions
• Proven ability to build strong collaborative relationships with partners across the business, and externally
• Fluent in English, knowledge of a 2nd language advantageous

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Collaborate with Platform innovation team to evolve the DS2 innovation pipeline for their platform in line with innovation and brand strategy, ensuring the pipeline will be a roadmap to achieve our Superior Proposition ambition.
• Ensure we develop a deep understanding of prioritized pet parent benefit areas for their need state.
• Responsible to lead the definition of proposition specific JTBD (Job To Be Done) for all projects in the innovation pipeline for their platform and the translation into tangible differentiators for the product experience as input to the product and pack brief for R&D. This involves leading the cross-functional team in the discovery and ideation phase of a project to define the product experience brief.
• Responsible to align product CSFs with Marketing that will ensure the product experience will deliver against pet parent JTBD and deliver towards a superior proposition.
• Responsible for the creation and delivery of all learnings plans to develop and validate the unbranded product proposition for their innovation pipeline projects.
• Playing an active role in the DVF exploration, being a key collaborator with Marketing and CMI to define Desirability, making sure they proactively push the boundaries to increase likelihood of success for the project.
• Key contact for the Portfolio Leaders on their platform teams to support them with transversal insight on the proposition performance (link to PreferencePlus program).
• Cultivate a strong pet parent centricity mindset in the R&D community, role-modeling design thinking and agile execution and being the voice of the pet parent.

What can you expect from Mars?

Salary from £50,000, plus bonus and excellent company benefits

• Work with over 130,000 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.

At Mars, diversity, equity, and inclusion are core to our workplace. We value unique perspectives, fostering an environment where every team member is empowered to succeed. We're committed to ensuring all associates, regardless of background, experience daily inclusion. Together, we work to make sure everyone, within our walls and beyond, is heard, valued, and given equal opportunity to thrive. 'The world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today.' Join us at Mars Inc., where diversity is celebrated, and everyone has an equal chance to contribute to our success on Mars and beyond.

After submitting your application, if successful, you can expect an informal chat about the role/your skills and experience, followed by a formal panel interview involving a task/presentation and competency based interview questions. We're committed to accommodating any adjustments you may need to support your recruitment journey. Your patience is appreciated as we navigate this process together. Thank you for considering joining the Mars family.

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.