GAS Senior Technical Head (1-year Assignment)

Job Description: GAS Senior Technical Head Location: Slough, UK Contract Type: 12-Month Assignment Role Overview The role will lead the technical and quality capability for the Gifting and Seasonal category within the Mars Drinks and Treats unit as well as any others activities to support core via GAS (Growth Accelerated Service) program.

Mars Drinks and Treats is an entrepreneurial arms-length business focused on extending the Mars brands into new categories beyond confectionery through external partners (suppliers and distributors). The business currently operates in a number of categories: Milk Drinks, Hot Chocolate, Cakes & Bakes, Desserts, Chocolate Spreads, Cake Mixes, Free From and Quick Serve Restaurants across the UK and Europe.

This role reports into the Drinks and Treats R&D Head. The GAS Senior Technical Head role is an important leadership one within the R&D Drinks and Treats organisation. You will be leading product and technical development activities and will be accountable for the execution of the allocated GAS projects within Europe R&D.

The purpose of the job is to deliver new product innovation, packaging design, and development projects, from concept through to implementation in our external manufacturing (EM) network and beyond. In addition, you will be responsible for projects aimed at managing technical and quality standards across our existing portfolio, and ensuring that any factory non-conformances or technical issues impacting quality, cost, or supply are promptly resolved.

In this role you will use your advanced technical knowledge and experience to develop and implement new products and packs within the gifting and seasonal area of the portfolio, leading cross-functional delivery and establishing strong technical governance with a vast network of co-manufacturing partners. What Are We Looking For?

Essential : Degree-level qualification in a scientific or technical discipline (Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Engineering, etc.); Lead Auditor qualification is highly desirable or real work experience equvalent knowledge. Essential : Demonstrated knowledge of food manufacturing processes, food safety programs, and standards (including GMP, GHP, HACCP, and allergens).

Essential : Proactive and reactive technical risk management capabilities. Essential : Good command of the English language. Essential : Robust project management skills with a proven track record of managing a diverse set of external and internal stakeholders. Desirable : Experience managing technical relationship audits with contract manufacturers or co-packing partners.

Desirable : Experience operating in highly agile, fast-paced R&D or entrepreneurial business environments. What Will Be Your Key Responsibilities? Leads Technical & Quality Delivery : Leads all technical and quality aspects of the Gifting and Seasonal & GAS category, ensuring that products are manufactured to Mars standards across our co-manufacturing partner network.

Category Innovation : Leads the design and delivery of creative product and packaging solutions for seasonal and gifting ranges, translating consumer insights into a superior market offering. Implements Quality Frameworks : Drives the execution and maintenance of External Manufacturing Quality Management (EMQM) and other core Mars Quality initiatives within the category.

Co-Manufacturer Governance : Executes technical factory audits for contract manufacturers, ensuring partners have the operational capability, hygiene standards, and expertise required to produce Mars products. Technical Documentation Ownership : Owns and manages all technical specifications and documentation for existing products, ensuring they are negotiated, aligned, and communicated with suppliers.

Cross-Functional Collaboration : Works in a dynamic, agile, and cross-functional environment to deliver desirable, feasible, viable, and sustainable seasonal innovations. Issues Resolution & Technical Contact : Acts as the primary technical point of contact between Mars Drinks and Treats and manufacturing sites to resolve non-conformances, quality issues, or supply chain constraints.

Trend & Competitive Intelligence : Monitors industry, consumer, and technical processing trends to incorporate valuable insights into future product launches. What can you expect from Mars? Work with 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.

A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University. An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus. Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or who are neurodiverse during the application and recruitment process.

To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here .