Director, Science & Technology Ecosystem Lead

Job Description:

The role is responsible for developing and managing Corporate Science & Technology (S&T) engagement with S&T ecosystems in key focus areas including raw materials, health & well-being, sustainable packaging, food safety, and computational science/machine learning. The role holder will develop and execute strategies for specific geographic ecosystems designed to position Mars as a ‘partner of choice’ and serve as ‘air traffic control’ across R&D by working with the segments to strengthen Mars' engagement in the priority ecosystems. The role holder will work closely with S&T researchers to scope and prepare joint development proposals for research opportunities with startups and manage approved joint development agreements with startups. The role holder will be responsible for building and maintaining a fit-for-purpose pathway for startup collaboration that addresses critical friction points in the traditional corporate-startup interaction. The role holder will be responsible for mapping, analyzing and reporting on trends in startup activity across the domains critical to Corporate S&T. This will require the role holder to collaborate effectively with corporate scientists, the Corporate Innovation team, business segment science & technology teams, and the legal/IP team.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelors degree required, in a science-related discipline preferred
• Previous experience working with a startup ecosystem, preferably in sectors such as food tech, ag tech or biotech
• Practical experience working with accelerators, investors, and entrepreneurs
• Additional attributes that are desirable: masters degree in business or science discipline
  
  

What will be your key responsibilities?

• develop and execute strategies to build and maintain Mars Corporate S&T’s presence in specific startup ecosystems (e.g. Silicon Valley), positioning Mars as a ‘partner of choice’ within these ecosystems
• lead a cross-segment community of practice involving leaders responsible for managing business segment engagement in these ecosystems to ensure consistency of experience and approach, as well as high impact for Mars with key ecosystem partners.
• initiate and manage joint development agreements with key startups for Corporate S&T
• lead proactive collection, analysis and dissemination of key insights gained from assessment of the startup landscape in key areas critical to Corporate S&T.
  
  

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 140,000 like-minded 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.
  
  

Total rewards at Mars includes base pay, competitive benefits, and annual bonus (if position is eligible). The full-time pay range for this role is:

USD 186,559.00 - USD 279,839.00