Associate Scientist - Product Innovation ANZ

About the role

Mars Snacking ANZ (Breakfast & Portable Wholesome Snacks) is looking for an Associate Scientist to join its Product Innovation team in Sydney (Botany). Reporting to the Manager, Product Innovation ANZ, the role sits in Research & Development and blends food science, culinary creativity and process engineering to turn kitchen-bench prototypes into commercially produced snacks and breakfast foods.

Key responsibilities

• Lead formulation, benchtop prototyping, pilot-plant trials and industrialization of new product launches and upgrades across breakfast and snacking.
• Act as technical lead with manufacturing, operations and co-manufacturers to plan, run and validate factory trials and line startups.
• Drive ingredient and process improvements to meet nutritional, sensory and cost targets while keeping food safety and consistency in focus.
• Develop and maintain raw material, processing and finished goods specifications, with stage-gate documentation and R&D records.
• Communicate milestones, risks and solutions to commercial sponsors, Marketing, Quality and regional R&D peers.

Required profile

• 3-5+ years of hands-on product and process development in food manufacturing or FMCG, ideally snacking, bakery or cereal.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemical/Process Engineering or a related field.
• Familiarity with FSANZ food standards and nutritional labelling guidelines.
• Experience with recipe management and specification systems.
• Proactive self-starter with strong problem-solving, project management and collaboration skills across Supply, Marketing, Quality and Procurement.

What we offer

• Access to Mars University and global R&D learning networks.
• Competitive remuneration, performance bonuses and flexible hybrid work options.
• Health and wellness allowances and product perks.