Job Description:

The Sr. Packaging Engineer is responsible for leading, executing projects and providing program management in relation to packaging assets ensuring adherence to Mars Standards for Safety, Asset Conservation and Quality & Food Safety.

This role requires advanced packaging technical leadership experience, with strong project management capability and cross-functional collaboration to lead the packaging asset plans for the America’s region.

What are we looking for?

Minimum:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering - Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or a related field.
Minimum 5 + years’ experience in project engineering with a packaging focus, preferably in food manufacturing, pharmaceutical or FMCG.
Strong foundational understanding of safety, quality and food safety principles and standards, regulatory compliance and HSE and Q&FS systems within manufacturing operations.
Strong project management credentials, with experience leading cross-functional teams.
Experience with budgeting, scheduling, and contractor management.
Proven ability to make sound decisions in complex and/or ambiguous business environments.
History of building internal and external relationships and interaction with management at all levels.
Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Work history and exposure across diverse geographic markets is advantageous.
Up to 50% travel.

Preferred:

A Postgraduate or master’s degree in business administration or related field

What are your key responsibilities?

Associate Safety & Asset Conservation – Your First Responsibility

Provide visible leadership to foster a strong safety culture, ensuring all contractors, suppliers, and project stakeholders are properly trained, actively engaged, and held accountable for safe behaviors.
Champion a zero‑incident environment by ensuring that all projects fully comply with all local safety and environmental regulations as well as Mars HSE and Asset Conservation Standards.
Ensure all contractors and suppliers on site follow site safety procedures and permit-to-work systems.
Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation measures for all engineering works prior to any project execution.
Lead safety reviews and toolbox talks for project teams and contractors.
Integrate safety-by-design principles into all engineering solutions and drive improvements in machine safety, ergonomic design, and hazard elimination.
Lead incident investigations related to engineering projects, corrective actions, and risk mitigation processes to prevent recurrence.
Protect site assets by ensuring proper installation, commissioning, and validation of equipment.

Quality & Food Safety – Site’s License to Operate

Design and execute projects in compliance with local food safety and quality regulatory requirements as well as Mars Quality and Food Safety Standards
Partner with Site Q&FS teams to assess project-related food safety risks and implement change management processes to avoid product contamination or quality impact.
Ensure all equipment and installations meet Mars facility and hygienic design standards.
Coordinate validation activities with Site Operations, R&D and other stakeholders during FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ where required.
Support internal and external audits by ensuring engineering compliance documentation is complete.
Maintain accurate documentation including P&IDs, SOP updates, and technical files.

Project Management

Support/Lead end-to-end project management using RC PMP process for assigned engineering projects, from concept through execution, commissioning and handover.
Support/Manage budgets, forecasts, and cost control measures for some projects.
Track project progress, identify risks, and implement corrective actions to ensure successful delivery.
Ensure all project documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with Mars standards.
Communicate project status, risks, and achievements to stakeholders and leadership teams.

Technical Leadership & Engineering Excellence

Program Management – Establish a program to manage packaging needs in the America’s region by vendor performance management and leading a COP with site PPI’s. Strong collaboration with GTL is a must.
Packaging Expertise – Must have knowledge of packaging line design, installation and startup. Preferably Dry Petfood packaging.
Network Performance – Understand America’s packaging line performance. Collaborate with IE team and sites on where we can improve performance and where to focus using data and expertise.
CI – Develop and lead the regions needs for standard improvements. Support deployment of the Packaging Cockpit. Research and co-develop with GTL packaging automation and innovation.
CAB Projects – Provide guidance and support to project engineers during MPAR development and installation. Take lead on developing/executing IQ/OQ and collaborate with R&D deploy team on validation plan/execution. Partner with sites on startup plans.
AHC – collaborate with AHC program owner and sites to ensure packaging assets are accounted for correctly in the program.

Stakeholder Management

Present program/project updates, risks, and financial summaries to site, regional and global leadership teams.
Build strong vendor and contractor relationships.

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
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

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