The SQA Transformation Manager role will be critical in delivering a program of process optimization and digital capabilities for the SQA function across Global Pet Nutrition.

This transformation will shape the way we operate SQA today and, in the future, so Mars Pet Nutrition can re-invest freed capacity to accelerate our growth and allow focus on delivering superior quality product to delight pets and pet parents. Our ambition for this transformation is to:

• Deliver an End to End future fit digital audit process & technology solution to drive step change improvements in audit quality and efficiency to optimize supplier conformance management. Complete CAT 1.0 Brooklyn P4Q adoption across PN

• Deliver and Govern SQA Transformation commitments and agenda, including accelerated New Supplier Qualification process to enable delivery from 18 months towards a target of 3 months (subject to R&D trials) and co-collaborating with R&D on shift to Global MRA and Specification standardization process

• Reset the process for defining fit for purpose specifications against the Superior Proposition agenda. Drive  specification alignment challenges for priority categories e.g. Anima Proteins & Cereals as a test and learn for BAU

• Lead the Commercial part of Automated Exception management, co-collaborating with R&D / Q&FS and Supply to drive efficiency through system connectedness and digital tools enablement to deliver 50% reduction in time taken for non- conformance management

In addition the role will allocate up to 15% cover the Global Commercial Effectiveness BAU role:

• Defining & Supporting Capability needs for the future fit for purpose SQA organization

• Leading SQA associate connectivity and communication through the deployment of a comms strategy and Town Hall agenda

What would be your key responsibilities?

SQA Transformational Leadership:

• Lead the SQA transformation team (1 x T3, 3 X T2 associates and up to 4 contract associates) to deliver on its 4 primary pillars – Audit of the future, Performance based specifications, Accelerated Qualification and Automated Excecption Management

• Evolve the transformation program workstreams, based on needs analysis and benefits assessment to focus on most significant efficiency savings in line with Quality growth ambition

• Oversee progress against the commitment of OE to deploy the work out initiatives and deliver the SQA capacity benefits

• Drive broad adoption, understanding and advocacy of the PN SQA transformation strategy beyond the SQA teams including Commercial sourcing functions, R&D/Q&FS and the X-segment SQA Leadership

• Lead the functional shaping of the Supplier Collaboration digital solution  as part of cPLM

Transformation Program Governance:

• Monitors, escalates and explores mitigation scenarios with stakeholders to ensure the program is delivered on time and in full according to the plan

• Consolidates and reports in line with SRO governance and provides updates to the Commercial Agility Transformation Steering team and SQA LT when required

• Reviews and aligns progress with the workstream leads to align key messages for upward reporting

• Runs quarterly updates with the SQA LT (all OE’s) to share progress and review performance

Ensures Operational adoption:

• Define and align measurement tools (utilizing SQA resource model) to demonstrate capacity benefits to the OE and Central SQA teams

• Ensures Global adoption mapping / roadmap is in place for OE’s and that any pre-requisites e.g. system deployment, are clarified and contracted upfront

• Works with the Global X-segment SQA LT & Corporate R&D systems team to ensure segment and corporate  initiatives don’t become blockers for PN initiatives

• Collaborates with the Digital Technologies and SAP core PLM plus Corporate and Segments R&D systems teams to ensure that solutions for implementation are compatible with the future core SAP/ Edge systems ecosystem

Develops Capbility and Connectedness across SQA organization:

• Defining & Supporting Capability needs for the future fit for purpose SQA organization

• Leading SQA associate connectivity and communication through the deployment of a comms strategy and Town Hall agenda

What are we looking for?

Education & Professional Qualifications:

• Minimum bachelor degree in science, engineering discipline.

• Substantial and consistent amount of experience in technical function, ideally across SQA/R&D/Q&FS

• Experience implementing projects with senior x-functional stakeholders

Knowledge / Experience:

• Understanding of Pet Nutrition Sourcing & Supplier Management practices

• Commercial perspective across multiple BU

• Strong internal network across Commercial, SQA & Q&FS

• Excellent communication skills, fluent in English

• Experience of Program management & delivery across multiple BU

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 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

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