cPLM Technical Project Management Lead

Across enterprise R&D today, we are running a transformation program in the area of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM). This Enterprise R&D Digital capability will be deployed in all segment units through segment digital transformation programs. The cPLM Technical PM Lead position is a critical role within the transformation program, as it will be responsible for driving project risks, actions, interdependencies and dependencies for specific cPLM workstreams as part of the phase 1 new capability focus areas, namely Recipe Development & Formulation (Human Food), Ingredient Specs, Packaging Specs, Artwork & Label Integration, MBOM, and Change Management.

The project role spans across multiple segments, collaborating with senior stakeholders from Corporate R&D, Segment R&D, Mars DT Enterprise Tech, Mars DT BDS and Mars DT Enterprise Architecture. It engages with the global cPLM community to deliver program-governed digital capabilities and integrate both external and internal perspectives into Mars Inc. To be successful, this role will work in partnership with the workstream project stakeholders, such as: cPLM Corporate Senior Manager, the DT cPLM Senior Deployment Lead and Segment SMEs. The PM role will be part of a wider community of cPLM PMs, where orchestration of PM approach/best practice and guidance will be provided by the cPLM PMO.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Project Management: Oversee cPLM R&D digital activities across the program, driving key projects. This includes managing the cycle from discovery, prototyping, and pilot stages to the first-stage minimum viable product (MVP), focusing primarily on phase 1 program scope.

• Collaboration with Stakeholders: Work closely with business Product Owners and SMEs to deliver assigned projects within cPLM. Foster strong collaboration with key stakeholders, including R&D Corporate, Mars DT, R&D Segment leads, BDS, Functional Expert Org, Enterprise Architecture, and other senior leads across digital Mars DT teams.

• Partnerships: Collaborate with partners and key stakeholders to deliver projects and new capabilities.

• Service Introductions: Ensure the service introduction processes are fully embedded in all project and Template Rollout activities, in partnership with BDS and FE Org.

• Validation and Escalation: Validate identified gaps with project stakeholders, then escalate to the leadership team. Propose solutions if necessary but prioritize clearly defining the business gap.

• Integration Leadership: Manage the System Integrator, Integration Hub team, and system owners to prioritize, design, build, and test the integration for the Core PLM Pilot.

• SIT Testing Support: Ensure Environment connectivity and lessons learned from past projects are reflected for cPLM testing and included in the Overall testing strategy.

• Financial Management: Support in planning, submission, and governance of Core PLM funding requests, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and successful approval across all funding areas.   Additionally, drive financial accountability by partnering closely with S&F to proactively manage accruals, invoices, expenses, and cross-charges, ensuring accurate tracking, transparency, and disciplined budget execution. 

• Documentation: Ensure project documentation is created, up to date and in line with PMO KM strategy.

Job Qualifications

• 2-3 years in delivery of business capability within a business function (pref R&D), and preferably in the CPG industry.

• Experience deploying Digital solutions (x-segment)

• Strong Project Management skills – understands the different Project stage gates and will be able to advocate these to others

• Good communication, especially in English

• Technical awareness of new digital platforms, such as AI

• Capability to deliver through others

• Experience working in ambiguous and changing contexts

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 company bonus.

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