Job Description:

Are you ready to thrive in a highly demanding environment where strong customer focus and a high drive for results are essential? As the EU Micro Consultancy & Audit Senior Scientist, reporting to the EU Micro Lab Manager, you’ll be part of a dedicated team responsible for delivering high-quality microbiology operational testing in your region. You’ll need to balance your functional and technical microbiology knowledge with excellent influencing and negotiating skills to ensure our laboratories proactively address identified risks.

Your role will require strong collaborative and listening skills to engage with regional clients (Q&FS, SQA, and Supply) and stakeholders, understanding their needs. Clear, data-driven, and simple communication, along with action-oriented skills, will be crucial for providing timely incident support. Your excellent networking skills will help you maintain connections with the regional MGS Commercial Services Buying team, the MGS Laboratories CoE, and other Associates in similar roles globally.

As the regional expert on microbiological testing protocols and methods, you’ll consult with regional segment project teams and assist in answering testing-related queries. Your ability to translate complex science into simple concepts will be a significant advantage.

Expect up to 30% regional travel for external and site laboratory audits in Microbiology, supporting troubleshooting, and occasional weekends on call to provide issue/crisis support in the region for our segments.

You’ll oversee technical governance for 30-35 internal and external labs and provide technical consultancy support for 35+ manufacturing sites across Petcare, Confectionery, and Food segments. Additionally, you’ll manage projects to develop our external lab network, ensuring we have the best resources and capabilities to meet our needs.

If this sounds like the perfect challenge, we want to hear from you!

What are we looking for?

Education & Professional Qualifications

Degree (Masters preferred), in Microbiology (or related discipline)Auditor of ISO 9001 or ISO 17025, experience with auditing

Knowledge/Experience

Proven (≥5 years) technical laboratory background in food testing methods, ideally across pet and human food matricesProven technical laboratory background in Food pathogens testing methods (Salmonella, Listeria, etc.)Background knowledge to perform ISO/BAM standard methodsBackground knowledge of laboratories cross contaminations management/mitigationExtensive knowledge of cultural and serological techniques for bacterial identification and strain typingKnowledge of Design of ExperimentWorking experience in technical auditKnowledge of ISO 17025 laboratory requirements, working experienceExperience with auditing process internal or external, preferred Lead auditorOutstanding stakeholder management and communication skillsFluent in writing and speaking English

What will be your key responsibilities?Execute laboratory technical audits to identify and effectively mitigate risks in technical operations.Manage the laboratory performance metrics collection and drive the continues improvement performance with the laboratory network.Drive a culture of effective root cause analysis and CAPA closure with the laboratory network.Manage/contribute to supplier quarterly or periodic meetings with data and evidence to drive performance improvement programs.Assess new laboratory capability for fitness for purpose to Mars standards.Leads Laboratory Incident Support Process investigations and participate in PRIMP team discussions when necessary to share technical data and insightAssist in the management of escalation testing and business continuity issues in times of incident or crisis.Assist in Customer/Stakeholder regional and global reviews by preparing data and insights relevant to the microbiology networkMaintain strong connection to the Global MGS Microbiology community and escalate issues and request support in line with processes.Lead/Support the regional deployment of global microbiology initiatives, e.g. new standards, tools or methodsMaintain and provide knowledge of regionally required/preferred analysis methods and act as Regional Approver for requests for new Tests/Methods in the Nexus Method &Test ApplicationProvides technical advice on test methods for Material Risk Assessment (MRA)Provides technical mentorship and knowledge transfer in MicrobiologyProvides consultancy support to regional stakeholders (e.g., Factories, Product Development, Global Innovation Centres, SQA), with experimental design and data interpretation

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.

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.