Corporate R&D Digital Core PLM Product Manager

About

We are seeking a strategic Core PLM Product Manager to lead a critical component of our long-term R&D digitalization program. This enterprise-wide initiative, running until 2029, is delivering the next generation of our core Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) capabilities, focused on specifications foundation, which will be piloted and deployed across all business segments.

In this role, you will be responsible for the lifecycle of the Specs Foundation SAP PLM product and add-ons, as well as collaborating with upcoming developments to expand the functionality of our digital products.

You will work with a team of experts to design and build compliant, global solutions that convert existing pain points into opportunities by leveraging new functionality. In partnership with peers, DT partners, and segment stakeholders, you will manage the product roadmap to support successful pilots and deployments and ensure the platform's evolution drives efficiency and future-proofs our R&D processes.

What are we looking for?

• You hold a degree in science or equivalent in food safety/ food science.
• You bring 5 years of experience in R&D functions.
• You have proven track record in project management.
• You have strong leadership competences.
• You have good understanding of business processes, systems (SAP PLM) and change management.
• You have excellent communication skills in English.

What are your key responsibilities?

DIGITAL PRODUCT MANAGEMENT - STRATEGY, ROADMAP, GOVERNANCE & DELIVERY OF CAPABILITIES

As the Core PLM Product Manager (for SAP PLM specs foundation, integrations and other tools supporting the pillar), you will own the product vision and strategy, focusing on the lifecycle management of the digital product itself. You will maximize the business value delivered by orchestrating the development across the different workstreams of specs foundations; while serving as the Product Owner for Int&Above, you will maintain a holistic view of the entire product in collaboration with your peers.

• Product Strategy & Vision: Shape and lead the long-term vision and strategic roadmap for the SAP PLM product, ensuring it aligns with the broader Corporate R&D digitalization strategy and the goals of the cPLM program through its duration.
• Backlog & Priority Management: In an agile environment, own, manage, and prioritize the product backlog based on business value, user needs, and team capacity. Ensure the backlog is transparent to all stakeholders to facilitate clear decision-making.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Influence: Act as a key ambassador for the product, influencing and aligning with segment representatives, business architects, and senior leaders to drive adoption of core capabilities and standards. This also includes engagement with the Business-As-Usual system landscape counterparts.
• Delivery & Execution: Lead the end-to-end delivery of capabilities in the scope of specs foundations pillar, as well as collaboration with the new capabilities to be developed in further phases of the programme. Work closely with SME's and internal/external partners to ensure high-quality, on-time delivery that meets business outcomes.
• Decision Making: Make informed decisions that balance business objectives, technical feasibility, and resource capacity to deliver the best possible outcomes for the business.
• Continuous Improvement: Proactively research external best practices and emerging PLM capabilities to future-proof R&D processes, drive efficiency, and maintain compliance.

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND DEPLOYMENT SUPPORT

You will be instrumental in supporting the successful pilot deployment, as well as adoption of new product capabilities across the different business units in collaboration with the deployment teams. This involves balancing the transition from development to live operations, supporting business readiness, and fostering a strong user community.

• Service Introduction Leadership: Lead critical conversations on introducing the solution into service, covering all technical and functional aspects to ensure a seamless and successful handover to support teams and business-as-usual operations.
• Deployment Strategy Alignment and Execution: Structure and coordinate the deployment plan, including end-to-end testing, pilot programs, and wider rollouts. Collaborate with Functional Experts and SMEs to define and track success criteria for handover.
• Community and Expertise: Act as a primary escalation point, as well as resource and mentor for a community of functional experts in the Int & Above area. Co-lead a community of practice to promote the effective use of the tools, share best practices, and gather feedback for continuous improvement.
• Enablement and Training: Oversee the development of core training materials and job aids. Ensure effective knowledge transfer to deployment and support teams, empowering them to execute standardized and technically competent deployments.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 150,000 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.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting: USD 79.871,00 - USD 109.822,00