Open Innovation Operations Manager (Finance)

Job Level:
Technical Leadership-T2

Job Description:

Mars Petcare is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Open Innovation Operations Manager to support the execution and optimization of our venture and innovation programs. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, coordinating with innovation partners internally and externally, optimizing resources, managing program data, and improving processes to drive program success. You will work closely with a wide variety of internal stakeholders across venture, R&D, commercial, brand teams, veterinary clinics, as well as external partners, and agency collaborators to enhance program efficiency and effectiveness.

This role will directly support initiatives like developing lower-carbon petfood ingredients for the future and supporting the next generation of pet care startups. The Open Innovation Operations Manager will also foster a culture of innovation within the company, by promoting new ideas, best practices, and learning from external sources.

Key Responsibilities
Program Execution & Process Optimization

• Support program managers in executing structured program plans, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Implement best-in-class program management practices to enhance efficiency, scalability, and impact.
• Identify and recommend process improvements and automation opportunities to streamline operations.
• Ensure seamless coordination across multiple programs, tracking milestones and deliverables.
• Coordinate and oversee the execution of open innovation projects, ensuring the delivery of value and impact for Mars Petcare.
• Identify and implement best practices and tools for open innovation management, such as processes, platforms, methods, and metrics.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Maintain clear and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, providing timely updates on program status, milestones, and potential risks.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to ensure alignment and engagement across teams.
• Act as a liaison between internal teams and external partners, ensuring smooth execution and issue resolution.

Data Management & Reporting

• Develop and maintain program dashboards, tracking key performance metrics.
• Collect, organize, and analyze program-related data to provide insights and recommendations.
• Prepare reports and presentations on program performance, progress, and key learnings.
• Ensure data integrity and accuracy across all program management systems.
• Report on the key performance indicators (KPIs) and return on investment (ROI) of open innovation projects and share the results and learnings with relevant stakeholders.

Agency & Partnership Management

• Define and implement structured ways of working, communication protocols, and performance expectations for external agencies and partners.
• Oversee all logistical arrangements related to agency and partnership engagements.
• Track and assess agency/partner performance, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners and facilitate the communication and collaboration between internal and external teams.

Performance Tracking & Quality Assurance

• Monitor program performance through data-driven insights, identifying areas for improvement.
• Ensure programs adhere to quality standards, tracking deliverables and mitigating risks proactively.
• Continuously seek opportunities for efficiency gains and operational excellence.
• Embrace and live the Mars culture by leading with The Five Principles.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in program operations, innovation programs, or venture acceleration.
• Strong project management skills, with proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Smartsheet, or similar).
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to generate insights and make data-driven decisions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with data management, reporting, and program analytics.
• Proficiency in Excel, Google Sheets, and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is a plus.

Skills:

Action Planning, Compliance Management, Costing and Budgeting, Data Collection and Analysis, Managing Change, Planning and Organizing, Policy and Procedures, Project Risk and Issue Management, Stakeholder Expectation Management, Verbal Communication

Competencies:
Business Insight, Collaborates, Cultivates Innovation, Drives Engagement, Financial Acumen, Manages Ambiguity, Manages Complexity, Optimizes Work Processes, Plans and Aligns, Strategic Mindset

Thebase pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between the below range, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, andexperience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, if eligible, including variable pay & general allowances (depending on the positionand employee's work schedule). Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicablepolicies andplans then in effect, and depending on the position offered and the employee's work schedule (i.e., part-time schedule), eligible employees are automatically enrolled in a 401(k) plan, as well as participate in Company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance plans for the employee and the employee's eligible dependents, and may be eligible to take up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave.Employees will also receivethe following paid-time off (which may be prorated based on start date and the employee's work schedule):120 hours of vacation per year, paid sick time for eligible Associates of 100% pay continuation for a maximum of 40 hours per calendar year,and 12 paid holidays throughout the calendar year that include both fixed and flexible holidays.
USD 107,071.00 - USD 147,223.00