Senior Portfolio Manager

Job Description:

Title: Sr Portfolio Manager

Location: Newark, NJ

Workstyle: Hybrid

Mars does not sponsor visas for this role. This position is eligible for relocation benefits

The Senior Portfolio Manager plays a pivotal role in enabling enterprise prioritization and long-term strategic decision-making. This role is responsible for guiding change management across the growth and value leadership portfolio, leading scenario modeling efforts, and making data-driven recommendations to help the business make confident, insight-led trade-offs.

You will work closely with Portfolio Directors, Project Leads, cross-functional stakeholders, and senior leaders to build and sustain portfolio prioritization process and discipline. A key part of this role will also be driving adoption of the consistent DVF process and redeployment of QES Stage Gate process in the region to sustain single source of truth, enabling the portfolio prioritization and effective resource trade off discussion and decision through implementing change practices.

What are we looking for?

• 5-8 years of experience in portfolio management, financial planning, strategic planning, change management, or similar roles in a complex, matrixed organization.
• Proven experience in scenario modeling, resource allocation planning, or investment analysis.
• Strong foundation in change management methodologies and ability to engage and influence stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Familiarity with Stage Gate or gated innovation processes and experience embedding those processes across cross-functional teams.
• Experience working with portfolio management systems such as Sopheon Accolade, Planview, Planisware, or SAP PPM.
• Proficiency in Excel and experience with data visualization tools like Power BI or other analytical tools.
• Excellent communication skills; able to simplify complex trade-offs and influence through data-driven storytelling.
• Comfortable working in ambiguity and shifting priorities, with a bias for action and a continuous improvement mindset.

What will be your responsibilities?

• Lead scenario modeling to evaluate innovation pipeline options, including impact, feasibility, and resource tradeoffs, using available tools and data sets collected from the single source of truth.
• Translate modeling analytics and output into clear, actionable recommendations that optimize growth outcomes while managing resource constraints.
• Provide clear and concise communication and storytelling to senior leaders on portfolio tradeoffs, risks, and value unlocks.
• Act as the change agent for portfolio processes including idea management and DVF process, driving adoption and mindset shift across stakeholders to improve delivery quality, speed and consistency.
• Drive the change management and communication needed in redeploying non-consumer facing stage gate process adoption in the region with the process owner to enable single source of truth, ensuring consistent application and governance through effective change management.
• Support capability building in portfolio management across the broader innovation and value leadership ecosystem. Lead change initiatives that improve the way portfolio decisions are made, fostering a mindset of prioritization, transparency, and agility.
• Lead tool evolution efforts by identifying current gaps, mapping out CI opportunities, recommending improvements, and ensuring business needs are met in partnership with tech teams.
• Potentially lead a small team that delivers portfolio initiatives.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 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 locations listed within the job posting:USD 117,808.00 - USD 161,984.00