Q&FS and Sensory Technologist

The fundamental purpose of the Q&FS and Sensory Technologist role is to support factory operations by ensuring quality, food safety, and sensory compliance through the effective implementation and maintenance of quality management systems (QMS), sensory conformance programs, and related processes. This role is responsible for maintaining the plant's quality compliance infrastructure while ensuring finished products and ingredients consistently meet established quality and sensory specifications.

The position requires cross-functional knowledge of factory operations and accountability for implementing quality and sensory-related projects, processes, and programs. Key responsibilities include contributing to QMS compliance by converting recipes into factory systems to meet specifications, maintaining recipe governance for Q&FS-related Statistical Process Control (SPC) parameters, and serving as the site liaison to Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) for Packaging Holds, coordinating S-CAPA management, communication, and follow-up to support timely resolution of packaging quality issues.

Additionally, the role oversees the sensory evaluation of finished products and ingredients, coordinates daily sensory panels, and supports problem-solving activities related to product quality and sensory conformance.

The role also provides training and guidance to site associates to support on-line sensory programs and works in partnership with BU/Global Sensory Scientists to implement site-specific innovations that strengthen product quality, consistency, and conformance. Through collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners, this position helps ensure the ongoing effectiveness of quality and sensory systems, supports factory performance, and drives continuous improvement in product quality and compliance.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma
• 2-3 years of experience in a manufacturing setting
• Strong computer skills
• Flexibility to work overtime as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a science-related discipline or a closely related field.
• Internship in quality and food safety in a manufacturing environment or 1-year technical work experience.
• Proficient in computer-based applications and digital systems, with experience in SAP, Nexus, Weever, or similar platforms preferred.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Partner with Factory Operations, Supply, Innovation, and Digital teams to collect, analyze, trend, and report material qualification, material performance, and product quality metrics. Identify opportunities for improvement and escalate quality trends and concerns as appropriate.
• Serve as the site subject matter expert for translating formulas and recipes into factory operating systems, including SAP Bill of Materials (BOM) creation, Weever management, and change control processes to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Lead site governance and management of Statistical Process Control (SPC) for finished product specifications and Key Quality Attributes. Monitor and optimize quality-related SPC processes, support system enhancements, and ensure alignment with Supply requirements.
• Support material quality management and incident resolution for raw and packaging materials. Serve as the site liaison to Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) for Packaging Holds, coordinating communication, S-CAPA activities, and follow-up to drive timely resolution.
• Execute site sensory conformance requirements through the evaluation and analysis of raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products. Identify, investigate, and resolve sensory-related issues; escalate non-conformances; and recommend appropriate ingredient and finished product disposition.
• Lead site-based Conformance and Online Sensory Programs, including associate recruitment, training, calibration, and program execution. Ensure compliance with established best practices and minimum program requirements while maintaining accurate sensory performance records.
• Partner with BU/Global Sensory Scientists to implement site-specific innovations and strengthen sensory conformance. Actively participate in the Sensory Quality Community of Practice (COP) to share best practices, align ways of working, and drive continuous improvement across MW manufacturing sites.
• Coach, train, and guide site associates to strengthen technical capabilities and competencies across Quality, Technical Services, and Innovation. Support sensory quality assessments and training for co-manufacturing operations.
• Participate in Food Safety/HACCP and internal audit teams, conduct internal audits, and support site Quality Management Systems (QMS) compliance. Ensure quality and sensory processes align with established food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and implement improvements within areas of responsibility through innovation, research, effective change management, and auditing. Drive process efficiency, strengthen systems, and deliver sustainable business value.

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