Manager, Global Quality Integration Capability Development

Job Description:

The Manager, Global Quality Integration Capability Development, operates as a central orchestrator and translator, connecting global integration strategy with shop-floor execution across the combined Mars and Kellanova manufacturing networks. Rather than developing technical standards in isolation, this role partners with global Q&FS subject matter experts (microbiologists, food safety directors, and regulatory leads) to translate complex, harmonized standards into practical, persona-specific learning paths, digital job aids, and qualification toolkits. Through an agile sprint model aligned with key integration cutover milestones, the lead drives end-to-end capability development-from diagnosing competency gaps between legacy operating models to designing engaging, multi-modal instructional content.

Purpose: To design, orchestrate, and execute the enterprise-wide training and capability-building roadmap supporting the integration of Mars Snacking and Kellanova through December 2027.

Key Focus: This role is critical to harmonizing Quality & Food Safety culture, standards, and operating models. The role holder will ensure all technical and operational Associates (across legacy Mars and Kellanova sites) are trained, qualified, and confident in deploying harmonized Mars Q&FS standards, food defense protocols, HACCP/HARPC programs, supplier quality standards, and laboratory/verification systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Q&FS Capability Gap & Needs Assessment: Conduct thorough training needs analyses across integrating factories, co-manufacturers, innovation hubs, and corporate Q&FS teams to identify skill shifts and process variances between legacy Mars and Kellanova operating standards.

Curriculum & Program Design: Develop and standardize Q&FS integration learning paths, qualification programs, and competency matrices covering core areas such as:

• Mars Global Quality & Food Safety Standards (GQFS) and Food Defense.
• Harmonized HACCP, allergen management, pathogen control, and sanitation standards.
• Quality verification systems, laboratory testing protocols, and non-conformance management (CAPA).
• Digital quality tools, LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems), and incident escalation frameworks.

Train-the-Trainer (TTT) Network: Build and activate a sustainable network of site-based Q&FS Champions / Lead Trainers across both legacy Mars and Kellanova production facilities to enable continuous on-the-floor training and qualification.

Integration Milestone Alignment: Partner with the Q&FS Integration Workstream Lead, Site Quality Managers, and Manufacturing Operations to align training delivery with plant cutover dates, standard harmonizations, and audit schedules.

Measurement & Compliance Governance: Define and track capability KPIs, training completion/qualification rates, audit readiness metrics, and knowledge retention assessments to demonstrate Day-1 compliance and ongoing operational maturity.

Content & Knowledge Repository: Create user-friendly standard operating procedures (SOPs), digital quick reference guides (QRGs), and blended e-learning modules hosted within Mars University / Workday Learning.

Education & Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in food science, quality management, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of experience in retail operations, quality assurance, or compliance management - ideally within the food, beverage, café, or hospitality sector.
• Proven track record in multiple-Site governance.
• Strong knowledge of QFS and regulatory requirements with hands-on experience in food retail /hospitality.
• Knowledge in IoT systems, SaaS applications, and GenAI. Experience in setting up digital templates and inspection systems is preferred.

Knowledge/Experience:

• Governance & Analytical Skills: Strong ability to define operational KPIs, structure data, define dashboards, analyze and interpret data, generate executive reports and provide input with call for action to management reviews.
• Project Management: Strong knowledge of project management tools with demonstrated capability to manage complex, multi-site digital rollouts while maintaining a high standard of regulatory and internal compliance.
• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and collaboration skills; comfortable driving change and alignment across multi-brand and franchise environments. Experience in managing CoP’s, influencing and engaging stakeholders in a diverse, multicultural, global environment.
• Technical Acumen: Strong affinity with digital technologies - hardware and software. Self-sufficiently build digital templates. Understanding of digital concepts like wireless networks, hardware asset management (UEM), cyber security, data privacy frameworks (GDPR, CCPA), SSO, GenAI functionalities, API’s, data lakes, and PowerBI, that allows to work closely with digital experts in these areas.

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.