Job Description:Segment : Mars Global ServicesContract : Permanent/CDILocalisation : Aimargues, VeghelAs a Principal Scientist - Food Testing, you’ll be at the heart of our mission to ensure the safety, quality, and regulatory compliance of raw materials and finished products across Mars. In this global expert role, you’ll combine your deep technical knowledge with a passion for collaboration guiding labs, mentoring teams, and translating complex science into real-world solutions.You’ll help shape the future of our lab services by developing robust testing strategies, solving critical food safety incidents, and building the capabilities of our global laboratory network. This is your chance to lead with impact and drive excellence in food testing, every step of the way.What We’re Looking ForWe’re looking for a principal scientific expert in analytical chemistry with strong leadership, mentoring, and problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate will bring:A degree in Analytical Chemistry or a related field — with 10+ years of experience in laboratory testingDeep hands-on expertise in techniques like UV, HPLC, GC, Mass Spectrometry, and wet chemistryStrong knowledge in specialized testing areas such as mycotoxins, oxidation, heavy metals, pesticides, vitamins, and food adulterationProven success in incident and crisis management, troubleshooting, and risk mitigationExperience building testing strategies, governance tools, and performance metricsA track record of mentoring, training, and developing technical teamsStrong understanding of global food safety regulations (e.g. FDA, EFSA, Codex) and lab standards like ISO 17025Fluent English and excellent communication skills, especially with cross-functional and international stakeholdersA role model in analytical method validation, from design through to implementation and reviewStrong knowledge in food (confectionery is a plus); and ideally as well in pet foodWhat Will Be Your Key ResponsibilitiesBe a Trusted Scientific AdvisorProvide expert consultancy on food chemistry and physical testing to regional and global stakeholdersSupport investigations and incident response related to raw materials and finished productsTranslate scientific complexity into clear business insights and recommendationsSet the Direction for Testing ExcellenceLead the development of our global contaminants testing strategyOwn the master list of contaminants and testing performance criteria for critical raw materialsDevelop technical briefing documents and build internal knowledge around contaminants and methodsIdentify and validate external labs that meet our analytical and compliance requirementsMentor, Coach, and Build CapabilitySupport and coach regional labs and chemistry teams on method development and validationDevelop training content and deliver food safety laboratory competency programsBuild technical expertise in confectionery testing across raw materials, in-process, and finished productsDrive Technical Governance and Continuous ImprovementCo-own the Mars Analytical Method Table, ensuring accuracy and consistency of all technical contentLead improvements to our lab consultancy services and reporting toolsEstablish metrics and tools to monitor performance across the lab networkSupport internal audits and contribute to regulatory compliance and quality risk reductionConnect and InfluenceAct as a key liaison between the Mars Global Centre of Expertise, R&D, Q&FS, and Supplier Quality Assurance teamsRepresent Mars in relevant external technical forums and conferencesContribute to the broader Mars laboratory vision through collaboration, leadership, and innovationWhat can you expect from Mars?Join our Center of Expertise, based in the beautiful South of France (Montpellier/Nîmes area), on the Royal Canin Headquarters campus ; a dynamic, international hub for innovation in pet nutrition and science. This unique campus brings together over 800 associates from 40+ nationalities, two laboratories, a kennel and cattery home to more than 400 pets, and Royal Canin’s most iconic factory.As a Principal Scientist, you will :work in a collaborative, global cross segment, multidisciplinary environment, alongside scientists and experts in analytical sciences and data/digital domains ; including chemistry and physical sciences, microbiology, molecular biology, rapid spectroscopy, packaging science…access to two state-of-the-art laboratories (applied research and production), equipped with advanced technologies for analytical and materials testing
