Research Manager - Applied Behaviour

Job content

Job DescriptionResearch Manager - Applied Animal BehaviourWaltham on the Wolds – LeicestershireThe Waltham Petcare Science Institute is Mars Petcare’s pet research centre and part of the Science and Diagnostics division. Our work focuses on the healthcare, nutritional and behavioural needs of pets and Human-Animal Interaction (HAI). The science we deliver supports development of innovative products and services enabling the business to deliver against our Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS™.This role is responsible for the ongoing development and management of a programme of research focused on leveraging animal behaviour and wellbeing research, including human-animal interaction.The role holder is expected to develop and deliver a research strategy and execute capability in applied behavioural science, with a particular focus on domestic cats and dogs and the people who own them. They will ideate, conceptualize and execute, through line-management of associates engaged in behavioural research, a programme of projects which will have direct influence on Waltham’s science output and quality.The job holder must have a passion for scientific leadership; coaching and inspiring a research team with a focus on the development of talent. They are also expected to communicate research outputs to external audiences in accordance with agreed communication plan, through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at key external meetings.Professional Qualifications

• PhD in animal behaviour, psychology, zoology or a related science discipline; or equivalent experience.

What are we looking for?

• Broad and deep knowledge of operating in an R&D environment, either in the academic or industrial sectors (experience of both preferred)
• A proven record in leading, developing and delivering a high-quality research programme leveraging animal behaviour
• Comfort in operating within changing and highly ambiguous environments
• Experience of setting strategic research goals and measures to meet business priorities
• Ability to network, engage and influence key stakeholders both internally and externally
• Skilled in customer focus and developing customer facing solutions
• Comfort in continuously acquiring knowledge in new scientific disciplines
• Excellent analytical, problem solving and conceptual skills
• Proven track record in communicating key research findings through writing in peer reviewed publications, and presenting at key global forums
• Exceptional people management skills

What will be your key responsibilities?

• In partnership with Senior Research Managers, define and manage a high-quality research programme that is aligned with, and delivers against, the strategic goals of Waltham’s research plan and broader business needs
• To lead, manage and motivate a team of direct reports engaged in behavioural and human-animal research.
• Provide practical and theoretical expertise in animal behaviour, in a range of contexts that are relevant to the Mars Petcare ecosystem.
• Establish professional networks, work with and influence internal and external collaborators to establish Mars Petcare as a market leader in pet behaviour and human-animal interaction (HAI) expertise.
• Research, acquire, develop and establish behavioural approaches, tools and insights which will enable new products and services for Mars Petcare.
• Communicate and support the business implementation of pet behaviour approaches, tools and insights across the relevant Mars Petcare business units e.g. Royal Canin, Mars Veterinary Health.
• Integrate scientific knowledge with business, intellectual property and regulatory constraints to deliver results that can be leveraged to support new product innovation and commercial application.
• Develop and deliver an external communication plan of research outputs in peer reviewed journals and at scientific meetings to enhance corporate reputation.
• Responsible for the management of a research budget.

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.

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.