Location: Aimargues (30 min from Montpellier)

Type of Contract: Permanent (CDI) Onsite and Fulltime.

Entity: Royal Canin

Are you looking for the perfect opportunity to bridge your scientific expertise with people leadership in a global, science-driven organization? The RCA Pet Center is a vital engine of Royal Canin’s global R&D ecosystem. We don't just run trials; we generate the foundational data and nutritional insights that define the future of pet health. As we modernize our infrastructure and digital capabilities, the Pet Center Manager will lead a high-performing team to bridge the gap between scientific ambition and operational excellence.

The Pet Center Manager is responsible for the overall performance of the facility, leading a highly motivated Unit Operations team of approximately 40 associates. You will be accountable for strategic operational delivery, ensuring all work is completed safely, ethically, and in alignment with Mars Standards, while pioneering new ways of working in a rapidly evolving research landscape.

What are we looking for?

• Leadership Excellence: Proven experience in people management with the ability to inspire a diverse operational team.
• Operational Background: Experience in complex environments such as pet centers, laboratories, or high-tech manufacturing.
• Scientific & Technical Literacy: A solid understanding of animal testing methodologies and the ability to oversee complex research protocols.
• Project Management: Experience managing large-scale capital projects or facility modernizations (e.g., HVAC upgrades or technical center moves).
• Communication: Native or Fluent French is essential for local authority interactions, with strong English for global collaboration within Mars Petcare.
• Managerial Courage: The ability to challenge existing governance to foster a "test and learn" culture.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Strategic Roadmap Execution: Define and lead the site’s evolution, aligning local operations with the broader R&D Facilities strategy and global innovation goals.
• Agile Governance & Utilization: Optimize facility capacity by balancing long-term research with short-term "innovation experiments," small rapid studies, and startup collaborations.
• Digital Transformation: Act as a key stakeholder in the shaping and deployment of digitalization initiatives towards operational efficiency, building system of a robust data backbone to link nutrition with health outcomes via AI and data.
• Operational Excellence: Ensure the delivery of high-quality animal trial results and product prototypes while meeting safety, environmental, and budget targets.
• Animal Welfare & Compliance: Serve as the primary liaison for French authorities, ensuring our site remains a gold standard for animal welfare and regulatory compliance.
• Cross-Site Collaboration: Lead knowledge-exchange initiatives within Mars Ecosystem, global internal and external partners and Pet Centers to share best practices in governance and operational management and excellence.
• Visitor Experience: Host over 4,000 annual visitors, showcasing our state-of-the-art campus and commitment to science-based nutrition.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Global Impact: Work at the heart of Royal Canin's international HQ, a unique campus housing 800+ associates, two laboratories, and our flagship factory.
• Innovation Culture: Join a team that is actively moving toward "Second Brain" AI integration and cutting-edge longitudinal research.
• Career Growth: Access world-class development through Mars University and opportunities for cross-functional moves within the global Mars Petcare ecosystem.
• Purpose-Driven Work: Every day, you will contribute to our mission: A Better World for Pets.
• Competitive Package: Industry-leading salary, benefits, and company bonus.

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