Project & Transformation Manager (x/f/m)

Join us full-time – position open for immediate start

Mars is one of the world’s largest family-owned consumer goods companies, home to iconic brands like Royal Canin®, Pedigree®, Whiskas®, M&M’s®, and Ben’s Original®. With over 150,000 Associates worldwide, we’re driven by a clear purpose: to create a better world for people and pets. Our decisions are guided by The Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom.

At our Royal Canin® site in Bruck an der Leitha (just 30 minutes from Vienna), more than 350 dedicated Associates work every day to produce tailored nutrition that supports the health and wellbeing of dogs and cats - in Austria and around the globe.

Lead Transformation. Shape the Future. Make an Impact at Mars.

The Royal Canin site in Bruck an der Leitha, the largest wet factory in the Royal Canin network, is entering a major transformation journey. With significant capital investments, new initiatives, and ambitious operational goals ahead, we are seeking a Project & Transformational Manager ready to take ownership, inspire teams, and lead change across the site. This is a high-impact leadership role, central to ensuring operational excellence while driving transformative projects that shape the future of the factory.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a bold, strategic leader who:

• Can inspire and lead cross-functional teams, creating alignment and accountability across a complex organization.

• Thrives in dynamic, fast-changing environments and can confidently make decisions amidst ambiguity.

• Brings 5+ years of experience in project, transformation, or operations leadership within FMCG or food & beverage manufacturing.

• Demonstrates strong knowledge of Lean/TPM principles, Food Safety, and operational excellence, and can translate them into actionable plans.

• Possesses exceptional communication, influencing, and negotiation skills, able to engage stakeholders at all levels - local, regional, and global.

• Lives the Mars Five Principles and drives sustainability, innovation, and tangible business results.

• Is passionate about shaping the future, embracing complexity, and making a visible impact.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Lead and deliver complex transformation projects

• Manage project scope, timing, budget, and resources while balancing operational priorities.

• Ensure smooth execution of initiatives, including capital investments, sustainability projects, and process improvements.

• Navigate interdependencies between projects, daily operations, and regional/global stakeholders.

Drive change and foster innovation

• Act as a change agent, embedding new ways of working and operational standards across the site.

• Guide teams to integrate and execute operational and project expectations efficiently.

Strategic resource management

• Plan and schedule resources to maximize efficiency and capacity utilization.

• Provide full visibility on resource capacity, competencies, and availability for all stakeholders.

• Overcome challenges posed by matrix structures and siloed processes.

Collaborate across networks

• Serve as the site SPOC for coordination with other Royal Canin wet factories and regional/global stakeholders.

• Build resilient relationships and ensure alignment of expectations across all levels.

Be a key member of the Site Leadership Team

• Act as the Plant Manager’s right-hand in driving business continuity and site performance.

• Align Leadership priorities, milestones, and risk mitigation actions across operations and projects.

• Represent the site to regional and global stakeholders, ensuring strategic clarity and decision-making excellence.

Shape the future of our site

• Take ownership of initiatives that enhance operational standards, sustainability, and innovation.

• Inspire teams to embrace transformation and deliver results that matter for people, pets, and the planet.

What can you expect from Mars?

• A high-visibility, leadership role with real impact on the site and network.

• Visibility and influence as a member of the Site Leadership Team

• A culture of support, flexibility, and inclusion – where your voice matters

• Dive into world-class learning from day one, including access to Mars University

• Fuel your day with healthy, freshly cooked meals at our onsite restaurant

• Hybrid and flexible working models – plus our dog-friendly office

• A gross annual base salary starting at € 82.000,00 (full-time), plus company bonus - higher depending on experience

• A benefits package including a company pension plan

• Take advantage of global career opportunities within Mars

• Enjoy an Associate Assistance Program for mental health & coaching

Ready to lead transformation, inspire teams, and shape the future of our Royal Canin site? Join us at Mars - where your leadership drives change and creates lasting impact.