Petcare Digital Transformation Program Lead

Job Description:

At Mars Petcare, our objective is to transform the experience of sharing life with a pet anywhere in the world. Our starting point is unique: in the last decade, we have created entirely new Mars Petcare business and doubled its size. Today, our services and products offer solutions to over 70% of every pet owner’s needs. Yet our Purpose and leadership ambition take us further.

As part of our Petcare Digital Strategy, Transformation & Portfolio function, we are establishing a Digital Transformation Office (DTMO) to accelerate the delivery of our digital transformation ambitions Petcare-wide, in partnership with Divisional teams. The DTMO will provide the governance, program management, change leadership, and delivery assurance needed to drive strategic digital and data transformation initiatives. Working closely with Petcare Digital LT, business, and functional teams, the DTMO will ensure that transformation programs are aligned to strategic priorities, delivered effectively, and achieve sustainable business outcomes.

Reporting to the Petcare Digital Transformation Program Director, the Digital Transformation Program Lead acts as the primary engagement and program lead for an assigned Division/Unit, partnering closely with CDIOs/ Divisional SROs / Program teams to translate transformation delivery into successful outcomes.

The role serves as the bridge between the DTMO and the Division/CDIO/MGS, ensuring program priorities and delivery is aligned, programs are effectively governed, risks are proactively managed, and change is successfully adopted. The Program Lead will champion transformation in partnership with the CDIO/Division while ensuring consistency with Petcare-wide transformation standards and practices.

What are we looking for?

• 8+ years professional experience in Digital, Technology, Engineering, Business Management, or a related discipline.
• Relevant program or change management experience are advantageous.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with digital transformation, organisational change, and delivery best practices.
• Experience leading complex business, digital, or transformation programs within large organisations.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated experience in program management, governance, portfolio oversight, and change management.
• Ability to operate effectively in matrixed environments and manage competing priorities.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in Business, Technology, Engineering, Management, or a related discipline.
• Relevant program or change management certifications

What will be your key responsibilities?

Divisional Transformation Partnership

• Act as the primary DTMO partner for an assigned Division, building trusted relationships with CDIOs / divisional leaders and key stakeholders.
• Support the development and execution of divisional digital transformation roadmaps and program initiatives
• Ensure transformation initiatives are clearly prioritised, governed, and aligned to business objectives.

• Provide guidance and collaboration to divisional teams on program delivery, change management, and value realisation.

Program Delivery & Governance

• Oversee the health and progress of transformation initiatives within the Division.
• Facilitate stage-gate reviews, milestone tracking, risk management, and delivery assurance activities.
• Identify dependencies, risks, and barriers to delivery, escalating where appropriate and driving resolution.

• Ensure programs adhere to DTMO governance standards, methodologies, and reporting requirements.

• Maintain accurate portfolio reporting and provide regular updates to divisional and DTMO leadership.

Stakeholder Engagement & Change Management

• Act as a visible transformation champion across the Division/in partnership with CDIOs.
• Partner with business, digital, technology, communications, and People & Organisation teams to support successful adoption of change.
• Facilitate alignment between divisional priorities and enterprise transformation objectives.

• Support stakeholder engagement, communication planning, and readiness activities to maximise program success.

Portfolio Coordination

• Collaborate with other Division Programme Leads to identify cross-divisional dependencies, risks, and opportunities.
• Contribute to enterprise-wide transformation reporting, governance forums, and leadership updates.
• Share best practices and lessons learned to strengthen transformation capability across the organisation.
• Support continuous improvement of DTMO processes, tools, and governance frameworks.

The Digital Transformation Programme Lead succeeds by becoming a trusted advisor and program delivery to divisional leadership/CDIOs while maintaining strong alignment with enterprise transformation priorities.

Key expectations include:

• Building strong relationships and credibility with divisional stakeholders.

• Creating visibility of transformation progress, risks, and outcomes.
• Driving accountability for delivery while enabling collaboration across teams.

• Ensuring divisional programs meet governance, reporting, and assurance standards.

• Supporting effective change adoption and business readiness.
• Proactively identifying and resolving delivery challenges before they impact outcomes.
• Balancing divisional priorities with enterprise-wide transformation objectives.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with 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.
• A strong focus on 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. 

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