Executive Assistant - R&D

Job Description:

Who are we?

Accelerator, a global Division of Mars Snacking, is on the front line of unlocking growth across high-potential categories and brands to fuel what’s next for Snacking. It’s home to both emerging and enduring brands, including KIND, TRÜ FRÜ, NATURE’S BAKERY, RXBAR, EGGO, POP-TARTS and RICE KRISPIE TREATS. Combining the scale of Mars with the agility of a start-up, our Division has the ambition to accelerate the future of snacking by delivering products consumers love today, discovering category-shaping innovations for tomorrow and developing entrepreneurial teams whose impact will last for generations.   

We’re looking for passionate talent who dare to dream big, agile collaborators who talk straight and decide fast, and driven performers with a growth mindset. We’re proudly part of Mars, while also building something boldly different. If this inspires and energizes you, you’ve found the right place where you can do cool things with fun people for one of the biggest snacking companies in the world!  

What you’ll do 

The Executive Assistant (EA) – RDQ for our Accelerator Division working from our Wells Street, Chicago office, is responsible for providing high-level administrative support to the Senior Vice President of R&D and Quality (RDQ) for the Accelerator business—the division supporting KIND, Tru Fru, Nature's Bakery, and the newly acquired Kellanova brands. The role will report to the Director of Strategy and Performance and involves managing schedules, organizing meetings, handling communications, and ensuring that the executive's time is efficiently allocated. The EA must possess strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. 

The ideal candidate is comfortable navigating complexity and ambiguity across a global organization while delivering excellent customer service. They bring strong communication and negotiation skills, work collaboratively to overcome challenges, and adapt quickly as priorities change.

Job Responsibilities

• Maintain, organize, and prioritize the executive’s calendar, independently resolving conflicts and scheduling meetings and appointments based on business priorities and forward planning.

• Manage incoming and outgoing communications in line with executives’ preferences, ensuring timely responses and follow-up.

• Prepare and edit correspondence, reports, presentations, and other documents as needed.

• Coordinate expense reports, reimbursements, and related financial administration for senior leaders in accordance with company policies.

• Coordinate visa applications, business invitation letters, relocation documentation, and related support for executive and senior leaders, providing guidance on required processes.

• Plan and execute internal, external, and global meetings, including quarterly Leadership Team face-to-face meetings and functional town halls. Manage time zones, invitations, meeting rooms, virtual meeting technology, catering, guest arrangements, hotel blocks, group transportation, venue selection, and costs.

• Arrange domestic and international travel, including flights, hotels, and ground transportation.

• Serve as a trusted point of contact for leadership, internal teams, clients, key stakeholders, high-profile individuals, and important personal contacts.

• Attend meetings, capture key decisions and action items, and drive follow-through to completion.

• Support or lead special projects and initiatives as directed, ensuring objectives and deadlines are met.

• Perform other duties as required based on capacity assessment.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, or a related field is preferred. 

• 3+ years of experience providing high-level administrative support to C-suite, VP, or senior leadership teams within a fast-paced, matrixed organization. 

• Proven track record of high-volume, proactive calendar management, expense reporting (e.g., Concur), and processing purchase orders / procurement requests. 

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with absolute discretion when interfacing with executive leadership, high-profile stakeholders, and confidential business matters. 

• Comfortable providing feedback, directing, and engaging with senior leaders. 

• Sensitive about cultures, and different ways of being and thinking. 

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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The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range listed is applicable to IL:USD 74,766.00 - USD 102,803.00