Capabilities Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

About Mars, Incorporated: For more than a century, Mars, Incorporated has been driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. This idea is at the center of who we have always been as a global, family-owned business. Today, Mars is transforming, innovating, and evolving in ways that affirm our commitment to making a positive impact on the world around us. We are proud of our diverse portfolio of confectionery, food, and pet care products and services, and we are even more proud of our 130,000+ Associates who bring our Five Principles to life every day.

The Opportunity: Shape the Future of Work at Mars. As Mars accelerates its digital transformation, we need to design and drive an enterprise-wide intervention. This role is at the heart of our strategy to build a future-ready workforce. You will be responsible for designing and deploying a large‑scale capability program that equips every Mars Associate with the essential digital skills and behaviors needed to thrive in an era of AI, automation, and intelligent agents.

This is a unique opportunity to build a program from the ground up, working in a lean, agile team where your influence and ability to activate a global community will be paramount to your success. If you are passionate about driving change, connecting learning directly to business outcomes, and shaping the culture of a world‑class organization, this role is for you.

• Strategic Program Design & Execution: Architect and lead a global digital capability program focused on Digital skills, incl AI, automation, and leveraging intelligent agents. Define the core skills, competencies, and behavioral shifts required for Associates at all levels and recommend holistic approach to driving the change (from learning sessions to on the job experience, coaching, mentoring etc….
• Outcome-Driven Framework: Establish a clear, outcome-driven framework for the program. Partner with business units to identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and ensure that capability‑building efforts are directly tied to measurable business results (e.g., efficiency gains, innovation speed, sales growth).
• Impact Measurement & Reporting: Develop and implement a robust measurement strategy to track the progress of skill acquisition and, most importantly, the impact of applying these new digital capabilities. Regularly report on progress and ROI to senior leadership.
• Community & Network Activation: With a lean team of two Associates, act as a central connector and catalyst for change. Build, nurture, and leverage a global network of “Digital Champions” and subject matter experts across different business segments and geographies to scale the intervention.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Forge a powerful “three-in-a-box” partnership with leaders in our Digital Technology organization (and esp our AI COE), P&O business partners, and Mars University. Ensure the program is seamlessly integrated with our technology roadmap and our broader learning ecosystem.
• Content Curation & Development: In partnership with Mars University, curate and co-create a portfolio of learning experiences—from micro‑learnings and workshops to immersive experiences that are engaging, accessible, and effective for a diverse global audience.
• Change Leadership & Communication: Serve as the lead evangelist for the future of work at Mars. Develop and execute a compelling communication plan to build excitement, drive adoption, and embed a culture of continuous learning and digital curiosity.

• Proven Experience: 10+ years of experience in a combination of Human Resources, Learning & Development, Digital Transformation, or Change Management, with a proven track record of leading large‑scale, global initiatives in a complex, matrixed organization.
• Strategic & Outcome-Focused Mindset: You are a strategic thinker who can connect learning initiatives directly to business strategy and financial outcomes. You are relentless in your focus on measuring impact and demonstrating value.
• Master of Influence & Collaboration: You excel at building relationships and influencing without direct authority. You have a natural ability to build communities, foster collaboration, and navigate a complex stakeholder landscape.
• Digital Fluency: Deep understanding of modern digital trends, including Artificial Intelligence, automation, data analytics, and the changing nature of work. You don’t need to be a coder, but you must understand the concepts and their business implications.
• Agile & Pragmatic Leader: You are comfortable working in a lean, fast‑paced environment. You can balance long‑term strategic planning with the need for rapid execution and iteration. You are a “player‑coach” who can guide a team while also rolling up your sleeves.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: You are a compelling storyteller who can articulate a clear and inspiring vision to diverse audiences, from senior executives to frontline Associates.
• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., I/O Psychology, Organizational Development, MBA, HR) is a plus.

• The opportunity to work on a project with a global impact, shaping the future of one of the world’s most iconic companies.
• A commitment to your development and growth, with access to the resources of Mars University.
• An industry-competitive salary and benefits package.
• A collaborative and principled-based culture where you can be yourself and do your best work.

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 shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting: USD 242,240.00 - USD 333,080.00