Associates own their career journey at Mars

In her 15 years at Bolton, Ont.-based Mars Canada, Ashley Harris has enjoyed a diverse career. She started in the scientific side of the company’s pet food business after earning a master’s degree in nutritional science but has since transitioned to a marketing role.

“A few years ago, an opportunity came up to explore a role in marketing, and I couldn’t pass it up,” says Harris, a sales acceleration manager. “It might sound like a big leap, but at Mars we have so many different functions and are encouraged to explore new paths and develop a broad range of skills and capabilities.”

Career mobility is one thing that makes Mars a special place to work, says Ellen Thompson, Canadian general manager of the Mars Wrigley business unit, home to such iconic brands as Mars, M&M’s, Skittles and Excel gum. “We are a purpose-driven organization with a focus on our associates,” she says. “Our associates are not just employees. They are the heartbeat of our organization.”

Mars actively encourages employees to move within the organization. “A lot of companies don’t necessarily encourage it, but Mars is unique,” says Thompson. “I’ve had the opportunity to work across several business segments such as Mars Wrigley and Mars Petcare in both the U.S. and globally. This diverse experience helped prepare me for my current role as general manager in Canada.”

The company’s commitment to its people is reflected in its culture of career mobility and development. “We like to say that associates own their development,” says Stephanie Paradis, association relations manager. “If there’s an experience or skill you want to develop, we will do everything we can to support you.”

Associates are encouraged through classroom training, virtual e-learning and a variety of material accessible through Mars University. “Whether you’re enhancing your day-to-day skills or developing leadership competencies, Mars provides the tools you need to succeed.” says Paradis.

Apart from supporting associates, Mars fosters emerging talent through co-op and internship programs. Coops are for students from second to fourth years of study and can be four, eight or 12 months in duration. The internship program offers fourth-year college or university students four-month summer placements.

“We want students to have meaningful, real-life work experience,” says Thompson. “They aren’t just here to observe – they help us solve real business challenges. Our goal is for them to have a great experience and to experience our fantastic organization.”

Beyond career development, Mars is committed to making the workplace enjoyable and supportive. Corporate associates, for example, benefit from a flexible hybrid work model. While they have the option to work remotely, they come together for hub days in the office, typically on Wednesdays and Thursdays, to connect and collaborate. “Our associates come to the office to experience the Mars culture in action,” says Thompson. “It’s an opportunity to build relationships and foster a sense of community.”

The company’s head office is located on a 96-acre site in Bolton. It was renovated in 2023 with upgraded technology and collaborative workspaces. The office is designed for flexibility. Associates can find “neighbourhoods” tailored to their segments – whether in Mars Wrigley, Petcare, or Food.

The campus also offers a host of amenities to enhance associates’ well-being, including a two-kilometre walking trail along the perimeter of the property, a pickleball court, ping pong tables, and an on-site gym, as well as indoor and outdoor dog parks.

“We’re able to bring our pets to the office,” says Harris, who owns a miniature schnauzer named Marti. “They get colour-coded green, yellow and orange leashes for their dogs depending on how friendly they are.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's Canada's Top 100 Employers winners, published November 15, 2024 in The Globe and Mail. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.

Mars Canada leads the way in employee recognition

Stephanie Paradis joined Bolton-Ont.-based Mars Canada 12 years ago in a sales role but quickly realized that her true passion lay in human resources long-term. With support from Mars, she successfully transitioned to a new role in that field.

“Mars encourages us to pursue the experiences we want to have and then we’re supported in developing those skills,” says Paradis, an associate relations manager. “They gave me the support I needed to go back to school so I could change my career path.”

Along with her day-to-day duties, Paradis is North American co-lead for the company’s Make the Difference program. “It’s our signature associate recognition program,” says Paradis. “It is a celebration of how one idea, no matter how big or small, can impact our pets, our planet and our community.”

The global program recognizes employees from across the world for their work and sources innovation that can scale for the business. Associates are encouraged to nominate their peers across businesses, segments and regions, with winners advancing through regional, national and global competitions. The process culminates in a final awards gala night, held every two years at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.

“It’s proof that great ideas can come from any level, any country, any function,” says Ellen Thompson, general manager, Mars Wrigley, which owns such iconic brands as Mars, M&M’s, Skittles and Excel gum. “It sets Mars apart as an organization that values the contribution of all its people and recognizes individual associates and teams who have delivered extraordinary impact that helps brings us closer to the world we want tomorrow.”

Mars Canada comprises three divisions. Mars Wrigley, Mars Pet Nutrition and Mars Food & Nutrition are all based at corporate headquarters in Bolton. Royal Canin, which is a leader in science-based cat and dog health nutrition, is in Guelph, Ont.

Despite the varied nature of each division, associates are encouraged to explore opportunities and positions across different segments. “Mars has so many opportunities for associates to try new things and to move out of their comfort zone,” says Thompson. “Our associates have opportunities to explore a range of different experiences and to drive their own career journey.”

The Mars head office is located on a 96-acre property that also includes the Mars Petcare and Mars Food manufacturing facility. The recently renovated corporate offices are now completely open concept with no fixed workspaces. Employees from different business segments tend to work in neighbourhood hubs.

“The great thing about Mars is that when you join one business segment, you’re part of the larger Mars family no matter what segment you’re in,” says Ashley Harris, a sales acceleration manager. “The opportunities are endless.”

The Mars head office is loaded with amenities to promote collegiality among associates, including an on-site gym, indoor and outdoor dog parks, ping pong tables and a pickleball court. Associates can have lunch in a subsidized cafeteria or enjoy Mars Wrigley snacks issued, free of charge, from a vending machine.

Apart from all that, Mars sponsors several associate resource groups, which are voluntary employee-led groups that foster a diverse and inclusive workplace. The groups include Equity Inclusion & Diversity, Next Gen, and a Be-Well group that encourages health and well-being.

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's Greater Toronto’s Top Employers winners, published December 3, 2024 in The Globe and Mail. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.