Canada's Top 100 Employers (2025) Magazine - Flipbook - Page 43
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( 2025 ) SPONSOR CONTENT
Associates own their career journey at Mars
I
n 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.”
“We are a purpose-driven
organization with a focus on
our associates. Our associates
are not just employees.
They are the heartbeat
of our organization.”
— Ellen Thompson
General Manager, Mars Wrigley
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 fourthyear 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.
Join us!
careers.mars.com
Mars Canada employees Dr. Stephanie Keroack, scientific
communications manager (left), and Ashley Harris, sales
acceleration manager, work at Royal Canin Canada.
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
$
5,250
maximum job-related
tuition reimbursement
“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.” ¢
$
4,000
(up to) mental health
coverage per year
