A 9 to 5 like no other: Life inside Bolton’s most delicious workplace
We know Mars Canada for the candy, but what you might not know is that it’s also one of Canada’s most awarded workplaces — and it’s a pretty sweet place to kickstart a career.
In fact, Mars Canada has earned a spot on Canada’s Top 100 Employers list for the past 18 years, thanks to its flexible culture, growth opportunities, awesome perks, and people-first approach.
Plus, the company’s reach goes far beyond confectionery. Its diverse portfolio includes leading petcare brands like PEDIGREE® and WHISKAS®; food and nutrition brands such as BEN’S ORIGINAL™ and TASTY BITE®; and — of course — fan-favourite snack brands like SNICKERS® and M&M’S®.
Mars, Incorporated-owned brands include LIFESAVERS®, BEN’S ORIGINAL™, M&M’S®, TEMPTATIONS™, PEDIGREE®, EXCEL® Gum, and way more. (Mars Canada)
The company is also hiring for various positions across different categories, and if you were to land a role at its newly renovated, 96-acre headquarters in Bolton, Ontario, your workdays might just start looking (and tasting) a little different.
From dog-friendly workspaces to flexible hybrid schedules and free candy vending machines, Mars Canada has created an environment that blends rewarding work with community and fun. What’s more? Sustainability was a key focus during the renovation: over half of the office walls are made of recycled content.
Here’s what a day in the life at the innovative Bolton HQ might look like for you.
9 a.m. — BYOD: Bring your own dog!
Mars Canada
Mars’ hub office days are Wednesdays and Thursdays, but that doesn’t mean having to leave your furry friend at home! Yep, Mars Canada’s HQ is totally pet-friendly, and even has indoor and outdoor dog areas.
Bring yours to work or spend the day petting your teammates’ pups — either way, it’s a win-win.
9:30 a.m. — Grab your fave seat (or get moving)
Mars Canada
There are no fixed workspaces here — Associates from different segments work in “neighbourhood” hubs.
There are also standing desks and even walking treadmill desks if you want to get your steps in while you catch up on morning emails! And, of course, sitting desks if you prefer to keep it old school, sipping a free coffee and starting the day slowly.
10 a.m. — Make the most of your one-on-one
Mars Canada
Next, you might have a one-on-one with your manager, where you’ll run through your development plan and maybe even sign up for a cool e-learning co-opportunity through Mars University.
It’s all part of the culture here: Associates are encouraged to explore and develop a broad range of capabilities. Mars University provides classroom training and virtual e-learning to enhance everything from day-to-day skills to leadership competencies.
11 a.m. — Get to know the intern (and their ping pong skills)
Mars Canada
Mid-morning might mean it’s time for a casual get-to-know-you chat with one of the new interns. Show them the ropes, chat about their goals, and maybe even challenge them to a friendly game of ping pong or hide and seek.
Mars Canada’s internship program offers fourth-year college or university students four-month summer placements, giving them meaningful, real-life work experience to kickstart their lifelong career.
Take it from Nesta Tatz, a recent People & Organization Intern: “The opportunity to work for a global company was something I was highly interested in, especially due to the possibility of moving internationally in the future.”
12 p.m. — Eat lunch in the sun or the shade
Mars Canada
Everyone’s favourite time of day! For lunch, grab something from the cafeteria, then head outside to soak up the sun.
The office has an outdoor pickleball court, so you can watch your teammates hit some volleys around while you eat on the grass or keep cool under the gazebo.
1 p.m. — Present a plan for Canada’s number-one gum brand
Mars Canada
It’s been a big year for EXCEL® Gum, which recently picked up a Product of the Year award (alongside Mars’ BEN’S ORIGINAL™).
Plus, with a bold new EXCEL® rebrand and a refreshed Live Nation partnership activating at this year’s Osheaga and Budweiser Stage, your team’s got momentum!
After presenting some fun new brand ideas fittingly in the EXCEL® meeting room, you and your team reminisce on HUBBA BUBBA’s® bedazzled Briony collaboration, which now stands proudly in the office.
3 p.m. — Treat yourself
Mars Canada
Need an afternoon pick-me-up while you respond to emails? Grab a sweet treat from the free vending machine: We’re talking TWIX®, SKITTLES®, and M&M’S® on demand. This might just be the biggest perk of the job — because, let’s be real, who doesn’t dream of an endless supply of free candy?!
Oh, and don’t forget to grab a pet treat from the bin for your furry friend, too.
4 p.m. — Give back and join an Associate Resource Group
Mars Canada
Time to end your day with a meeting for one of Mars Canada’s several Associate Resource Groups (ARGs) — voluntary associate-led groups that foster a diverse and inclusive workplace, with more than 90 global and regional ARGs spanning race, gender, LGBTQIA+, wellness and more.
You may have seen Mars Canada’s community impact through brand campaigns like SKITTLES® Ink the Rainbow, SHEBA’s Reef Builders, as well as Mars’ global impact through partnerships like Calm, which now features its first-ever pet-inspired collection. Now, you want to dedicate your time internally to help foster a diverse and inclusive workplace. Hmm, which one to pick?
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Want to make this day-in-the-life your reality? Explore job openings at the Bolton, Ontario headquarters over on Mars Canada’s career page now, and take the first step toward your sweetest career move yet!
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