At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead start-up and performance improvement in a fast-paced pet food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Mars Petcare, a purpose-driven company making a difference for pets worldwide.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, and strong development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on pet nutrition while driving innovation and efficiency.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree or equivalent experience in FMCG or high-volume manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Location: Birstall, Leeds
Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Benefits
Type: Full-time, Permanent
The Role
We’re looking for a Start-Up Manager to play a pivotal role in delivering new production assets and driving performance across a fast-paced pet food manufacturing environment. You’ll lead commissioning, validation, and start-up of equipment while owning the site’s loss analysis agenda—identifying where we lose efficiency, speed, and quality, and turning those insights into high-impact improvement projects. This role is critical to ensuring our lines start strong, run efficiently, and continuously improve in a high-volume, high-demand setting—helping us deliver the quality pet nutrition that millions of pets rely on every day.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead commissioning, validation, and start-up (CVS) of lines/equipment and new product development
- Drive safe, right-first-time start-ups with a strong focus on quality, food safety, and compliance
- Own and lead site-wide loss analysis across key metrics (OEE, waste, downtime, speed loss)
- Identify and prioritise the biggest losses impacting throughput, cost, and service
- Build and manage a pipeline of focused improvement projects aligned to business priorities
- Lead delivery of loss reduction initiatives—from data analysis through to shopfloor implementation and sustainment
- Apply structured problem-solving tools (RCA, 5 Whys, DMAIC) to eliminate root causes of chronic losses
- Champion TPM principles, embedding a culture of continuous improvement and operator ownership
- Work closely with production, engineering, and maintenance teams to improve line reliability and efficiency
- Support rapid ramp-up of new lines to target speeds, waste, and quality standards
- Support the delivery of site innovation projects (NPD/NPI) by identifying, monitoring, and escalating risks during relevant innovation stage-gate milestones across issues pertaining to People, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, H&S
What We’re Looking For
- Engineering or technical degree (or equivalent experience)
- Strong experience in FMCG or high-volume manufacturing environments (food/pet food preferred)
- Proven track record in commissioning/start-up and driving line performance improvements
- Deep understanding of OEE, loss trees, and waste reduction in a production setting
- Experience delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, waste, and downtime
- Knowledge of TPM, Lean, or Six Sigma methodologies
- Strong presence on the shopfloor with the ability to engage and influence operators and leaders
- Data-driven, results-focused, and comfortable working at pace
Why Join Mars Petcare?
- Be part of a purpose-driven business: A Better World for Pets
- Work on products that make a real difference to the health and happiness of pets globally
- Join a company guided by the Five Principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom
- Be empowered to own both start-up success and ongoing operational performance
- Access strong development opportunities within a global organisation that invests in its people
- Contribute to industry-leading standards in food safety, quality, and sustainability
Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or who are neurodiverse during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here.
Start Up Manager in Batley employer: Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates
Mars Petcare is an exceptional employer located in Birstall, Leeds, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on pet health and happiness. With a strong commitment to employee development, a culture of continuous improvement, and a focus on quality and sustainability, you'll have the opportunity to lead innovative projects while being part of a purpose-driven organisation. Join us to enjoy competitive benefits, a collaborative atmosphere, and the chance to grow within a global leader in the pet food industry.
Contact Detail:
Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Start Up Manager in Batley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your experience in FMCG or high-volume manufacturing. Be ready to discuss how you've driven performance improvements and tackled challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Use examples from your past experiences where you applied methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma to achieve measurable results. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute to loss reduction initiatives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in joining our team at Mars Petcare.
We think you need these skills to ace Start Up Manager in Batley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Start-Up Manager role. Highlight your experience in FMCG or high-volume manufacturing, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've led!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about pet nutrition and how your background in commissioning and performance improvement makes you the perfect fit for our team.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:We love data-driven decision-makers! In your application, give examples of how you've used structured problem-solving tools like RCA or DMAIC to tackle challenges in previous roles. This will show us you can hit the ground running.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commissioning, validation, and start-up processes. Familiarise yourself with the specific equipment and methodologies mentioned in the job description, like OEE and TPM principles. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also have a solid understanding of what it entails.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've applied structured problem-solving tools like RCA or DMAIC. Think about times when you identified losses in efficiency or quality and how you tackled those issues. This will demonstrate your ability to drive improvements in a fast-paced environment.
✨Engage with the Team
Since this role involves working closely with production, engineering, and maintenance teams, be ready to talk about your experience collaborating with different departments. Highlight any instances where you influenced operators or leaders to achieve better results, as this shows your strong presence on the shop floor.
✨Align with Company Values
Mars Petcare is all about quality, responsibility, and mutuality. During your interview, make sure to express how your personal values align with theirs. Share your passion for pet nutrition and how you can contribute to their mission of creating a better world for pets. This connection can set you apart from other candidates.
