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- Tasks: Lead a large operations team and drive cultural transformation in pet nutrition.
- Company: Join Mars, a top-rated workplace focused on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, yearly bonus, comprehensive benefits, and equal parental leave.
- Why this job: Shape the future of pet nutrition while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years in high-speed manufacturing; passion for people development.
- Other info: Great growth potential with access to mentoring and Mars University.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen at our Pet Nutrition Care & Treats Birstall site for an Operations Manager to join the Site Management Team as a senior leader. This role is pivotal in shaping and delivering the site strategy, with a strong emphasis on Safety, Quality, Cost and People. You will lead a large operations team, drive cultural transformation, and champion operational excellence through effective leadership, strategic vision, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership & Collaboration: Champion and support the delivery of the site strategy, ensuring alignment with Safety, Quality, and Cost objectives. Play a critical role in the Site Leadership Team (SLT), fostering collaboration and strong relationships across all site functions. Contribute to long-term strategic planning and decision-making for operational manufacturing excellence.
- People Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 12 direct reports and 250 indirect reports, creating a high-performance culture through coaching, engagement and continuous development. Drive talent management, succession planning, and organisational development within the Operations team. Embed safety and quality mindsets and behaviours; drive a cultural change towards ownership and responsibility on-site.
- Operational Excellence: Accountable for delivering site production targets and optimising the use of resources. Implement and sustain Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives to optimise equipment reliability, reduce downtime and drive continuous improvement. Lead the OPEX agenda on site, identifying and executing the roadmap for continuous improvement and cultural change. Manage balanced scorecards/KPIs covering safety, quality, efficiency and cost for both short- and long-term goals. Deliver on production conversion cost targets for a site.
- Safety & Quality Compliance: Ensure delivery of required standards across safety, quality and food safety compliance areas, fostering a “safety-first” mindset. Champion initiatives to maintain the highest standards in food safety and workplace safety for all associates.
- Innovation & Digital Transformation: Leverage automation and digital manufacturing tools to enhance operational efficiency. Train and support teams in adopting new technologies, driving digital execution and confidence.
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven People Leader: Passionate about developing talent and engaging associates; able to motivate and coach teams in a manufacturing setting.
- Operational Expertise: Minimum 2-3 years experience leading complex, high-speed manufacturing operations, ideally within FMCG.
- Strategic Thinker: Experience with site-level strategic planning; skilled in managing KPIs and balanced scorecards.
- Continuous Improvement Advocate: Demonstrated expertise in lean principles (e.g., Six Sigma), TPM, and driving operational improvements.
- Technical Background: Degree or relevant qualification in a technical or business field preferred.
- Tech-Savvy: Experience with automation, digital manufacturing tools and the ability to drive technology adoption.
- Growth Potential: Ambition and capability to develop into future business leadership roles (e.g., Plant Manager).
What Can You Expect from Mars?
- Consistently ranked among the UK’s Top 10 ‘Great Places to Work’ since 2016.
- Competitive salary, yearly bonus and comprehensive benefits package.
- Equal parental leave: 52 weeks off (26 paid at 90% salary) for all new parents.
- Mentoring and development support from day one, including access to Mars University.
- Purpose-driven work environment focused on building a better world tomorrow.
- Succession potential for director-level roles through strong performance and personal development.
Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions or neurodiversity during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here.
Operations and Lean Manager in Melton Mowbray employer: Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates
Contact Detail:
Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations and Lean Manager in Melton Mowbray
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already working at the Birstall site. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research the company’s values and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a mate to do a mock interview with you. Focus on how you can lead teams and drive operational excellence, as that’s what they’re really after.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Mars.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations and Lean Manager in Melton Mowbray
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operations and lean management. We want to see how your skills align with our focus on Safety, Quality, Cost, and People.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As an Operations Manager, you'll be leading a large team. Use your application to demonstrate your people leadership experience and how you've developed talent in previous roles. We love seeing examples of coaching and engagement!
Highlight Continuous Improvement Experience: We’re all about operational excellence here at StudySmarter. Make sure to include any experience you have with lean principles, TPM, or other continuous improvement initiatives. Show us how you've driven change in past positions!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into our system. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of operations management, especially in a manufacturing context. Familiarise yourself with lean principles and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives, as these will be crucial in demonstrating your operational expertise.
✨Showcase Your People Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading and developing teams. Think about how you've motivated your team in the past and be ready to discuss your approach to talent management and succession planning.
✨Be a Strategic Thinker
Brush up on your strategic planning skills. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve contributed to long-term goals in previous roles, particularly in managing KPIs and balanced scorecards. This will show that you can align with the site strategy effectively.
✨Embrace Innovation and Technology
Since the role involves leveraging automation and digital tools, come equipped with examples of how you've driven technology adoption in your previous positions. Highlight any experience you have with digital manufacturing tools to demonstrate your tech-savvy nature.
