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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a large operations team to achieve excellence in pet nutrition manufacturing.
- Company: Join Mars, a top-rated workplace focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, yearly bonus, comprehensive benefits, and equal parental leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a purpose-driven environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years in high-speed manufacturing; passion for people development and operational excellence.
- 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 organizational 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 optimizing the use of resources. Implement and sustain Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives to optimize 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 the 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 Batley employer: Mars, Incorporated
Contact Detail:
Mars, Incorporated Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations and Lean Manager in Batley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at the company. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Tailor your answers to show how you align with their mission, especially around safety and operational excellence. We want to see that you’re not just a fit on paper!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've developed teams and driven continuous improvement. We love hearing about real-life experiences that showcase your skills.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team at Mars.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations and Lean Manager in Batley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Operations and Lean Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience, operational expertise, and any continuous improvement initiatives you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our site strategy. Share specific examples of how you've driven cultural transformation and operational excellence in previous positions.
Showcase Your People Skills: Since this role involves leading a large team, emphasise your people leadership abilities. Talk about how you've mentored and developed talent in the past, and how you foster a high-performance culture.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get you on the path to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mars, Incorporated
✨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, TPM, and how they apply to the pet nutrition industry. This will not only show your expertise but also your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a potential leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to mentor and develop teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged and motivated teams in the past. Highlight any specific strategies you've used to foster a high-performance culture.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions around strategic planning and decision-making. Brush up on how you’ve contributed to long-term goals in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you would align site strategy with safety, quality, and cost objectives at the Birstall site.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Be prepared to talk about your experience with continuous improvement initiatives. Share specific examples of how you've implemented lean practices or driven operational excellence. This will resonate well with the company's focus on cultural transformation and operational efficiency.
