At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the start-up of new production lines and drive performance improvements in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Mars Petcare, a purpose-driven company dedicated to pet health and happiness.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, and strong development opportunities within a global organisation.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values quality, responsibility, and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on pet nutrition while championing continuous improvement and innovation.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree or equivalent experience with a background 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 employer: Mars - UK
Mars Petcare is an exceptional employer located in Birstall, Leeds, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the health and happiness of pets worldwide. 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 that values mutuality and efficiency. Join us to be empowered in your role as Start-Up Manager and contribute to industry-leading standards in food safety and quality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Start Up Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your experience in FMCG or high-volume manufacturing. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've driven performance improvements and tackled challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for pet nutrition and the industry! Research the company and its values, and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about the role.
✨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 you're genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to a better world for pets.
We think you need these skills to ace Start Up Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Start-Up Manager role. Highlight your experience in FMCG or high-volume manufacturing, and don’t forget to showcase your skills in commissioning and driving performance improvements. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about pet nutrition and how your background aligns with our mission. Be sure to mention specific examples of your achievements in loss analysis and improvement projects.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:We love data-driven decision-makers! In your application, highlight your experience with structured problem-solving tools like RCA, 5 Whys, or DMAIC. Share examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles to demonstrate your analytical mindset.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mars - UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your engineering and technical knowledge, especially around commissioning and start-up processes. Familiarise yourself with the specific equipment and methodologies mentioned in the job description, like OEE and TPM principles, so you can speak confidently about them during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles in FMCG or high-volume manufacturing environments. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your track record in driving performance improvements and how you've tackled loss analysis in the past. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but have successfully applied them.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, this is a two-way street! Ask insightful questions about their current challenges in production efficiency or how they implement continuous improvement initiatives. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves a lot of data analysis, be prepared to discuss how you’ve used data to drive decisions in your previous roles. Bring examples of how you’ve applied structured problem-solving tools like DMAIC or 5 Whys to achieve measurable results. This will highlight your analytical skills and your ability to make informed decisions.
