At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead improvement projects in a fast-paced pet food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Mars, a purpose-driven company focused on pet health and happiness.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and best-in-class learning opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with strong career growth potential and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on pet nutrition while driving efficiency and quality.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree or equivalent experience in high-volume manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a CI 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.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead commissioning, validation, and start-up (CVS) of lines/ equipment and new product development
- 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
About You
- Engineering or technical degree (or equivalent) 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
What can you expect from Mars?
- 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
- Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
- Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
- Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
- An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.
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.
Continuous Improvement Manager in Batley employer: Mars
Mars in Melton Mowbray is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With competitive salaries, private healthcare, and ample opportunities for career advancement, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles while working with state-of-the-art technology in the FMCG sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Continuous Improvement Manager in Batley
✨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 scenarios related to continuous improvement. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! Bring data and examples of past projects where you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. This will help you stand out as someone who can deliver real results in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Continuous Improvement Manager in Batley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Continuous Improvement Manager role. Highlight your experience in FMCG or high-volume manufacturing, and don’t forget to showcase your skills in loss analysis and improvement projects. 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 continuous improvement and how your background aligns with our mission at StudySmarter. Be sure to mention specific examples of your achievements in driving performance improvements.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, make sure to highlight your experience with structured problem-solving tools like RCA, 5 Whys, and DMAIC. We love data-driven candidates who can demonstrate their ability to tackle challenges head-on and deliver measurable results.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mars
✨Know Your Metrics
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators like OEE, waste, and downtime. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics in past roles to drive improvements. This shows you understand the core of the Continuous Improvement Manager role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've applied structured problem-solving tools like RCA, 5 Whys, or DMAIC in previous positions. Highlight specific instances where your interventions led to measurable improvements in efficiency or waste reduction.
✨Engage with the Shopfloor
Demonstrate your ability to connect with operators and leaders on the shopfloor. Share experiences where you’ve successfully influenced teams to adopt continuous improvement practices, showcasing your strong presence and leadership skills.
✨Align with Company Values
Research Mars' mission and values, particularly their commitment to a better world for pets. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their purpose-driven culture.
