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- Tasks: Lead a large operations team and drive cultural transformation in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Mars, a top-rated workplace focused on pet nutrition and care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, yearly bonus, comprehensive benefits, and equal parental leave.
- Why this job: Shape site strategy and make a real impact on operational excellence.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years in high-speed manufacturing and a passion for developing talent.
- Other info: Great growth potential with access to mentoring and development support.
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.
- 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.
Operations And Lean Manager in Ledston employer: Mars
Contact Detail:
Mars Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations And Lean Manager in Ledston
✨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 the interview by researching the company culture and values. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role but also for their team. We want to see your passion for pet nutrition and operational excellence!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. Structure your responses around Situation, Task, Action, and Result to clearly demonstrate your experience and achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations And Lean Manager in Ledston
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 and Lean 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 relevant experience 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 our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mars
✨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 your team in previous roles. Highlight any specific initiatives you led that fostered a high-performance culture.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions around strategic planning and KPI management. Brush up on your experience with balanced scorecards and be ready to discuss how you've contributed to long-term operational excellence. Think about how you can align site strategies with safety, quality, and cost objectives.
✨Embrace Innovation and Technology
With a focus on digital transformation, be prepared to discuss your experience with automation and digital tools. Share examples of how you've driven technology adoption in past roles and how it improved operational efficiency. This will show you're forward-thinking and tech-savvy.
