At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead improvement projects in a fast-paced pet food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Mars, a purpose-driven company dedicated to pet health and happiness.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and best-in-class learning opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- 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 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Birstall, Leeds
Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Benefits
Type: Full-time, Permanent
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 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 employer: Role, Inc.
Mars is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Birstall, Leeds, where you can make a meaningful impact on pet nutrition. With a strong commitment to continuous improvement and employee development, you'll benefit from best-in-class training through Mars University, competitive salaries, and a culture that values diversity and purpose-driven work. Join a team that not only strives for operational excellence but also prioritises the health and happiness of pets worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Continuous Improvement Manager
✨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 opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to continuous improvement and your technical skills. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers—this helps you showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Highlighting your experience with methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma can really set you apart.
✨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 being part of our team at Mars.
We think you need these skills to ace Continuous Improvement Manager
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 Mars. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the key responsibilities of the role.
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 drive measurable improvements.
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 Role, Inc.
✨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 Culture
Demonstrate your ability to connect with operators and leaders on the shopfloor. Share experiences where you’ve successfully influenced teams to embrace continuous improvement practices, showcasing your leadership style and collaborative approach.
✨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.
