Operations and Lean Manager
4 days ago
Batley
Job Description: Operations and Lean Manager – Pet Nutrition Care & Treats, Birstall Site Location: Birstall Site, 5/2 on site Reporting to: Senior Site Management Team 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. What will be your 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 behaviors; 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 ___ #LI-AB2