Operations Manager

Job Description:

The Operations Manager leads and integrates the efforts of operating teams across multiple shifts to ensure that products are safely manufactured in a quality and food safe environment. The Operations Manager is responsible for efficiently and effectively leading the area within cost targets to produce sufficient quantities to meet our customer’s demands with engaged associates.  The Operations Manager will also provide leadership and motivation on Strategy, Individual Business Objectives (IBOs), Factory Mars Operating System (FMOS), Manufacturing Supply Excellence (MSE), assets, and Associate Development.  As required, the Operations Manager may act as the sole authority over all area assets and activities during periods of Site Director absence.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Conversion - Lead the efforts of operating teams of multiple lines across multiple shifts in the efficient conversion of materials into quality products in a safe, secure and sanitary manner within the product design specifications and budgets.  Directly and indirectly lead a cross-functional team in the overall operation of the site, including Activity Management, Capacity Planning, machine rates, Maintenance and Engineering projects, Research and Development improvements, and Scheduling.

• Food Safety and Product Quality – Assure the ongoing production of safe and defect free products consistent with the Quality Principle of Mars.  HACCP proficiency is required.  This manager owns ongoing training and championing of quality goals and improvements at the area level.  Partner with the Q&FS team to maintain and improve the site’s Quality Management Process (QMP)

• Mars Supply Excellence – Advocate and actively support the site operating system (FMOS) and continuous improvement programs to effectively deliver business objectives and effectiveness. Participate in Value Stream information flow and standard escalation processes. Proactively participate and coach direct reports and others in the site.  Potentially lead and coach others in the implementation and execution of the MSE Pillars.  As a part of the site leadership team, actively lead and participate in site’s leadership pillar and contribute in the execution of the site’s compelling business need and supporting strategies.

• Change Agent - Recommend and implement changes in methods, equipment, systems, and organization, as needed, to assure that the objectives of the area are met or exceeded.  Deliver area requirements by influencing and gaining cooperation from other departments (Health, Safety & Environmental, Engineering, Quality & Food Safety, Finance, Commercial and Scheduling/Logistics).  Participate with site leadership to execute changes across the site.  Participate with other site leaders to implement network wide changes or improvements.

• Associate Advocacy - Proactively manage associate relations issues in close coordination with the Talent Acquisitions and Associate Relations groups.  Guide and direct the hiring, training, retraining, development, and motivation of Operations associates following team working principles with a minimum degree of guidance from the Site Director.  Drive Associate engagement through a foundation of teamwork and individual accountability. Gallup scores will be the criteria of choice for assuring consistency from site to site.  Utilize the High Performance Collaboration model as a method to drive team behavior both within the Value Stream and at the site level.  Ensure operations and its leadership is developing and driving principles of Great Line Management.

• Goal Setting and Measurement – Work with site leadership team to establish short and long term goals for site.  Align on appropriate activities to achieve those goals.  Establish area performance standards and goals based on site goals and strategies; measure, control, take corrective action and report results as appropriate in all areas of responsibility.  Annually assist in development of area budgets and KPI targets.

• Communications - Ensure that open communications are established within and across the various operating teams.  Keep the Site Director informed as needed of operations.  Provide inputs per escalation protocols including up to VP of Manufacturing/Engineering, Planning Director, Segment Planner, Quality Director, Safety Director, IE Director, and Engineering Director.

• Technology Advancement – Coach leadership and resources in the area of technical proficiency to support and Autonomous Work environment.  Work with Technical Manager to develop opportunities to implement technological change management.  Recommend and drive improvements within the site. 

• Operations Strategy – Develop a three year rolling strategy for operations.  Partner with brand management to ensure the supply strategy for the site aligns with the aspirational growth and innovation strategy for the brand.  Ensure inputs to the site strategic plan are effectively represented.

• Associate Development - With the support and participation of the site leadership team, evaluate exempt and non-exempt associate performance.  In conjunction with associates’ career goals, create development plans to ensure associates can reach their potential.  Hold at least quarterly performance / development reviews with direct reports.  Complete all assigned activities associated with the annual performance review processes.

• Personal Development - Keep abreast of managerial and technical competencies both within and outside Royal Canin.  Proactively seek opportunities and incorporate into annual development plans.  Actively work with Site Director to pursue personal development opportunities.

• Site Management – This role is a member of the Site Leadership Team and as such must develop, execute, and maintain activities that drive overall site strategy.  As a member of the Site Leadership Team, this person is also held responsible to act as a Senior Leader for the plant and for the business.  The incumbent of this position must be prepared to act on behalf of the Site Director in his/her absence, i.e., protection of human and physical assets, Crisis Management leadership, addressing public relations issues, etc.
• Continuous improvement is a key aspect of this role. It will be accomplished through developing and maintaining an organization that demonstrates improvement by continuously driving faults lower and fostering a team-based environment.

What are we looking for?

• An undergraduate degree or equivalent, preferably in Engineering, basic sciences or business related disciplines
• 6+ years experience in a Production/business experience.
• 5+ years experience in a managerial role.
• Experience Managing a site operating budgets.
• Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Ability to convey communications clearly and concisely

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced Degree
• Thorough technical knowledge of process, equipment, controls and products.
• Knowledge of Food and Drug Laws, OSHA requirements
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of human relations skills, principles and team building processes
• Minimum 3 year experience in a food production environment
• Project Management skills

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 140,000 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 company bonus.

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Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.

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