Digital and Supply Excellence Manager (m/f/d)

Mars; Viersen; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mars University access

Company bonus

Job summary

Mars Chocolate Factory in Viersen is seeking an Operational Excellence Manager to lead the deployment of the Lean Operating System, champion the Mars Supply Excellence framework, and drive the site's digital transformation.

You will coach leaders, build capabilities through standardized work, TPM principles, and structured problem-solving, collaborating with site and network teams to deliver year-over-year improvements.

Qualifications

• Minimum significant professional experience driving operational excellence in FMCG manufacturing.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Operations, or related technical field.
• Extensive hands-on experience with Lean implementation and facilitation.
• Strong knowledge of TPM and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience managing change in complex business environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead year-over-year improvements through the Lean Operating System at the Viersen site.
• Drive the Digital Transformation agenda to unlock productivity and innovation.
• Oversee readiness and maturity of the Mars Supply Excellence (MSE) model with site and network teams.
• Coach leaders and associates to thrive in a Lean operating environment.
• Lead the Site Training team to ensure safety and regulatory compliance and build capabilities across all levels.
• Train and coach associates in Lean principles, tools, and metrics.
• Collaborate with Technical and Reliability Leaders to integrate TPM activities into the Lean OS.
• Champion and deliver digital transformation initiatives across operations.

Skills

Operational excellence

Lean principles

Communication skills

Coaching & mentoring

Change management

Education

Master's degree in Engineering or Operations

Job description

Job Description:

Come an join our Mars team in our Chocolate Factory Site in Viersen (close to Düsseldorf)!

Drive Excellence. Lead Change. Empower People.

At Mars, we're on a mission to transform our manufacturing sites into global benchmarks of performance-powered by Lean principles, digital innovation, and a culture of continuous improvement. We are looking for an Operational Excellence Manager to lead the deployment and advancement of our Lean Operating System, champion the Mars Supply Excellence (MSE) framework, and accelerate the site's digital transformation journey.

Your Key Responsibilities will be:

• Lead year-over-year improvements in financial results and KPIs through the implementation and ongoing evolution of a sustainable Lean Operating System.
• Drive the Digital Transformation agenda across the site to unlock productivity and innovation.
• Oversee the readiness, implementation, and maturity of the Mars Supply Excellence (MSE) model in close collaboration with site and network teams.
• Cultivate a learning culture based on standardized work, strategy deployment, (structured problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
• Coach and develop leaders and associates to thrive in a Lean operating environment using proven tools and methodologies.
• Lead the Site Training team to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements and to build functional capabilities across all levels of the organization.

• Train and coach associates at all levels in Lean principles, tools, and metrics.
• Partner with Technical and Reliability Leaders to integrate TPM activities into the Lean Operating System.
• Champion and deliver digital transformation initiatives that improve operations.
• Collaborate with the Regional Training Manager to ensure robust training standards and tools are in place.

What We're Looking For:

• Significant professional experience driving operational excellence in the FMCG industry.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Operations, or a related technical field.
• Extensive hands-on experience in Lean implementation and facilitation.
• Strong practical knowledge of TPM and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience managing change in complex business environments.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and collaboration skills.
• Ideally fluency in German and English

What can you expect from Mars?

• 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 company bonus.

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