Operation Start-up Leader (f/m/x)

Mars; Aimargues; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mars University access

Company bonus

Job summary

Mars is seeking an Operation Start-up Leader for the Royal Canin site in Aimargues. You will own knowledge transfer, develop SOPs and training for operators and trainers, and coordinate with E&T and outside suppliers to ensure readiness for new equipment.

You will drive process control, KPI tracking, and safety culture within a fast-paced production setting. The role requires TPM background, Lean/Six Sigma experience, strong written procedures, and willingness to travel in France and abroad.

Qualifications

• 2 to 5 years of experience in a complex, high-volume industrial manufacturing environment in FMCG/animal food
• 2 to 5 years of experience in a TPM or technical environment (process, animal food)
• Experience in continuous improvement principles (e.g., 5M, Six Sigma, Lean)
• Ability to write clear and effective procedures
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with online monitoring systems
• French: fluent reading, writing and speaking
• English: good reading and regular international communication
• Willingness to travel within France and abroad (10–15%)
• Experience with POKA is a plus

Responsibilities

• Act as SPOC for Operations during new equipment implementations
• Create, update SOPs, work instructions, technical specs and OPLs with clear visuals
• Design and deliver training programs for operator-trainers and shift managers
• Collaborate with E&T and in-house managers to build skills tools
• Coordinate integration of operators into project phases with shift managers
• Plan technical training with external suppliers for engineers and technicians
• Participate in FAT, SAT, product qualifications and joint testing
• Represent Operations in progress meetings and steering committees
• Monitor initial process anomalies and report improvements
• Develop KPIs with CI/IE leaders to measure equipment efficiency
• Establish operating standards with Triad/CVS for dynamic production conditions
• Promote Safety First and GMP/HACCP compliance

Skills

French (fluent)

English (good)

Procedures writing

MS Office

Online monitoring

Communication skills

Travel willingness

TPM experience

Tools

POKA

Job description

Job Description

Operation Start-up Leader (f/m/x)

in Royal Canin

Plant Operations - Manufacturing

Type of contract: Permanent

Location: Aimargues near Montpellier, France

As the Start-up Leader within the Operations department, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring our teams are prepared to adopt new technologies and processes. In this collaborative position, you will act as the single point of contact (SPOC) for the Operations team regarding all new equipment and process implementations, taking ownership of process control and the seamless transfer of technical knowledge. You will be responsible for creating clear, effective work instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs), as well as preparing and delivering training programs to future trainers and end-users within the department.

What will be your responsibilities?

Technical Knowledge Transfer & Training

• Act as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC)for the Operations team during the implementation of new equipment and technologies, ensuring a seamless flow of information between departments.
• Create, develop, and update detailed operating procedures, work instructions, technical specifications, and One Point Lessons (OPLs) using photos and clear visual aids.
• Design and deliver comprehensive training programsfor operator-trainers, performance leaders, and shift managers to ensure team readiness.
• Collaborate with the Education & Training (E&T) pillarand in-house agency managers to build and monitor skills-development tools for both permanent and temporary staff.

Project Collaboration & Planning

• Coordinate the integration of operators and driversinto project phases at the most appropriate times, aligning timelines with shift managers.
• Partner with technical departments and external suppliersto plan functional and technical training for reliability engineers and maintenance technicians.
• Active participation in key project milestones, including Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), product qualifications, and joint testing with the CVS and project teams.
• Represent the Operations departmentin project progress meetings, steering committees, and feedback sessions alongside CVS, Project Managers, HSE, and Quality (QFS) teams.

Process Control & Performance Optimization

• Monitor and diagnose initial process anomaliesduring new equipment start-ups, reporting feedback and improvement opportunities directly to the Technical/Project teams.
• Develop and track performance KPIsfor new processes in close collaboration with the CI/IE Performance Leaders to measure equipment efficiency.
• Anticipate future production conditionsand work with the Triad/CVS to establish operating standards that empower operators to react effectively to diverse production scenarios.

Safety & Quality Culture

• Promote a "Safety First" environmentby demonstrating exemplary conduct (PPE adherence, 9 Life Standards) and driving the continuous improvement culture among associates and temporary staff.
• Ensure strict compliance with Food Safety standards, HACCP principles, and GMP/GHP rules within your designated production area.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a candidate with a solid technical foundation and a proven ability to drive continuous improvement by collaborating effectively across various teams. You’ll bring a natural curiosity and strong communication skills to our team, with a genuine passion for knowledge-sharing and documenting best practices.

Key Qualifications & Requirements

• 2 to 5 years of experience in a complex, high-volume industrial manufacturing environment in FMCG/animal food industry
• 2 to 5 years of experience in a TPM or technical environment (process, animal food), along with technical or management experience in the food industry.
• Experience in continuous improvement principles (e.g., 5M, Six Sigma, Lean methodology).
• Ability to write clear and effective procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with online monitoring systems.
• French:fluent in reading, writing, and speaking.
• English:Good reading comprehension and the ability to communicate for regular correspondence with group factories and international suppliers.
• Willingness to travel within France and abroad, estimated at 10-15% of the time.
• Experience with POKA is considered as a plus

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.
• You will work in a unique campus, which gathers more than 800 Associates working for: the international HQ, the French subsidiary, two laboratories, a kennel and a cattery with more than 200 cats & dogs, and finally the most important factory of the Royal Canin group