Manufacturing Operations Manager

Mondelez International; Chirk; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Mondelez International is seeking a manufacturing leader to drive transformation and continuous improvement across our plant operations. You will lead IL6S implementation, define milestones, and coach teams toward autonomous, zero-loss performance.

The role centers on developing annual manufacturing plans, embedding priorities with line leaders, and delivering on safety, quality, cost, delivery, and sustainability targets. A strong emphasis on governance and talent development guides daily work.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with LEAN and Six Sigma tools.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and leadership skills.
• Strong analytics, problem solving, and structured approach.

Responsibilities

• Own transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead annual manufacturing plans with safety, quality, cost, delivery and sustainability goals.
• Establish governance with regular reviews and action tracking.
• Ensure standards, compliance, audit readiness, and zero-loss culture.
• Develop talent, capability and engagement strategies across the manufacturing team.

Skills

LEAN six sigma

leadership

communication

problem solving

Job description

Job Description Are You Ready to Make It Happen at Mondelēz International? Join our Mission to Lead the Future of Snacking. Make It With Pride. You will be personally accountable for the following areas:

Transformation & Continuous Improvement Ownership

Own and drive the change/transformation agenda: Lead implementation of IL6S (Integrated Lean 6 Sigma) phase journey, FoF (Factory of Future) line-centric organization and roles — including AM (Autonomous Maintenance), PM (Progressive Maintenance), and the integrated 6-star model within operating line teams — with defined milestones and timelines to progress teams into self-sufficiency.

Be personally accountable for role-modeling Values and Principles: Demonstrate consistent coaching, mentoring, and development of the team, measured by engagement scores, capability assessments, and succession pipeline health.

Operational Planning & Target Delivery

Own the development and execution of Manufacturing annual operational plans and targets: Deliver against Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Sustainability, and Engagement goals aligned with the site's Compelling Business Need.

Be accountable for cascading, communicating, and embedding plans and targets: Ensure documented alignment and verified understanding of priorities, focus areas, and KPIs with Line Leaders and all employees.

Report monthly on progress against plan: Provide clear root‑cause analysis and corrective actions for any performance gaps.

Performance Governance & Zero-Loss Culture

Establish, own, and chair a robust Governance framework: Review, control, and continuously improve operational performance with defined review cadences (daily, weekly, monthly) and escalation protocols.

Be accountable for embedding a zero‑loss mindset: Measured by year-over‑year loss reduction targets and benchmarking against best‑in‑class performance both internally and externally.

Drive the Operating team to identify, prioritize, and deliver improvements: Track all improvements to technology, culture, capability, and operating systems through a documented improvement register with assigned owners and deadlines.

Standards, Compliance & Governance

Be accountable for ensuring all Manufacturing standards, governance, and compliance requirements are in place and effectively implemented — including: Corporate Quality, Food Safety & GMP Health, Safety, Security, Environment & Sustainability Code of Conduct, Policies & Principles Operational Standards, Local Legal Requirements & Internal Audit Norms All other procedures as updated from time to time Own audit readiness of the plant at all times: Conduct regular self‑assessments, maintain documented corrective actions, and track closure to ensure zero critical non‑conformances.

Talent, Capability & Engagement

Be accountable for the Talent, Capability, and Engagement strategy for the Manufacturing team: Own the identification and execution of critical levers to attract, retain, and develop talent at all levels — both technical and behavioral.

Deliver measurable outcomes including:

• Defined succession plans for all critical roles
• Year-over-year improvement in engagement scores
• A documented workforce capability roadmap aligned to future business needs

Partner proactively and effectively with all multi‑functional peers: Collaborate internally and externally (outside the plant) to achieve shared objectives, goals, and KPIs — with joint accountability agreements where applicable.

What you will bring

A desire to drive your future and accelerate your career, along with the following demonstrated experience and knowledge: Proven operational and manufacturing leadership preferably in the CPG/Food industry: Demonstrated, results‑driven experience in LEAN, and Six Sigma tools and concepts — evidenced by measurable improvements delivered.

Excellent communication, coaching, and leadership skills in a team‑based environment: Demonstrated abilities in analytics, structured problem solving, and building high‑performing teams — both verbal and written.

A proven technical background with strong financial and business acumen: Proven project management skills and hands‑on knowledge of industrial maintenance and manufacturing equipment — with a track record of translating business strategy into operational results.

More about this role

Work schedule: 100%

The responsibilities of this position are performed within the framework of a regional business model that is defined and managed by Mondelēz Europe GmbH, Switzerland.

No Relocation support available

Business Unit Summary Mondelēz International, Inc. empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world. We are leading the future of snacking with mouth‑watering iconic brands such as Oreo, belVita, LU and Ritz biscuits; Cadbury Dairy Milk, Green & Blacks, Milka and Toblerone chocolate; Philadelphia and Dairylea cheese; and Maynards Bassetts, Trebor and Trident gums. Our more than 80,000 colleagues around the world are key to the success of our business. Great people and great brands. That’s who we are. Join us on our journey to continue leading the future of snacking around the world by offering the right snack, for the right moment, made the right way.

Mondelēz International is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Type Regular Manufacturing support Manufacturing At Mondelēz International, our purpose is to empower people to snack right through offering the right snack, for the right moment, made the right way. That means delivering a broader range of delicious, high‑quality snacks that nourish life's moments, made with sustainable ingredients and packaging that consumers can feel good about. We have a rich portfolio of strong brands – both global and local. Including many household names such as Oreo, belVita and LU biscuits; Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate; Sour Patch Kids candy and Trident gum. We are proud to hold the number 1 position globally in biscuits, chocolate and candy as well as the No. 2 position in gum Our 80,000 Makers and Bakers are located in our operations in more than 80 countries and are working to sell our products in over 150 countries around the world. They are energized for growth and critical to us living our purpose and values. We are a diverse community that can make things happen, and happen fast. Join us and Make It An Opportunity!