Lead Continuous Improvement Engineer

Mars; Lewisburg (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars is seeking a Lead Continuous Improvement Engineer to drive operational excellence in a dedicated production area. You will partner with Production Leaders, Area Coordinators, and frontline associates to improve line performance, implement the Factory Mars Operating System, and strengthen daily management.

The role focuses on reducing downtime, improving safety, quality, and reliability, and coaching teams to sustain standards and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of manufacturing or operations experience with continuous improvement background.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities; ability to learn manufacturing systems.

Responsibilities

• Own and support Daily Management Systems within the production area, including Changeover, Centerlines, Clean/Inspect/Lubricate, and Anomaly Handling.
• Lead daily area value stream connections and support effective daily direction setting.
• Analyze performance data to identify losses and integrate findings into the Factory Mars Operating System.
• Drive loss elimination through root-cause problem solving and 90-day action plans.
• Lead Autonomous Maintenance improvement teams to reduce downtime and strengthen standards.
• Coach Pillar activities by developing analytics, standards, and improvement plans.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Technical learning ability

Team influence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business or related

Tools

Microsoft Office

Power BI

SAP

Job description

Job Description:

The Lead Continuous Improvement Engineer plays a key role in driving operational excellence, loss elimination, and sustainable performance improvement within a dedicated production area. This role partners closely with Production Leaders, Area Coordinators, and frontline associates to improve line performance, strengthen daily management systems, and build associate capability.

As a key member of the site operations team, the CI Engineer supports the implementation and execution of Factory Mars Operating System / Run to Target practices, with a focus on improving equipment reliability, process standards, and overall manufacturing results. This includes using data to identify losses, developing action plans, coaching teams through problem solving, and ensuring standards are documented, followed, and continuously improved.

The CI Engineer will help lead Daily Management Systems, support Daily Direction Setting, improve the integrity of Line Event Data Systems, and drive sustainable improvements that reduce unplanned downtime, minimize planned interruptions, and improve safety, quality, efficiency, and reliability across the production area.

What are we looking for?

Minimum:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or a related technical field


• 3+ years of related experience in manufacturing, operations, engineering, continuous improvement, or a technical field


• Demonstrated technical aptitude and ability to learn manufacturing systems and processes


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office


• Ability to build relationships, influence others, and motivate teams in a manufacturing environment

Preferred:

• Experience in a TPM, MSE, or similar manufacturing excellence environment


• Experience building or maintaining Power BI dashboards


• Certified trainer or demonstrated ability to train associates effectively


• Strong coaching and feedback skills related to both process and performance


• SAP proficiency


• Experience supporting Daily Management Systems, autonomous maintenance, centerlines, changeovers, CIL, anomaly handling, or loss elimination processes

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Own and support execution of Daily Management Systems within the assigned production area, including Changeover, Centerlines, Clean, Inspect and Lubricate, and Anomaly Handling


• Lead Daily Area Value Stream connection point meetings and support effective Daily Direction Setting


• Analyze performance data, identify key losses, and integrate findings into the Factory Mars Operating System


• Drive loss elimination through line loss analysis, root cause problem solving, and development of 90-day action plans


• Lead Autonomous Maintenance process improvement teams focused on reducing downtime, improving standards, and eliminating recurring losses


• Support and coach Pillar activities within the Value Stream by developing analytics, standards, and improvement plans


• Partner with Production Leaders to support team performance, skills development, process discipline, and associate capability building


• Provide direction, coaching, development, and performance support to Area Coordinators


• Improve the accuracy and integrity of Line Event Data Systems and ensure key operational standards are documented and sustained


• Champion MSE Autonomous Maintenance deployment, along with Safety and Quality standards and objectives within the assigned area

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with talented associates in a collaborative and purpose-driven environment guided by the Five Principles of Mars.


• Make a visible impact on a world-class manufacturing operation.


• Access industry-leading learning and development opportunities through Mars University.


• Build your career within one of the world’s most recognized food and pet care companies.


• Competitive compensation, annual incentive opportunity, and comprehensive benefits package.

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