Night Production Lead - Safety, Quality & Team Growth

Mars; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars Topeka Plant seeks a Production Leader to drive nights shift performance, safety, quality, and cost. You will lead a 15-person team, manage training strategies, and implement policy and continuous improvement initiatives to meet area targets.

The role focuses on safety, food safety, and product quality, with collaboration across the 24-hour Area Managership Team to ensure reliable operations and ongoing improvements.

Qualifications

• Experience leading others in a manufacturing environment.
• Previous direct people management experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Ability to convey communications clearly and concisely.
• Understanding of major plant functions and cross-functional collaboration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Ability to succeed in an ambiguous environment.
• Functional knowledge of HACCP concepts.
• Experience in plant sanitation practices and procedures.
• Ability to deliver critical performance feedback and accountability.
• OSHA experience or certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage multi-line or area teams on one shift to convert materials into quality products safely and efficiently.
• Lead changes in methods, equipment, or organization to meet line objectives and recommend improvements.
• Lead or participate in Mars Supply Excellence pillars and AM/AWT implementations.
• Collaborate with Area Management to create and execute reliability strategies.
• Coach operators to build functional and managerial capabilities and drive safety, quality and engagement.
• Coordinate materials, staffing, and resources to support line operations and changeovers.
• Ensure standards are implemented and maintained with effective communication and coaching.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition for recruiting and onboarding of associates.
• Develop associates through mentoring and structured growth plans.

Skills

People management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Equivalent experience >4 years

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Mars Topeka Plant seeks a Production Leader to drive nights shift performance, safety, quality, and cost. You will lead a 15-person team, manage training strategies, and implement policy and continuous improvement initiatives to meet area targets.

The role focuses on safety, food safety, and product quality, with collaboration across the 24-hour Area Managership Team to ensure reliable operations and ongoing improvements.