Operational Excellence: Continuous Improvement Specialist

Mars; Aurora (NE); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars Petcare in Aurora, Nebraska is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to lead loss-elimination initiatives within our Mars Supply Excellence (MSE) TPM framework.

You will partner with line operators and shift managers to support Autonomous Maintenance (AM), Focused Improvement (FI), and Factory Operating Systems (FMOS), while standardizing machine centerlines, driving root-cause analysis, and mentoring operating teams.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business with TPM/Lean experience.
• 4+ years in manufacturing maintenance or TPM programs can apply.
• Lean / Six Sigma certification or CPI training is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Actively participate in FMOS tier meetings, gather data, track trends, and report metrics.
• Serve as SME for AM DMS, including Centerline, CIL, 5S, and abnormality handling.
• Lead root-cause problem-solving (5-Why, Fishbone, Kaizen events) to reduce losses.
• Develop process control strategies, centerline standards, and response rules.
• Perform AM DMS Health Checks, identify gaps, and drive corrective actions.
• Train and coach operators and shift teams to build ownership and mastery.
• Partner with Shift Managers to establish training strategies and CI roadmaps.

Skills

TPM/Lean manufacturing experience

Autonomous Maintenance (AM)

Root-cause analysis

Kaizen events

Data analysis & metrics tracking

Training & coaching

Education

Associate degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business

Job description

Mars Petcare in Aurora, Nebraska is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to lead loss-elimination initiatives within our Mars Supply Excellence (MSE) TPM framework.

You will partner with line operators and shift managers to support Autonomous Maintenance (AM), Focused Improvement (FI), and Factory Operating Systems (FMOS), while standardizing machine centerlines, driving root-cause analysis, and mentoring operating teams.