Production Leader - Pitman Nights

Mars; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 83,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars IL seeks a Production Leader to guide a shift of about 15 production associates, driving safety, quality, and cost-down improvements while developing talent. You will coordinate line operations, coach operators, and ensure adherence to HACCP and safety programs.

As part of the Area Leadership Team, you will lead continuous improvement efforts, partner on reliability strategies, and execute Mars Supply Excellence initiatives to deliver top-line performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (≥4 years in technical manufacturing CI) with a High School Diploma.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP concepts, and plant sanitation practices; ability to lead others and communicate clearly.

Responsibilities

• Convert materials into quality products safely and efficiently on one shift.
• Lead and participate in Mars Supply Excellence pillars and AM/AWT initiatives.
• Coach operators to drive safety, quality, and engagement; manage line operations and changeovers.
• Coordinate materials, staffing and resources to support line operation and changeovers.
• Ensure standards and training are implemented and maintained; uphold Mars policies.

Skills

People leadership

GMP/HACCP knowledge

Communication

MS Office proficiency

Ambiguity handling

Safety compliance (OSHA)

Sanitation practices

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Engineering/science/business degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Internet/Email

Job description

The Production Leader is a shift-based, front-line operations people leader who efficiently improves Quality, Human Safety, and Product Cost Conversion while Engaging and Developing talent. The Production Leaders are responsible for delivering operational targets and leading teams of, on average, 15 production associates. The Production Leader drives safety, quality, continuous improvement, performance management, associate development, team engagement, and operating results for their assigned area through shift-based leadership of a line or area that exists within a larger Value Stream organization. This manager will coordinate the short-term activities of the area within established guidelines and standards to produce the highest quality, lowest cost product most safely and efficiently, while also partnering with the other members of the 24-hour Area Leadership Team to deliver area continuous improvement and Mars Supply Excellence (MSE) program implementation. The Production Leader is responsible for building an effective team on his/her shift and in his/her area of responsibility and for managing the training strategy for both the individual associates and the team. This manager will implement and enforce established policy, as well as area and organizational strategies.

What are we looking for?

1. Education & Professional Qualification An undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree OR The equivalent experience, defined as greater than 4 years of experience in a technical manufacturing continuous improvement environment, along with a High School Diploma. Preferred: A degree in one of the Engineering, basic sciences, or business-related disciplines.
2. Knowledge/Experience Experience and demonstrated capability in leading others. Previous direct people leadership experience preferred. Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices. Ability to convey communications clearly and concisely. Understanding of major functions within the plant and the ability to work directly with all levels and functions. Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, etc), internet software, and e-mail. Ability to succeed in an ambiguous environment. Functional knowledge and understanding of HACCP concepts. Experience in plant sanitation practices and procedures. Ability to deliver critical performance feedback and hold associates accountable to business objectives. Champion of safety with OSHA experience or certification preferred.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Conversion - Manage the efforts of operating teams of a multi-line, area, or technology on one shift in the efficient conversion of materials into quality products in a safe, secure, and sanitary manner within the product design specifications.
• Change Agent - Implement changes in methods, equipment, systems, and organization, as needed, to assure that the objectives of the line/area are met, and give input and recommendations for such changes by using a Continuous Improvement mindset.
• Mars Supply Excellence – Lead or participate in one or more MSE Pillars; Lead and support the implementation of Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Autonomous Work Teams (AWTs) in area of responsibility; Lead key connection points and own reliable data collection accuracy.
• Area Ownership – Collaborate with the rest of the Area Leadership Team (Area Manager or Continuous Improvement Engineer, Continuous Improvement Specialist, Maintenance Coordinator) to create and execute the reliability strategy for area of responsibility.
• Coaching – Coach operators to build their functional and leadership capabilities and to drive accountability in safety, Quality and Food Safety, Autonomous Maintenance, and team engagement.
• Line Operations - Coordinate materials, staffing and resources to support line operation and changeovers.
• Standards Implementation and Adherence – Ensure standards are implemented on shift and in area of responsibility through effective communication, change management, consistent reinforcement, and through coaching, guidance, and accountability measures.
• Associate Safety – Ensure safe working conditions as well as safe behaviors and mindsets through the direct implementation of Mars Safety programs and through driving a relentless focus among team of operators.
• Food Safety and Product Quality – Ensure the ongoing production of safe and defect free products consistent with the principles of Mars. HACCP proficiency is required; this manager owns ongoing training and championing of quality goals and improvements at the Area Shift level.
• Associate Advocacy - Manage associate relations issues and guide and direct the hiring, training, retraining, development, and motivation of Operations associates following self-managed, team working principles with a minimum degree of guidance from the Area Manager or Value Stream Manager.
• Engagement - Responsible for facilitating and driving an environment of high associate engagement on the team.
• Goal Setting and Measurement - With the general guidance of the Value Stream or Area Manager, and/or the support of the Continuous Improvement Engineer, establish line and individual performance standards and goals, and measure, control, take corrective action and report results as appropriate.
• Troubleshooting – Utilize the technical resources on shift for the preventive maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of process/packaging equipment problems, with the objective of effectively using these resources to achieve desired performance levels.
• Escalations - Proactively identify risks and opportunities as well as reactively lead on-shift incident resolution when operators require additional support. Prioritize, assign resources against escalated issues, and make decisions to resolve escalated issues.
• Communications - Ensure that open communications are established and that opportunities to broaden the scope and responsibility of Operations teams/associates are undertaken.
• Technology Advancement - Advise when opportunities exist for moving the line/area forward in technological change.
• Operations Strategy - Participate in the implementation of improvement strategies that will help the line/area perform more effectively in the near term.
• Recruiting and Onboarding – Responsible for partnering with Talent Acquisition to recruit and select associates for operations roles, and responsible to onboard associates effectively
• Associate Development – Develop associates by mentoring and supporting their development plans and helping them grow in functional capability and long-term career

What can you expect from Mars?

Work with over 130,000 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. The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range listed is applicable to IL:USD 82,757.00 - USD 113,791.00

Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL®, and COCOAVIA®.

Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCA™ and Pet Partners™.

Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries.

The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 140,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.