Operations and Lean Manager

Mars, Incorporated; Melton Mowbray; On-site; GBP 50,000 - GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global pet care company is seeking an Operations and Lean Manager for the Birstall site. This senior role emphasizes strategic leadership in operations while driving cultural transformation and continuous improvement. Candidates should have experience leading high-speed manufacturing operations and a proven ability to mentor teams. The position offers a competitive salary and a strong commitment to employee development and work-life balance.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Yearly bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Equal Parental Leave

Access to Mars University

Qualifications

• 2-3 years' experience leading high-speed manufacturing operations.
• Strong people skills and a proven track record in leadership.
• Experience with lean principles and managing KPIs.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations team to achieve production targets.
• Implement Total Productive Maintenance initiatives.
• Drive cultural transformation and continuous improvement.

Skills

People Leadership

Operational Expertise

Strategic Planning

Continuous Improvement

Technology Adoption

Education

Degree in a technical or business field

Tools

Automation Tools

Digital Manufacturing Tools

Lean Management Principles

Job description

Job Description:

Operations and Lean Manager – Pet Nutrition Care & Treats, Birstall Site

Location:

Birstall Site, 5/2 on site

Reporting to:

Senior Site Management Team

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen at our Pet Nutrition Care & Treats Birstall site for an Operations Manager to join the Site Management Team as a senior leader. This role is pivotal in shaping and delivering the site strategy, with a strong emphasis on Safety, Quality, Cost, and People. You will lead a large operations team, drive cultural transformation, and champion operational excellence through effective leadership, strategic vision, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Strategic Leadership & Collaboration:

• Champion and support the delivery of the site strategy, ensuring alignment with Safety, Quality, and Cost objectives.

• Play a critical role in the Site Leadership Team (SLT), fostering collaboration and strong relationships across all site functions.

• Contribute to long-term strategic planning and decision-making for operational manufacturing excellence.

People Leadership & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 12 direct reports and 250 indirect reports, creating a high-performance culture through coaching, engagement, and continuous development.

• Drive talent management, succession planning, and organizational development within the Operations team.

• Embed safety and quality mindsets and behaviors; drive a cultural change towards ownership and responsibility on-site.

Operational Excellence:

• Accountable for delivering site production targets and optimizing the use of resources.

• Implement and sustain Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives to optimize equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and drive continuous improvement.

• Lead the OPEX agenda on site, identifying and executing the roadmap for continuous improvement and cultural change.

• Manage balanced scorecards/KPIs covering safety, quality, efficiency, and cost for both short- and long-term goals.

• Deliver on production conversion cost targets for the site.

Safety & Quality Compliance:

• Ensure delivery of required standards across Safety, Quality, and Food Safety compliance areas, fostering a “safety-first” mindset.

• Champion initiatives to maintain the highest standards in food safety and workplace safety for all associates.

Innovation & Digital Transformation:

• Leverage automation and digital manufacturing tools to enhance operational efficiency.

• Train and support teams in adopting new technologies, driving digital execution and confidence.

What We're Looking For?

• Proven People Leader: Passionate about developing talent and engaging associates; able to motivate and coach teams in a manufacturing setting.

• Operational Expertise: Minimum 2-3 years’ experience leading complex, high-speed manufacturing operations, ideally within FMCG.

• Strategic Thinker: Experience with site-level strategic planning; skilled in managing KPIs and balanced scorecards.

• Continuous Improvement Advocate: Demonstrated expertise in lean principles (e.g., Six Sigma), TPM, and driving operational improvements.

• Technical Background: Degree or relevant qualification in a technical or business field preferred.

• Tech-Savvy: Experience with automation, digital manufacturing tools, and the ability to drive technology adoption.

• Growth Potential: Ambition and capability to develop into future business leadership roles (e.g., Plant Manager).

What Can You Expect from Mars?

• Consistently ranked among the UK’s Top 10 ‘Great Places to Work’ since 2016.

• Competitive salary, yearly bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.

• Equal Parental Leave: 52 weeks off (26 paid at 90% salary) for all new parents.

• Mentoring and development support from day one, including access to Mars University.

• Purpose-driven work environment focused on building a better world tomorrow.

• Succession potential for director-level roles through strong performance and personal development.

Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or neurodiversity during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here

#LI-AB2