Operations Manager – Pet Nutrition Care & Treats

Job Description:

Operations 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

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