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Mars UK • USA-Ohio-Lewisburg | United States of America

Area Operations Manager

Employment type:  Full time
9.2

/10

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Job Description

Job Description:

We are seeking a dynamic Area Operations Leader to drive operational excellence, reduce losses, and build associate capabilities within their area. This role is pivotal in supporting innovation projects, enhancing team performance, and ensuring the production of safe, high-quality products aligned with Mars principles

What are we looking for?

Minimum Qualifications:

  • At least 3 years of direct people leadership experience, and 5 or more years business experience in a Continuous Improvement Manufacturing environment.

  • Technical knowledge of process, equipment, controls and products or ability to develop such knowledge.

  • Ability to effectively deploy training strategies and to directly train others.

  • Technical understanding and mastery of Total Productive Maintenance.

  • Understanding of major functions within the plant and the ability to work directly with all levels and functions.

  • Ability to succeed in an ambiguous environment.

  • Functional knowledge and understanding of HACCP concepts.

  • Experience in plant sanitation practices and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • An undergraduate degree, preferably in one of the Engineering, basic sciences or business-related disciplines.

What will be your key responsibilities?

  • Develop and execute the 90-Day Plan focused on loss reduction and capability building.

  • Analyze losses and prioritize resources to address them effectively.

  • Support all Innovation and Capital Projects within the area.

  • Coach Production Leaders, Continuous Improvement Specialists, and technical teams to enhance functional and leadership skills.

  • Drive accountability in safety, quality, food safety, autonomous maintenance, and team engagement.

  • Guide Production Leaders in coordinating materials, staffing, and resources for smooth operations and changeovers.

  • Manage associate relations proactively and coach line managers in hiring, training, developing, and motivating front-line associates.

  • Foster associate engagement based on HPC teamwork principles and individual accountability.

  • Ensure continuous production of safe, defect-free products with HACCP proficiency.

  • Lead ongoing training initiatives and champion quality goals across shifts.

  • Analyze risks and implement countermeasures to maintain operational integrity.

  • Promote a strong safety culture among people leaders and throughout the area.

What can you expect from Mars?

  • Work with 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.

  • A strong focus on 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.

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Company benefits

Open to part-time employees
Open to job sharing
Open to compressed hours
Sabbaticals
Enhanced maternity leave – 26 weeks at 90% pay
Enhanced paternity leave – 26 weeks at 90% pay
24 days annual leave + bank holidays
“Pawternity” leave
Pregnancy loss leave
Bank holiday swaps
Shared parental leave
Adoption leave
Family health insurance
Pregnancy support
Neo-natal leave
Faith rooms
Meditation space
Dog friendly office
Dog friendly co-working space
Annual bonus
Employee discounts
Cinema discounts
Referral bonus
Joining bonus
Cycle to work scheme
Electric Car Salary Sacrifice
Enhanced pension match/contribution
Theme park discounts
Lunch and learns
In house training
LinkedIn learning license
Studying sabbaticals
Open to part time work for some roles

Working at Mars UK

Company employees:

4,000 In the UK

Gender diversity (m:f):

57:43

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Awards & Accreditations

1st – Family Friendly

1st – Family Friendly

Flexa awards 2025
2nd – Pet Friendly

2nd – Pet Friendly

Flexa awards 2025
Flexible

Flexible

Flexa awards 2025
Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and Inclusion

Flexa awards 2025
Work-Life Balance

Work-Life Balance

Flexa awards 2025
Career Progression

Career Progression

Flexa awards 2025
Culture

Culture

Flexa awards 2025
Benefits

Benefits

Flexa awards 2025
1st – Large companies

1st – Large companies

Flexa100 2024
Consumer Goods

Consumer Goods

Industry awards 2023
3rd – Large companies

3rd – Large companies

Flexa100 2023
Retail & Ecommerce

Retail & Ecommerce

Industry awards 2022

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