Manufacturing- Value Stream

Job Description

Job Description:

Operations Manager – Pet Nutrition RCS Site

Location: Castle Cary Site
Reporting to: Plant Manager

Overview

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen at our Pet Nutrition Castle Cary 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.

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 7 direct reports and 70 indirect reports, creating a high-performance culture through coaching, engagement, and continuous development.

  • Drive talent management, succession planning, and organisational 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.

Are you ready to lead and inspire teams in a dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing environment? Apply now to join Mars and build your career as a business leader!