Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Description:

Job Opportunity: Operations Manager

Location: Castle Cary, Somerset
Job Type: Permanent
Reports to: Plant Manager

Are you ready to lead and inspire teams in a dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing environment?

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.

.

Key Responsibilities:

• Champion and support the delivery of the site strategy, ensuring alignment with Safety, Quality, and Cost objectives.
• Contribute to long-term strategic planning and decision-making for operational manufacturing excellence.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ensure delivery of required standards across Safety, Quality, and Food Safety compliance areas, fostering a “safety-first” mindset.
• Leverage automation and digital manufacturing tools to enhance operational efficiency.

About you

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

• 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.
• 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 a company bonus.

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

#LI-KO1