Senior Manager Factory Innovation

Job Description

Job Description:

The Senior Manager Factory Innovation (FI) is a key leadership role within the Mars Wrigley R&D organisation, and is responsible for the effective specification, testing and implementation of process technology and recipe changes in our factories, in support of Global and Regional business needs, across all categories from Innovation to Asset Health replacement. Leveraging strong people leadership skills, the Senior Manager FI manages, supports and develops a team of technical experts across a cluster of sites in the region, requiring local and remote management of the team.

This role reports to the regional FI lead, and as a member of the regional FI Leadership Team, the job holder contributes to the ongoing development of the function in the region, in terms of capability and effectiveness, as well as the talent development and succession planning agenda across the function in the region.

The Senior Manager FI is accountable for the successful delivery of the program of work implemented by their team. This will include ensuring all relevant business processes, such as DFVS, QuEST, QMP, are adhered to. They will champion the use of best practices to drive rapid startup and implementation in the factories.

The Senior Manager Factory Innovation. They work closely with the Supply and Commercial teams at the sites, regionally and globally as required in support of their agenda.

This position requires a blend of strategic thinking, technical know-how and tactical execution. They job holder will work cross-functionally, with key collaborative partners across R&D, Supply and Commercial, to ensure efficient execution of the change program within their cluster, and to look at new perspectives to continually improve the delivery of the FI function.

What are we looking for?

Candidates with:

• 10+ years experience in CPG industry, ideally within R&D and/or Supply.

• Proven people leadership skills, matched to a passion for talent development. Experience in managing multiple teams, including remote reports preferred.

• A track record of successfully managing and leading complex change management programs from initial conception through to implementation.

• Excellent communication skills, able to connect and collaborate effectively across functions and all levels of the organisation.

• The ability to inspire and influence stakeholder groups across functions and all levels of the organisation, anchored to strong communication skills and a collaborative approach.

• Hands-on experience in the development and successful launch of new products/packs/processes.

• A clear drive for results, with the ability to deliver this through others, and a continuous improvement mindset.

• English language required, ability to speak Dutch, German and/or French beneficial, but not critical.
  

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Line management and development of a multi-site based team of technical experts across four factories based in Netherlands, Germany and France. Responsible for building an effective team, motivating and developing the individuals as well as inspiring and engaging the team as a whole.
• Coach and upskill members of the Factory Innovation team, and other technical functions where relevant in support of their technical knowledge and personal development.
• Collaborate with EU FI LT to ensure resources and capabilities are in place to support full deliver the FI remit, as defined in PLM, in support of the complete pipeline of innovation / change activities.
• Ensure all aspects are delivered by the team, from initial feasibility assessment to full-scale production validation and handover to operations, through FMEA risk management, application of Six Sigma methodologies and adherence to DFVS process (key business change management process laid out in Product Lifecycle Management).
• Responsible for the priority setting and execution and delivery of regional innovation projects in the factories.
• Represent Regional FI team and R&D in key business forums, acting as guardian of product and pack key quality attributes.
• Partner with R&D and Technical Leadership Group peers to develop the long-term strategy for product portfolios and production sites, using deep technical knowledge to fuel the rolling 3-year activity pipeline.
• Regular travel will be required as part of this role (up to 30%).

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 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 company bonus.

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.