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Mars UK • Waltham, Leicestershire, United Kingdom

Unit Operations Manager (FTC 12 months)

Salary:  £42,000 – £52,000 per annum
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Job Description

Job Description:

Unit Operations Manager

Location: Waltham Petcare Science Institute, full-time on-site 5/2

Salary: £42,000 - £52,000 pa (depending on the experience) + 12% Bonus

Fixed-term contract 12 months

Unit Operations Manager will lead and develop teams across 1–2 animal units, ensuring high standards of welfare, safety, and research quality while driving operational performance and continuous improvement.

What are we looking for?

  • Educated to Degree level in a scientific discipline - this is an essential requirement.

  • R&D or Operations background.

  • Line manager and people leadership experience with proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams.

  • A proven ability to build strong collaborative partnerships.

  • Confidence in handling and analysing performance data.

What will be your key responsibilities?

  • Provide great line management for a team of up to 25 people, across 1 or 2 units.

  • Accountability for Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental standards on the units.

  • Ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and care on all animal units.

  • Support the delivery of the research plan, and optimise the quality of data generated in research studies.

  • Actively monitor the delivery and effectiveness of Waltham standards and operational KPIs.

  • Own and manage continuous improvement projects on the areas of unit Quality, Safety, Environment & Animal Welfare.

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 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

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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 (male:female)

57:43

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