Operation Start-up Leader (f/m/x)

Job Description:

Operation Start-up Leader (f/m/x)

in Royal Canin

Plant Operations - Manufacturing

Type of contract : Permanent

Location : Aimargues near Montpellier, France

As the Start-up Leader within the Operations department, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring our teams are prepared to adopt new technologies and processes. In this collaborative position, you will act as the single point of contact (SPOC) for the Operations team regarding all new equipment and process implementations, taking ownership of process control and the seamless transfer of technical knowledge. You will be responsible for creating clear, effective work instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs), as well as preparing and delivering training programs to future trainers and end-users within the department.

What will be your responsibilities?

Technical Knowledge Transfer & Training:

• Act as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for the Operations team during the implementation of new equipment and technologies, ensuring a seamless flow of information between departments.

• Create, develop, and update detailed operating procedures, work instructions, technical specifications, and One Point Lessons (OPLs) using photos and clear visual aids.

• Design and deliver comprehensive training programs for operator-trainers, performance leaders, and shift managers to ensure team readiness.

• Collaborate with the Education & Training (E&T) pillar and in-house agency managers to build and monitor skills-development tools for both permanent and temporary staff.

Project Collaboration & Planning:

• Coordinate the integration of operators and drivers into project phases at the most appropriate times, aligning timelines with shift managers.

• Partner with technical departments and external suppliers to plan functional and technical training for reliability engineers and maintenance technicians.

• Active participation in key project milestones, including Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), product qualifications, and joint testing with the CVS and project teams.

• Represent the Operations department in project progress meetings, steering committees, and feedback sessions alongside CVS, Project Managers, HSE, and Quality (QFS) teams.

Process Control & Performance Optimization:

• Monitor and diagnose initial process anomalies during new equipment start-ups, reporting feedback and improvement opportunities directly to the Technical/Project teams.

• Develop and track performance KPIs for new processes in close collaboration with the CI/IE Performance Leaders to measure equipment efficiency.

• Anticipate future production conditions and work with the Triad/CVS to establish operating standards that empower operators to react effectively to diverse production scenarios.

Safety & Quality Culture:

• Promote a "Safety First" environment by demonstrating exemplary conduct (PPE adherence, 9 Life Standards) and driving the continuous improvement culture among associates and temporary staff.

• Ensure strict compliance with Food Safety standards, HACCP principles, and GMP/GHP rules within your designated production area.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a candidate with a solid technical foundation and a proven ability to drive continuous improvement by collaborating effectively across various teams. You’ll bring a natural curiosity and strong communication skills to our team, with a genuine passion for knowledge-sharing and documenting best practices.

Key Qualifications & Requirements:

• 2 to 5 years of experience in a complex, high-volume industrial manufacturing environment in FMCG/animal food industry

• 2 to 5 years of experience in a TPM or technical environment (process, animal food), along with technical or management experience in the food industry.

• Experience in continuous improvement principles (e.g., 5M, Six Sigma, Lean methodology).

• Ability to write clear and effective procedures.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with online monitoring systems.

• French: fluent in reading, writing, and speaking.

• English: Good reading comprehension and the ability to communicate for regular correspondence with group factories and international suppliers.

• Willingness to travel within France and abroad, estimated at 10-15% of the time.

• Experience with POKA is considered as a plus

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 company bonus.

• You will work in a unique campus, which gathers more than 800 Associates working for: the international HQ, the French subsidiary, two laboratories, a kennel and a cattery with more than 200 cats & dogs, and finally the most important factory of the Royal Canin group

Apply now and upload you profile in English.

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