Area Operations Manager

Mars

1d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a dynamic Area Operations Leader to drive operational excellence, reduce losses, and build associate capabilities within their area. This role is pivotal in supporting innovation projects, enhancing team performance, and ensuring the production of safe, high-quality products aligned with Mars principles What are we looking for? Minimum Qualifications: At least 3 years of direct people leadership experience, and 5 or more years business experience in a Continuous Improvement Manufacturing environment. Technical knowledge of process, equipment, controls and products or ability to develop such knowledge. Ability to effectively deploy training strategies and to directly train others. Technical understanding and mastery of Total Productive Maintenance. Understanding of major functions within the plant and the ability to work directly with all levels and functions. Ability to succeed in an ambiguous environment. Functional knowledge and understanding of HACCP concepts. Experience in plant sanitation practices and procedures. Preferred Qualifications: An undergraduate degree, preferably in one of the Engineering, basic sciences or business-related disciplines. What will be your key responsibilities? Develop and execute the 90-Day Plan focused on loss reduction and capability building. Analyze losses and prioritize resources to address them effectively. Support all Innovation and Capital Projects within the area. Coach Production Leaders, Continuous Improvement Specialists, and technical teams to enhance functional and leadership skills. Drive accountability in safety, quality, food safety, autonomous maintenance, and team engagement. Guide Production Leaders in coordinating materials, staffing, and resources for smooth operations and changeovers. Manage associate relations proactively and coach line managers in hiring, training, developing, and motivating front-line associates. Foster associate engagement based on HPC teamwork principles and individual accountability. Ensure continuous production of safe, defect-free products with HACCP proficiency. Lead ongoing training initiatives and champion quality goals across shifts. Analyze risks and implement countermeasures to maintain operational integrity. Promote a strong safety culture among people leaders and throughout the area. 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. A strong focus on 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. #LI-KJ1 #LI-Onsite Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL®, and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCA™ and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 140,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of direct people leadership experience, and 5 or more years business experience in a Continuous Improvement Manufacturing environment.
• Technical knowledge of process, equipment, controls and products or ability to develop such knowledge.
• Ability to effectively deploy training strategies and to directly train others.
• Technical understanding and mastery of Total Productive Maintenance.
• Understanding of major functions within the plant and the ability to work directly with all levels and functions.
• Ability to succeed in an ambiguous environment.
• Functional knowledge and understanding of HACCP concepts.
• Experience in plant sanitation practices and procedures.

Nice To Haves

• An undergraduate degree, preferably in one of the Engineering, basic sciences or business-related disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the 90-Day Plan focused on loss reduction and capability building.
• Analyze losses and prioritize resources to address them effectively.
• Support all Innovation and Capital Projects within the area.
• Coach Production Leaders, Continuous Improvement Specialists, and technical teams to enhance functional and leadership skills.
• Drive accountability in safety, quality, food safety, autonomous maintenance, and team engagement.
• Guide Production Leaders in coordinating materials, staffing, and resources for smooth operations and changeovers.
• Manage associate relations proactively and coach line managers in hiring, training, developing, and motivating front-line associates.
• Foster associate engagement based on HPC teamwork principles and individual accountability.
• Ensure continuous production of safe, defect-free products with HACCP proficiency.
• Lead ongoing training initiatives and champion quality goals across shifts.
• Analyze risks and implement countermeasures to maintain operational integrity.
• Promote a strong safety culture among people leaders and throughout the area.

Benefits

• 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.
• A strong focus on 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees