Shift Manager (Cole)

Mars • Fort Smith, AR

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Shift Manager (3rd Shift) is a critical, front-line people manager at our state-of-the-art Fort Smith, AR manufacturing facility. Leading an average of 15 shift associates, you will champion human safety, food safety, product quality, and cost efficiency. Operating from 10:30 PM to 7:00 AM, Monday through Friday, you will direct night-shift operations to deliver high-quality pet care products most safely and efficiently. This role is a hands-on leadership opportunity where you will partner closely with the broader 24-hour Area Managership Team to execute area reliability strategies and implement the Mars Supply Excellence (MSE) program. If you are a collaborative leader, an effective change agent, and a builder of high-performing teams, your tomorrow starts today at Mars Petcare.

Requirements

• Demonstrated capability in leading, training, and developing others (previous direct people management experience is highly valued).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey critical expectations clearly and concisely.
• Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety/sanitation practices.
• Proficiency in digital administrative tools (MS Office Suite, ERP/CRM systems, email).
• Comfort leading teams and making critical decisions in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Nice To Haves

• Undergraduate Degree (Bachelor's): Highly preferred, ideally in Engineering, Basic Sciences, Business, or a related discipline.
• OR Equivalent Experience: High School Diploma/GED combined with 4+ years of technical manufacturing experience, continuous improvement leadership, or military leadership.
• Prior supervisory experience in a food production, FMCG, or highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Functional knowledge of HACCP concepts and OSHA regulations (OSHA certification is a plus).
• Experience with TPM, Lean Manufacturing, or Mars Supply Excellence (MSE) methodology.
• Strong technical or mechanical aptitude to guide on-shift troubleshooting of packaging/processing machinery.

Responsibilities

• Lead & Engage: Cultivate an environment of high engagement, trust, and mutual respect on the night shift. Direct, motivate, and coach a team of approximately 15 operations associates.
• Talent Development: Manage associate relations, facilitate training and cross-training strategies, and support individual career growth plans.
• Advocacy & Accountability: Drive accountability in safety and quality while serving as a champion for self-managed, team-working principles.
• Conversion Management: Direct the night-shift efforts of multi-line, area, or technology teams to efficiently convert raw materials into quality finished products within design specifications.
• Line Operations: Coordinate materials, night-shift staffing, and technical resources to support seamless line operations, changeovers, and preventive maintenance.
• Problem Solving & Escalation: Serve as the on-shift point of escalation. Reactively lead incident resolution, troubleshoot equipment constraints, and proactively mitigate risks.
• MSE Pillar Leadership: Support and lead key facets of the Mars Supply Excellence (TPM) program, specifically driving Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Autonomous Work Teams (AWTs) on your shift.
• Change Agency: Actively identify opportunities for technological and operational improvements, leading change management initiatives with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Area Ownership: Collaborate with the Area Managership Team (including the Area Manager, CI Specialist, and Maintenance Coordinator) to implement long-term reliability strategies.
• Associate Safety First: Own the safety culture on 3rd shift. Implement Mars Safety programs, eliminate hazards, and drive a relentless "safety-first" mindset.
• Food Safety & Quality: Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Mars Quality standards. Lead HACCP requirements, ongoing training, and shift-level quality goal adherence.
• Standards Enforcement: Communicate, reinforce, and hold the shift accountable to established operational policies and plant guidelines.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance starting your very first day.
• Generous 401(k) match and annual variable bonus earning potential.
• 3 weeks of vacation (pro-rated), 11 paid holidays, and sick pay.
• Up to 18 weeks of paid Parental/Maternity Leave.
• Product discounts on our beloved pet care brands, plus dog-friendly resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree