Job Description:

NFI-Area Manager

The Area Manager is an operations people leader who efficiently improves Quality, Human Safety and Product Cost Conversion while Engaging and Developing talent. The Area Manager is responsible for the 24-hour, 7 day/week performance of a Line or Area that exists within a larger Value Stream organization, and has accountability for the business results and capability of this food manufacturing organization, which is typically $20-50 million in Gross Sales. This manager of managers is responsible for delivering operational targets and leading an engaged team of shift-based leaders. The Area Manager owns the safety culture and the responsibility to ensure safety of those in their organization by monitoring and correcting unsafe conditions. They also own the quality culture to ensure 100% right the first time quality and that world class consumer complaints rates are upheld. They have responsibility for delivering on Customer Service targets, own the performance management and development of the associates in their organization, and are responsible for building an effective team and coordinating communications within the production line and across all shifts.

This role leads the 24-hour Area Leadership Team to deliver area continuous improvement and Mars Supply Excellence (MSE) program implementation. The Area Manager has a thorough technical understanding and mastery of MSE (TPM), daily management systems and process controls for their lines. This manager is responsible for setting strategic direction for their Area and for implementing and enforcing established policy.

What are we looking for?

• An undergraduate degree is required, preferably in one of the Engineering, basic sciences or business related disciplines.
• 3 + years of direct people leadership experience
• 5 + years of business experience working in a Continuous Improvement Manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Thorough technical knowledge of process, equipment, controls and products or ability to develop such knowledge.
• Ability to convey communications clearly and concisely.
• Ability to effectively deploy training strategies and to directly train others.
• Understanding of major functions within the plant and the ability to work directly with all levels and functions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Software (Word, Excel, etc), internet software, e-mail.
• Ability to succeed in an ambiguous environment.
• Functional knowledge and understanding of HACCP concepts.
• Experience in plant sanitation practices and procedures.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Conversion - Manage the efforts of operating teams across shifts for an Area or Line in the efficient conversion of materials into quality products in a safe, secure and sanitary manner within the product design specifications and budgets.
• Change Agent - Recommend and implement changes in methods, equipment, systems and organization, as needed, to assure that the objectives of the line/area are met, and give input and recommendations for such changes by using a Continuous Improvement mindset
• Deliver area requirements by influencing and gaining co-operation from other departments (Engineering, Quality Services, Commercial and Scheduling/Logistics).
• Mars Supply Excellence - Lead MSE Pillar; Leads teams through Autonomous Maintenance (AM) Steps 1 -7 to support the implementation of Autonomous Work Teams (AWTs) across Area shifts; Lead key connection points and own reliability data collection validity.
• Develops and executes elements of the 90-Day Plan to address losses and build capability in associates
• Understands losses in their area and prioritizes resources to reduce them
• Accountable for supporting all Innovation and Capital Projects in their area
• Coaching - Coach Production Leaders, Continuous Improvement Specialists, and Technical resources in order to build their functional and leadership capabilities and to drive accountability in safety, Quality and Food Safety, Autonomous Maintenance, and team engagement.
• Line/Area Operations - Support and guide Production Leaders in coordinating materials, staffing and resources to support line operation and changeovers.
• Associate Advocacy - Proactively manage associate relations issues; Guide, direct, and coach line managers in the hiring, training, retraining, development and motivation of front-line Operations associates
• Engagement - Drive Associate engagement through a foundation of HPC teamwork and individual accountability.
• Food Safety and Product Quality - Ensure the ongoing production of safe and defect free products consistent with the principles of Mars. HACCP proficiency is required; this manager owns ongoing training and championing of quality goals and improvements at the area level across shifts.
• Associate Safety -Analyzes risk across shifts and identifies countermeasures to address; drives a relentless focus on safety among team of people leaders and down through Area organization
• Goal Setting and Measurement - Utilizing Operations teams, establish area performance standards and goals based on site and value stream department goals and strategies; measure, control, take corrective action and report results as appropriate in all areas of responsibility. Annually assist in development of area budgets and KPI targets.
• Troubleshooting - Manage/guide the technical area coverage resources for the troubleshooting and repair of process/packaging equipment problems, with the objective of effectively utilizing these resources to achieve desired performance levels.
• Escalations - Proactively identify risks and opportunities and prioritize and assign resources against escalated issues. Serve as the point of escalation for Shift-Based Leaders when additional guidance, support, prioritization, and/or decision-making is needed.
• Communications - Ensure that open, proactive, and effective communications are established and that opportunities to broaden the scope and responsibility of Operations teams/associates are undertaken. The Area Manager is the key resource to deliver regular business performance updates.
• Technology Advancement - Advise the Value Stream Manager when opportunities exist for moving the area forward in technological change. Recommend improvements, which would result in new and improved equipment and or methods to minimize production costs and improve quality.
• Area Strategy - Participate with the Value Stream Manager and other Operations support associates in the development and implementation of short and long term improvement strategies that will enable more effective and efficient Area performance.
• Recruiting and Onboarding - Responsible for partnering with Talent Acquisition to recruit and select associates for operational leadership and continuous improvement roles, and responsible to onboard associates effectively
• Associate Performance and Development - With the support and participation of the Value Stream Manager, evaluate primarily exempt associate performance. In conjunction with associates' career goals, create development plans to challenge their potential.

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.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 119,040.00 - USD 163,680.00