Job Description:

The Production Leader is a shift-based, front-line operations people leader who efficiently improves Quality, Human Safety, and Product Cost Conversion while Engaging and Developing talent. The Production Leaders are responsible for delivering operational targets and leading teams of, on average, 15 production associates.  The Production Leader drives safety, quality, continuous improvement, performance management, associate development, team engagement and operating results for their assigned area through shift-based leadership of a line or area that exists within a larger Value Stream organization. This manager will coordinate the short-term activities of the area within established guidelines and standards to produce the highest quality, lowest cost product in the safest and most efficient manner, while also partnering with the other members of the 24-hour Area Leadership Team to deliver area continuous improvement and Mars Supply Excellence (MSE) program implementation. The Production Leader is responsible for building an effective team on his/her shift and in his/her area of responsibility and for managing the training strategy for both the individual associates and the team. This manager will implement and enforce established policy, as well as area and organizational strategies

What are we looking for?

• An undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree OR  The equivalent experience, defined as greater than 5 years of people leadership experience (Team of 15 direct reports or greater) in a technical manufacturing continuous improvement environment, along with a High School Diploma.
• Preferred: A degree in one of the Engineering, basic sciences, management, or business related disciplines.
• Fluent English verbal and written skills.
• Effective communicator who exhibits consistency and accountability.
• Prior experience building strong teams and driving team engagement.
• Experience in the FMCG / Factory Operations industry desirable.
• Ability to problem solve and determine root cause analysis.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Conversion - Manage the efforts of operating teams of a multi- line, area or technology on one shift in the efficient conversion of materials into quality products in a safe, secure and sanitary manner within the product design specifications.
• Change Agent - 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
• Mars Supply Excellence – Lead or participate in one or more MSE Pillars; Lead and support the implementation of Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Autonomous Work Teams (AWTs) in area of responsibility; Lead key connection points and own reliability data collection accuracy.   
• Area Ownership – Collaborate with the rest of the Area Leadership Team (Area Manager or Continuous Improvement Engineer, Continuous Improvement Specialist, Maintenance Coordinator) to create and execute the reliability strategy for area of responsibility
• Coaching – Coach operators to build their functional and leadership capabilities and to drive accountability in safety, Quality and Food Safety, Autonomous Maintenance, and team engagement.
• Line Operations - Coordinate materials, staffing and resources to support line operation and changeovers.
• Standards Implementation and Adherence – Ensure standards are implemented on shift and in area of responsibility through effective communication, change management, consistent reinforcement, and through coaching, guidance, and accountability measures.
• Associate Safety – Ensure safe working conditions as well as safe behaviors and mindsets through the direct implementation of Mars Safety programs and through driving a relentless focus among team of operators
• 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 Shift level. 
• Associate Advocacy - Manage associate relations issues and guide and direct the hiring, training, retraining, development and motivation of Operations associates following self-managed, team working principles with a minimum degree of guidance from the Area Manager or Value Stream Manager.
• Engagement - Responsible for facilitating and driving an environment of high associate engagement on the team.
• Goal Setting and Measurement - With the general