Job Description:
The Operational Excellence Manager—known internally as the Mars Supply Excellence (MSE) Manager—plays a key role in driving operational excellence, loss elimination, and sustainable performance improvement within a dedicated production area at our Royal Canin manufacturing site in Lewisburg, Ohio.
As a key member of the site operations team, you will support the implementation and execution of the Factory Mars Operating System and Run to Target practices. You will use performance data to identify losses, develop action plans, coach teams through structured problem-solving, and ensure operating standards are documented, followed, and continuously improved.
This hands-on, floor-focused role partners closely with Production Leaders, Area Coordinators, and frontline associates to improve equipment reliability, strengthen Daily Management Systems, and build associate capability. You will support Daily Direction Setting, improve the integrity of Line Event Data Systems, and drive sustainable improvements that reduce unplanned downtime, minimize planned interruptions, and improve safety, quality, efficiency, and reliability.
What are we looking for?
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or a related technical field
- Three or more years of experience in manufacturing, operations, engineering, continuous improvement, or a related technical function
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification; Black Belt certification is preferred
- Hands-on experience with Total Productive Maintenance, Autonomous Maintenance, Kaizen, SMED, and structured loss-elimination work
- Experience leading and developing others, including providing coaching, performance feedback, direction, and accountability
- Strong data-analysis, root-cause problem-solving, communication, and floor-level influencing skills
- Experience with Daily Management Systems, Daily Direction Setting, CIL, centerlines, changeovers, anomaly handling, CMMS, or performance-reporting tools is preferred; experience in food, pet food, CPG, packaging, pharmaceutical, or another regulated manufacturing environment is a plus
What will be your key responsibilities?
- Own and support the execution of Daily Management Systems within the assigned production area, including Changeover, Centerlines, Clean, Inspect and Lubricate, and Anomaly Handling
- Lead Daily Area Value Stream connection-point meetings and support effective Daily Direction Setting
- Analyze performance data, identify key losses, and integrate findings into the Factory Mars Operating System
- Drive loss elimination through line-loss analysis, root-cause problem-solving, and the development of focused 90-day action plans
- Lead Autonomous Maintenance process-improvement teams focused on reducing downtime, improving operating standards, and eliminating recurring losses
- Support and coach Pillar activities within the Value Stream by developing analytics, standards, and improvement plans
- Partner with Production Leaders to strengthen team performance, skills development, process discipline, and associate capability
- Provide direction, coaching, development, and performance support to Area Coordinators
- Improve the accuracy and integrity of Line Event Data Systems while ensuring critical operational standards are documented, followed, and sustained
- Champion MSE Autonomous Maintenance deployment and support the achievement of Safety and Quality standards and objectives within the assigned area
What can you expect from Mars?
- Work with talented associates in a collaborative and purpose-driven environment guided by the Five Principles of Mars
- Make a visible impact on a world-class manufacturing operation
- Access industry-leading learning and development opportunities through Mars University
- Build your career within one of the world’s most recognized food and pet care companies
- Receive competitive compensation, an annual incentive opportunity, and a comprehensive benefits package
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