POSITION SUMMARY:

The Processing Support Technician safely and efficiently operates the Soft Dry Process Equipment to make high quality pet food that meets or exceeds all specifications set by Mars Petcare in the amount and schedule dictated by business needs. The tech will also be utilized in Batching, Receiving and similar areas when Cesar Dry production is not scheduled.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Perform all of the following duties on a rotational basis in the processing area of the plant. This includes operating all systems, performing all quality checks, maintaining conformance reports and system logs, and troubleshooting all aspects of the Soft Dry Process system:

· Soft Dry Process – condition, coat kibbles with tallow and digest, cool and maintain storage levels to be blended into the finished product according to recipe requirements; coordinate with packaging and extrusion to optimize product stream and Storveyor/I.S. inventory levels

· Assist in setting strategy for the Soft Dry Process system to ensure meeting or exceeding production schedule in the most efficient manner possible.

· Maintain a safe and clean work environment to promote associate safety and product integrity.

· Ability to actively address food safety and quality concerns.

· Troubleshoot processing systems that are not performing properly and take corrective action to ensure product quality while minimizing unnecessary downtime.

· Improve operations through individual and group problem solving and provide leadership in solving problems on the floor and in meetings.

· Promote high quality team environment through effective team work and self-management with a positive attitude.

· Other duties as assigned

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Participate in site “Continuous Improvement” groups as appropriate.

· Train other area associates in operation of all areas and systems, including safety, quality and strategy

· Submit work orders as required.

· Must be able to cover vacations for other associates in this role.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

· High School Diploma or equivalent plus 1-2 years’ experience (manufacturing environment preferred).

· Good math, reading, writing skills and ability to set bin strategies.

· Good communication skills

· Ability to learn how to operate Q.S. Analytical Test equipment.

· High level of mechanical aptitude and knowledge, with good skills in troubleshooting and problem solving.

· Excellent housekeeping skills and knowledge of GMP's.

· Good knowledge of personal computers.

· Ability and willingness to develop, demonstrate self-directed workgroup leadership and contribute to efficiency, quality and cost optimization with minimal supervision and a positive attitude.

· Ability to lift 50 lbs.

· Ability to work rotating shifts under stressful conditions such as heat, cold, high and /or confined spaces and have full mobility with ability to climb ladders and stairs and do repetitive bending and twisting.

· Ability to work around pressurized steam in a safe manner.

· Hearing and speaking ability both in person and on the phone. Ability to recognize colors and good depth perception.

· Forklift certified

About Mars:
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®, 5â„¢, 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 Hospitalsâ„¢, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCAâ„¢ and Pet Partnersâ„¢. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 130,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.

Disclaimer:
Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.​​​​​​​

Note to Search Firms/Agencies:
Mars, Incorporated and its subsidiaries and affiliates (Mars) do not compensate search firms for unsolicited assistance unless they have a written search agreement with Mars and the requisition is position-specific.  Any resumes, curriculum vitae, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written search agreement or position-specific requisition submitted to any Associate of Mars will be deemed the sole property of Mars and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Mars.