Job Purpose/Overview

The Shift Lead will provide an added dimension in coordinating, monitoring and directing activities and programs within batching and processing, and could be expected to do so in the absence of a manager.  This role provides necessary focus on area support systems such as inventory, management of materials, productions schedules, waste reduction, usage and yield, sanitation, technology upgrades and staffing.  In addition this role will interface with other support groups such as Maintenance and Quality.  The result should be safely producing quality pet food that meets or exceeds all quality specification established by Mars Petcare in the amount and schedule indicated by business needs.

Key Responsibilities

·         Provide leadership and coordination for full shift or multiple process areas, often without a production supervisor assigned.  Responsible for understanding safe and efficient operations of all petfood manufacturing equipment.

·         Ensure daily crewing needs and changes are addressed for optimized operation of area.  This will require a high level of understanding of labor crewing requirements, Staffing Tools, good communication and planning.

·         Ensure all process reports are completely correctly, legibly and in a timely manner.

·         Meet or exceed the plant productivity goal for the shift by identifying and directing operational needs that includes staffing, inventories, etc.

·         Monitor all activities on all production lines, immediately reporting downtime to Supervisor, Maintenance or Quality Assurance when downtime cannot be corrected by the operator.

·         Facilitate good communication and planning with other leads and operators to ensure that changeovers are done timely and effectively, optimization of production lines, quality checks are being performed, schedules are achieved with little downtime, waste is reduced or managed effectively.

·         Ensure ingredients, supplies and resources are available so that each line may run without delay to complete the shift schedule.

·         Ability to assess situations early and accurately, to take effective and tactful action to correct and improve. (problem solving)

·         Successfully resolve conflicts by listening, sharing information, focusing on situations not people, and by helping create a positive work climate and high performing team environment.

·         Conduct on the job training and guidance for new associates that includes specific safety requirements, operation of equipment, quality systems and sanitation.

·         Other duties and responsibilities throughout the plant as assigned by Supervisor.

·         Operate equipment as needed (breaks or fill-in)

          Participate in site action circles/focus groups

·         Identify and resolve continuous improvement opportunities

·         Ability to work under tight schedules and in high pressure situations

·         Must be capable of working at elevated heights

·         Standing on concrete floors for long periods of time

·         Must be able to lift 50lbs repetitively

·         Must be able to lift up to 65 lbs occasionally

·         Must be able to adapt to temperature and environmental extremes such as hot to cold, dust, dirt and chemicals

·         Must be able to adapt to a flexible working schedule, including different rotations. Shifts, overtime hours, weekends and holidays

·         Ability to effectively understand and communicate instructions

·         Understand plant process flow

·         Can perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation

·         Able to complete all tasks in the area abiding by Mars Safety and Mars Quality practices

·         Every associate at Mars has responsibility to the achievement of Quality and Food Safety

·         Additional duties as necessary

Job Specifications/Qualifications

Education & Professional Qualification

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have a High school diploma, GED or equivalent education
• Must be willing and able to work and accept varying shifts and schedules
• Ability to understand and effectively communicate in the English language
• Successful completion of a drug and background screen.

Knowledge/Experience

• 3+ years of manufacturing experience operating a variety of machines
• 2 years of work experience within manufacturing, or a technical and/or trade discipline
• Experience leading teams or projects
• Demonstrated competency in computer and pc software including MS Office and email
• Training and/or experience in functional tasks

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 like-minded 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.
• Best-in-class 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.

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.