Area Manager at Mars, Incorporated in Fort Smith, Arkansas

Job Description:

Job Description:

The Area Manager leads and integrates the efforts of the operations teams to orchestrate the area resources across multiple shifts and assure quality product is safely manufactured in sanitary conditions. The Area Manager is responsible for managing the area within cost goals and produce sufficient quantities to meet our customer's demands with motivated and engaged associates. The Area Manager is responsible for associate engagement and effectively facilitates team meetings, coordinates communications within the production line and across all shifts.
What are we looking for?

Minimum Qualifications:

• An undergraduate (Bachelor's) degree.


• 5+ years in a Continuous Improvement Manufacturing Environment.


• Experience in deploying TPM (Total Production Maintenance) in an area of responsibility.


• 3+ years people leadership experience.


• Thorough technical knowledge of process, equipment, controls and products or ability to develop such knowledge.


• Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices and HACCP.


• Ability to convey communications clearly and concisely.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, etc).


• Experience in plant sanitation practices and procedures.


• Ability to deliver critical performance feedback and hold Associates accountable to business objectives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, basic sciences or business-related disciplines.


• Champion of safety with OSHA experience or certification preferred.


• Leading a TPM pillar, such as Autonomous Maintenance, education and training, etc.

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 material 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.


• 
  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 -Analyses 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 over 130,000 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.


• 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.

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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.