Production Lead; Wheeler

Overview

Location: Mars Petcare (Fort Smith, AR)

Mars Petcare is seeking a Production Lead to join our pet food business at a Fort Smith, AR manufacturing plant. We focus on the unique needs of cats and dogs. Our obsession with detail allows us to deliver precise, effective nutrition and help them become their magnificent best.

Job: Production Lead

Shift: Nights

As part of our total compensation package, Mars Petcare offers a competitive benefits package to all associates:
Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance, Short- & Long-Term Disability, and 401k match. Associates are also eligible for up to three weeks of vacation, 12 Paid Holidays per year, Sick Pay, Maternity & Parental Leave, and annual bonus potential, plus other ancillary benefits not listed here.

• Conversion - Manage the efforts of multi-line, area, or technology operating teams on one shift to convert materials into quality products in a safe, secure, and sanitary manner within product design specifications.
• Change Agent - Implement changes in methods, equipment, systems, and organization to meet line/area objectives; provide input and recommendations using a continuous improvement mindset.
• Mars Supply Excellence – Lead or participate in MSE Pillars; support Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Autonomous Work Teams (AWTs); manage reliability data accuracy.
• Area Ownership – Collaborate with Area Leadership Team to create and execute the area reliability strategy.
• Coaching – Coach operators to build functional and leadership capabilities and drive accountability in safety, quality, food safety, autonomy, and 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 areas of responsibility; use communication, change management, coaching, and accountability measures.
• Associate Safety – Ensure safe working conditions and behaviors by implementing Mars Safety programs and driving a relentless safety focus.
• Food Safety and Product Quality – Ensure ongoing production of safe, defect-free products; HACCP proficiency is required; lead training and champion quality goals at the Area Shift level.
• Associate Advocacy - Manage associate relations and guide hiring, training, retraining, development, and motivation following self-managed, team-working principles with minimal guidance.
• Engagement - Facilitate and drive high associate engagement on the team.
• Goal Setting and Measurement - Establish line and individual performance standards and goals; monitor, control, take corrective action, and report results.
• Troubleshooting – Utilize shift resources for preventive maintenance and repair of process/packaging equipment to achieve performance goals.
• Escalations - Identify risks, lead on-shift incident resolution, prioritize resources, and make decisions to resolve issues.
• Communications - Maintain open communications and expand team scope and responsibility.
• Technology Advancement - Recommend opportunities for technological progress on the line/area.
• Operations Strategy - Participate in improving line/area performance in the near term.
• Recruiting and Onboarding – Partner with Talent Acquisition to recruit and onboard associates for operations roles.
• Associate Development – Mentor and support development plans for associates and help them grow.

• Education & Professional Qualification
• An undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree OR the equivalent experience defined as more than four years in a technical manufacturing continuous improvement environment, plus a High School Diploma.
• Preferred: a degree in Engineering, basic sciences, or business-related disciplines.

• Knowledge/
  
  Experience:
• Experience leading others; direct people leadership preferred.
• Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Clear and concise communications; ability to work with all plant levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; ability to operate in an ambiguous environment.
• Functional knowledge of HACCP concepts; plant sanitation experience.
• Ability to deliver critical feedback and hold people accountable to objectives.
• Safety champion; OSHA experience or certification preferred.

Mars is a family-owned business with a long history of making diverse products and services for people and pets. With almost $35 billion in sales, Mars operates in more than 80 countries and includes brands such as M&M’s, Pedigree, Royal Canin, Whiskas, and more. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – guide its nearly 100,000 associates in creating value for partners and driving growth.