Job Description: Job Opportunity: Operations Manager Location: Castle Cary, Somerset Job Type: Permanent Reports to: Plant Manager Are you ready to lead and inspire teams in a dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing environment? A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen at our Pet Nutrition Castle Cary site for an Operations Manager to join the Site Management Team as a senior leader. This role is pivotal in shaping and delivering the site strategy, with a strong emphasis on Safety, Quality, Cost, and People.. Key Responsibilities: Champion and support the delivery of the site strategy, ensuring alignment with Safety, Quality, and Cost objectives. Contribute to long-term strategic planning and decision-making for operational manufacturing excellence. Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 7 direct reports and 70 indirect reports, creating a high-performance culture through coaching, engagement, and continuous development. Accountable for delivering site production targets and optimizing the use of resources. Implement and sustain Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives to optimize equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and drive continuous improvement. Lead the OPEX agenda on site, identifying and executing the roadmap for continuous improvement and cultural change. Ensure delivery of required standards across Safety, Quality, and Food Safety compliance areas, fostering a “safety-first” mindset. Leverage automation and digital manufacturing tools to enhance operational efficiency. About you Proven People Leader: Passionate about developing talent and engaging associates; able to motivate and coach teams in a manufacturing setting. Operational Expertise: Proven experience leading complex, high-speed manufacturing operations, ideally within FMCG. Strategic Thinker: Experience with site-level strategic planning; skilled in managing KPIs and balanced scorecards. Continuous Improvement Advocate: Demonstrated expertise in lean principles (e.g., Six Sigma), TPM, and driving operational improvements. Technical Background: Degree or relevant qualification in a technical or business field preferred. Tech-Savvy: Experience with automation, digital manufacturing tools, and the ability to drive technology adoption. Growth Potential: Ambition and capability to develop into future business leadership roles (e.g., Plant Manager). What can you expect from Mars? Work with 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 a company bonus. Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or who are neurodiverse during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here. LI-KO1