Job Description:
Operational Excellence Manager
Come an join our Mars team in our Chocolate Factory Site in Viersen (close to Düsseldorf)!
Drive Excellence. Lead Change. Empower People.
At Mars, we’re on a mission to transform our manufacturing sites into global benchmarks of performance—powered by Lean principles, digital innovation, and a culture of continuous improvement. We are looking for an Operational Excellence Manager to lead the deployment and advancement of our Lean Operating System, champion the Mars Supply Excellence (MSE) framework, and accelerate the site’s digital transformation journey.
Your Key Responsibilities will be:
* Lead year-over-year improvements in financial results and KPIs through the implementation and ongoing evolution of a sustainable Lean Operating System.
* Drive the Digital Transformation agenda across the site to unlock productivity and innovation.
* Oversee the readiness, implementation, and maturity of the Mars Supply Excellence (MSE) model in close collaboration with site and network teams.
* Cultivate a learning culture based on standardized work, strategy deployment, (structured problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
* Coach and develop leaders and associates to thrive in a Lean operating environment using proven tools and methodologies.
* Lead the Site Training team to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements and to build functional capabilities across all levels of the organization.
* Train and coach associates at all levels in Lean principles, tools, and metrics.
* Partner with Technical and Reliability Leaders to integrate TPM activities into the Lean Operating System.
* Champion and deliver digital transformation initiatives that improve operations.
* Collaborate with the Regional Training Manager to ensure robust training standards and tools are in place.
What We’re Looking For:
* Significant professional experience driving operational excellence in the FMCG industry.
* Master’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or a related technical field.
* Extensive hands-on experience in Lean implementation and facilitation.
* Strong practical knowledge of TPM and continuous improvement methodologies.
* Experience managing change in complex business environments.
* Excellent communication, coaching, and collaboration skills.
* Ideally fluency in German and English
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 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.
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