Job Description: Job Opportunity: Continuous Improvement Manager Location: Birstall, Leeds Salary: Competitive Bonus Benefits Type: Full-time, Permanent We’re looking for a CI Manager to play a pivotal role in delivering new production assets and driving performance across a fast-paced pet food manufacturing environment. You’ll lead commissioning, validation, and start-up of equipment while owning the site’s loss analysis agenda—identifying where we lose efficiency, speed, and quality, and turning those insights into high-impact improvement projects. This role is critical to ensuring our lines start strong, run efficiently, and continuously improve in a high-volume, high-demand setting—helping us deliver the quality pet nutrition that millions of pets rely on every day. Key Responsibilities Lead commissioning, validation, and start-up (CVS) of lines/ equipment and new product development Own and lead site-wide loss analysis across key metrics (OEE, waste, downtime, speed loss) Identify and prioritise the biggest losses impacting throughput, cost, and service Build and manage a pipeline of focused improvement projects aligned to business priorities Lead delivery of loss reduction initiatives—from data analysis through to shopfloor implementation and sustainment Apply structured problem-solving tools (RCA, 5 Whys, DMAIC) to eliminate root causes of chronic losses Champion TPM principles, embedding a culture of continuous improvement and operator ownership Work closely with production, engineering, and maintenance teams to improve line reliability and efficiency Support rapid ramp-up of new lines to target speeds, waste, and quality standards About You Engineering or technical degree (or equivalent) or equivalent experience Strong experience in FMCG or high-volume manufacturing environments (food/pet food preferred) Proven track record in commissioning/start-up and driving line performance improvements Deep understanding of OEE, loss trees, and waste reduction in a production setting Experience delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, waste, and downtime Knowledge of TPM, Lean, or Six Sigma methodologies Strong presence on the shopfloor with the ability to engage and influence operators and leaders Data-driven, results-focused, and comfortable working at pace What can you expect from Mars? Be part of a purpose-driven business: A Better World for Pets Work on products that make a real difference to the health and happiness of pets globally 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