About this role
Job Description:
At Mars, we are driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. Within Mars Snacking, we create moments of joy for millions of consumers around the globe through our world-famous confectionery and snacking brands.
We are currently seeking an experienced, people-first Value Stream Manager to join our Factory Management Team (FMT) at our Botany cereals manufacturing site.
As a true "leader of leaders," you will take ownership of end-to-end site production operations, champion operational excellence, and nurture a high-performance culture across our factory floor.
Reporting into the Botany Plant Director this is an exciting opportunity to make a difference at this iconic manufacturing site.
What are we looking for?
• Proven Operational Leadership: Demonstrated success as a senior operations or manufacturing manager in a fast-paced FMCG / Food Manufacturing environment. • People Leadership & Culture: A genuine passion for developing people, building cohesive teams, and driving sustainable cultural transformation across safety, food safety, and engagement. • Continuous Improvement Expertise: Strong background in Integrated Work Systems (IWS) / Mars Supply Excellence (MSE) / TPM and Lean manufacturing methodologies. • Commercial & Financial Acumen: Proven experience managing large-scale operational budgets, conversion costs (PCC), yield, overtime, and productivity programs. • Safety & Quality Champion: Uncompromising dedication to Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) and Quality & Food Safety (Q&FS) regulatory and company standards. • Strategic Problem-Solving: Ability to navigate complexity, balance competing priorities, and effectively influence stakeholders across all levels of the business. • Tertiary Qualifications: Degree in Engineering, Food Science, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Operations, or a related discipline.
What will be your key responsibilities?
1. Strategic Operations & Operational Excellence
• Partner with the Factory Management Team to deploy the site strategy, CBN (Compelling Business Need), and operational roadmap for the Botany facility. • Deliver on critical operational performance indicators, including Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), Plant Conversion Cost (PCC), yield, waste reduction, scrap, and repair & maintenance (R&M). • Direct manufacturing activities across an annual production volumes, managing controllable costs and raw & packaging materials usage. • Oversee site-based warehousing operations and ensure seamless introduction of new product innovations within established network and quality standards.
2. Inspiring Leadership & Capability Building
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing leadership group consisting of 8 direct reports (including Shift Operations Managers, Inbound Warehouse Manager, Sanitation Manager, Operational Excellence Manager, and Production Scheduler) and over 180 indirect factory associates. • Build capability across the operations group through continuous coaching, robust development plans, and effective succession planning. • Lead positive Employee Relations (ER) strategies to maintain an inclusive, highly engaged, and collaborative workplace culture.
3. Safety, Quality & Food Safety Excellence
• Vigorously champion and uphold Mars Environmental, Safety & Health (ESH) standards, fostering a proactive zero-harm safety mindset. • Ensure stringent adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Mars Quality & Food Safety (Q&FS) policies to guarantee product integrity and consumer trust. • Lead root-cause investigations for safety, environmental, and food safety near-misses and incidents, driving long-term preventative measures.
What can you expect from Mars?
• Work that Matters: Be part of a family-owned, values-led business where your work directly shapes the future of our brands and operations. • The Five Principles: Our daily work and decisions are guided by our Five Principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom. • Growth & Development: Access to award-winning learning and development programs via Mars University, alongside global career progression opportunities. • Total Rewards: A competitive remuneration package, comprehensive health and wellbeing initiatives, flexible working arrangements, and associate product allowances. • An Inclusive Culture: A vibrant workplace where diverse voices are celebrated and everyone feels a strong sense of belonging.