Manager Pilot Plant GIC N

Job Description:

The pilot plant provides the physical facilities, tools and competencies for prototyping, testing and scale-up, and it is regarded as the integral assets for Mars Snacking product development.

The Pilot Plant Manager contributes to the organization by managing these integral assets, focusing on the internal customers’ needs, designing an able & agile pilot plant operation to meet future R&D operational needs.

The Manager works to keep the business infrastructure running by developing technicians through the succession planning process. In this role, the Manager possesses strong skills in people leadership and operations and acts as a single contact point for R&D pilot-scale production.

What are we looking for?

High school degree mandatory; some college courses or Associates, bachelor’s or master’s degrees are preferred

Minimum 7+ years in a technical, mechanical or manufacturing role

Preferred 10+ years in a technical role in the confectionary industry.

• Hands-on operational experience with small scale process equipment/machinery
• Working in global teams or other cross functional areas
• Breadth of experience within either Kitchen or Pilot Plant Areas
• Ability to navigate internal systems that support pilot plant / kitchen operations
• Development of Work Instructions and SOP’s
• Experience of being part of and delivering for a project team.

What will be your key responsibilities?

The Pilot Plant Manager is responsible for leading a team of operations & maintenance technicians while managing the 5 key aspects of the pilot plant: trial execution, quality programs, safety programs, asset health and equipment management. The scope of the pilot plant facility is expansive, which consists of new product and process development, packaging, warehousing and storage. The key responsibilities are:

• Oversee the day-to-day pilot plant operational activities. Including resource scheduling, pre-trial preparation, production runs and record keeping, the Pilot Plant Manager is ultimately accountable for the quality, safety and operational efficiency measures of the daily production runs.
• Implement and sustain a comprehensive quality program for the pilot plant, using the Segment QMS as the framework. The Quality program scope includes all the Q&FS and FSMA components such as GMP, HACCP, allergen management, control of documents and records, verification, validation, etc. Partner with Q&FS Specialist to define, enforce and verify the product quality standards for the pilot plant samples. Ensure that all Q&FS standards are followed by the users.
• Implement and sustain the Safety program for the pilot plant, focusing on the 4 priority areas: workplace transport, working at heights, contractor safety and LOTO. Ensuring availability of the training manuals, user training programs, and verification programs for on-going safety compliance. Accountable for maintaining a safe working environment and participating in safety risk assessments in partnership with the GIC Safety Manager. Ensure that all HSE standards are followed by the users.
• Support equipment management for the pilot plant including footprint configuration, process setup, and asset health. Partner with product developers and engineers to meet process requirements for product/process development trials. Enable process development capabilities through the installation and commissioning of new equipment/processes in accordance with Mars Quality and Safety standards.
• Ideate with the Pilot Plant Campus Manager to create a 5-year capital plan. The CAB investments cover safety upgrades, Q&FS requirements, procurement and installation of new equipment and process capabilities, warehousing solutions and continuous improvement of existing assets.
• Manage the annual operating expense budget for the pilot plant by defining the fiscal year budget needs and monitoring the run rate by period. Report significant budget changes on a period basis.
• Actively identify career development and engagement opportunities for direct reports and frequently hold cross-training programs to upgrade the technicians’ skillset.
• Ensure that the pilot plant team’s KPI for quality, safety, productivity, customer service, and costs are achieved. Develop the succession pipeline for the operations & maintenance technician roles, as well as the succession path for the Pilot Plant Manager role. Fully responsible for all performance management tasks and deliverables related to the pilot plant team.
• Collaborate with the global pilot plant network on best practices to continuously improve pilot plant operations, associate safety and food safety.
• Support and implement, improve and execute preventive maintenance and Asset Health programs

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.
• A strong focus on 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.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range listed is applicable to IL:USD 91,057.00 - USD 125,204.00