Value Stream Manager - Burr Ridge, IL

The Value Stream Manager leads and integrates the efforts of operating teams across 24 hour 7-day shifts to insure that quality products are safely manufactured in sanitary conditions. The Value Stream Manager is responsible for efficiently and effectively managing the area within cost goals and produce sufficient quantities to meet our customer’s demands with engaged associates. The Value Stream Manager will also provide leadership and motivation on Strategy, Individual Business Objectives, Factory Operating Systems (FMOS), and Associate Development. As required, the Value Stream Manager will act as the sole authority over all area / value stream assets and activities during periods of Plant Director absence.

What are we looking for?

Must have previous People Leadership experience and a demonstrated ability and desire to work with people, both individuals as well as in teams. Must have a working knowledge of Mars Inc. operating policies, Food and Drug Laws, OSHA requirements, EEO and Wage and Hour Laws, etc. Should have a broad understanding of major functions within the plant and the ability to work directly with individuals at all levels and functions. Must possess an understanding of lean manufacturing techniques and philosophies, as well as a thorough knowledge of the MARS Operating System and all its components.

EDUCATION:

An undergraduate degree or equivalent preferably in one of the engineering, basic sciences or business-related disciplines is highly desirable.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:

At least 6 years total business experience with at least 5 years managerial experience is very desirable. Thorough technical knowledge of process, equipment, controls and products. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of human relations skills, principles and team building processes. Good communications skills.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Conversion - Own and lead the efforts of operating teams of multiple lines or technologies within a value stream across multiple shifts in the efficient conversion of materials into quality products in a safe, secure and sanitary manner within the product design specifications and budgets. Directly and indirectly manage a cross-functional team in the overall operation of the value stream, including Activity Management, Capacity Planning, Machine rates, Maintenance and Engineering projects, Research and Development improvements, and Scheduling.

  MARS Operating System – Advocate and actively support the site Operating System. Participate in value stream information flow and escalation processes as required. Proactively participate and coach direct reports and others in value stream in delivery of all six sections of the Operating System

  Change Agent - Recommend and implement changes in methods, equipment, systems and organization, as needed, to assure that the objectives of the area are met. Deliver area requirements by influencing and gaining co-operation from other departments (Engineering, Quality Services, Commercial and Scheduling/Logistics).

  Associate Advocacy - Proactively manage associate relations issues; guide and direct the hiring, training, retraining, development and motivation of Operations associates following team working principles with a minimum degree of guidance from the Plant Manager. Drive Associate engagement through a foundation of teamwork and individual accountability. Gallup scores will be the criteria of choice for assuring consistency from site to site.

  Food Safety and Product Quality – Assure the ongoing production of safe and defect free products consistent with the principles of Mars. HACCP proficiency is required; this manager owns ongoing training and championing of quality goals and improvements at the area level.

  Goal Setting and Measurement - Utilizing Operations teams, establish area performance standards and goals based on site goals and strategies; measure, control, take corrective action and report results as appropriate in all areas of responsibility. Annually assist in development of area budgets and KPI targets.

  Troubleshooting - Manage/guide the technical area coverage resources for the troubleshooting and repair of process/packaging equipment problems, with the objective of effectively utilizing these resources to achieve desired performance levels.

  Communications - Ensure that open communications are established and that opportunities to broaden the scope and responsibility of Operations teams/associates are undertaken. The Area Manager is the key resource to deliver regular business performance updates.

  Technology Advancement - Advise the Plant Director when opportunities exist for moving the area forward in technological change. Recommend improvements, which would result in new and improved equipment and or methods to minimize production costs and improve quality.

  Area Strategy - Participate with the Plant Director and other Operations and cross-functional support associates in the implementation of short and long term improvement strategies that will enable more effective and efficient Value Stream performance.

  Value Stream Strategy – Participate with other managers in Planning, Sourcing, Delivery, Engineering, and Strategic business roles in the development and implementation of continuous improvement strategies that will drive the overall supply pipeline.

  Associate Development - With the support and participation of the site leadership team, evaluate exempt and non-exempt associate performance. In conjunction with associates’ career goals, create development plans to challenge their potential.

  Personal Development - Keep abreast of managerial and technical competencies both within and outside Mars Chocolate NA. Proactively seek opportunities and incorporate into annual development plans.

  Site Management – The incumbent of this position must be prepared to act on behalf of the Plant Director in his/her absence, i.e., protection of human and physical assets, Crisis Management, conducting Staff Meetings, address public relations issues, etc.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 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.

#LI-LW1

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.