Job Description:
Head of Operations in our Mars Chocolate Factory in Viersen
For our chocolate factory in Viersen, near Düsseldorf, we are seeking an experienced people leader to lead and optimize end-to-end manufacturing operations.
In this role, you will be responsible for the performance of three different production lines, ensuring excellence across safety, quality, delivery, and cost. You will also be responsible for driving part of the operational excellence program and contributing to the successful commissioning of new production equipment.
You will lead cross-functional teams including operations, technical leadership, and business support roles, driving alignment between production execution and business objectives.
This is a senior role within the leadership team, backfilling the plant director when needed, with significant responsibility, offering the opportunity to influence operational performance and continuous improvement initiatives at scale as well as influencing the people and engagement agenda of the site.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coordinate and engage production teams across all shifts within the value stream. This team consists of production teams, an operational excellence team, a production scheduling team, a technical lead, a start-up lead and a training team (10 direct, more than 200 indirect)
- Secure robust talent pipeline for the operations team
- Own the operational excellence program for the production teams (autonomous maintenance, focused improvement, training)
- Drive performance across key metrics: safety, quality, delivery, cost and reliability
- Plan, direct, and monitor manufacturing activities to meet specifications, schedules, and cost targets
- Oversee production processes such as assembly, processing, packaging, and material handling
- Apply structured problem-solving to resolve operational challenges effectively
- Drive future plannings such as automation and digitalisation
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence
Your Profile
- Proven experience in manufacturing, plant operations, or supply chain management
- University degree in supply chain, engineering, business or similar
- Strong leadership experience managing large teams in a production environment
- Deep understanding of end-to-end manufacturing and value stream concepts
- Experience in production planning, performance management, and continuous improvement
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders
- Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or operational excellence methodologies is an advantage
- Experience in leading large and multi-level teams
- Fluency in German and business proficiency in English required.
- Strong people focus and successful talent development
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.
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