A mutually rewarding experience.

Work. Realize your ambitions. And realize there’s more to being in business than just making a profit. That’s the Mars philosophy. And the opportunity we offer every one of our Associates. An opportunity to take what you do and make it mean more for you, for those around you and for the planet.  What you get here is challenging, interesting work. You get the tools you need to do a great job and you get to have the best possible people on your side to help you do it. And at the same time as getting to find ways to do business better today than we did it yesterday and driving a great career, you also get to build a more enlightened business and drive sustainability.

Because it’s never just about a single person, a single project or a single brand. It’s about how you can grab everything that’s within your reach here and use it to pursue mutual, long-term gain. It’s about having ideas. And ideals. Being prepared to risk failure because the promise of success means we’ll all be a little better off. It’s that mix of integrity and ambition that makes Mars such a special place to work. And why working here is always about more than just a job.

About Mars, Incorporated 

Mars is a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love. With almost $35 billion in sales, the company is a global business that produces some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, UNCLE BEN’S®, MARS DRINKS and COCOAVIA®. Mars also provides veterinary health services that include BANFIELD® Pet Hospitals, Blue Pearl®, VCA® and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire its more than 100,000 Associates to create value for all its partners and deliver growth they are proud of every day.

Continuous Improvement Technician

Location/Site: Fort Smith, AR    

Segment: Petcare

Shift schedule: 85% Monday-Friday 7 AM- 3:30 PM. The other 15% of the time will be varied depending on projects and support needed by operations. Overtime may also be needed.

Job Purpose/Overview

The primary objective is to provide analysis, training and support for the improvement of site performance. This role will seek out opportunities as well as drive initiatives to find resolution to those opportunities. They will utilize a structured lean approach to implement cost reduction and efficiency improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish, deploy, execute and govern the FI Pillar and master plan across the Market with a focus on the FI main roles:  methodology, training, coaching
• Support the definition of FI structure at the Factory level and ensure alignment with the other Pillars
• Train and coach the factory leaders, project leaders and other as needed on the FI methodologies
• Report status and results of DMAIC projects to relevant managers and stakeholders
• Ensure that the benefits generated by the projects are properly measured and that the impact on total costs are effectively validated by F&C
• Check adherence to FI methodology, provide support, create alignment, and review the FI drivers & actions with the Factory
• Track/understand FI impact on function (results connected with business e.g. OPEX savings triggered by problem-solving activities) and achievements of FI Pillar (e.g. FI success stories) in order to identify potential adjustments / improvements to be implemented;
• Interact with the Executive Team, Factory Managers, Pillar Leaders, Department Managers, TPM Managers, Focused Improvement Teams
• Partner with area managers to identify efficiency and waste opportunities and support them with projects to drive improvements.
• Be a driving force on the AM pillar to ensure that baselines are established and that the AWT’s have the necessary skills to improve their area.
• Ability to work any shift as needed
• Ability to tolerate an ambiguous environment

Job Specifications/Qualifications

Knowledge and Experience:

• 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment 
• Working knowledge of Programmable Logic Control (PLC)
• Working knowledge of electrical systems
• Working knowledge of mechanical systems
• Working knowledge of compressed air system and components
• Working knowledge of boilers
• Working knowledge of Preventative Maintenance programs and systems
• Ability to convey communications clearly and concisely
• Successful completion of a drug and background screen
• Understanding of major functions within the plant and the ability to work directly with all levels and functions

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of high voltage systems
• Experience with reading electrical blueprints
• Demonstrated experience working in safety
• At least 1 year experience working in a food production environment  
• At least 7 years of experience in a production environment
• At least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial role
• Project management experience
• Experience with planning and managing a plant’s maintenance budget
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, internet software and e-mail.
• An undergraduate degree, preferably in Engineering, Basic Sciences or Business related disciplines
• Working knowledge of OSHA/EPA requirements and related guidelines
• Working knowledge of Lock Out Tag Out Procedures
• Working knowledge of property protection insurance requirements

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.