Continuous Improvement Specialist

Job: Continuous Improvement Specialist

Job Schedule: Full-Time, Days

Location: Mars Petcare – Aurora, Nebraska

The Continuous Improvement Specialist leads loss elimination initiatives within our Mars Supply Excellence (MSE) framework—our adaptation of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). You will partner with line operators and shift managers to support Autonomous Maintenance (AM), Focused Improvement (FI), and Factory Operating Systems (FMOS), while standardizing machine centerlines, driving root-cause analysis, and mentoring operating teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Actively participate in daily FMOS tier meetings (DDS/CP2), maintaining data integrity, gathering line loss data, tracking trends, and reporting performance metrics.

• Serve as the subject matter expert for Autonomous Maintenance Daily Management Systems (AM DMS), including Centerline (CL), Clean-Inspect-Lubricate (CIL), 5S, and Abnormality Handling.

• Lead structured root-cause problem-solving efforts (5-Why, Fishbone, Kaizen events) to eliminate chronic equipment and process losses.

• Develop process control strategies, centerline standards, and out-of-control decision rules to enable line operators to respond quickly to process variations.

• Perform routine AM DMS Health Checks, identify operational gaps, and execute corrective action plans.

• Train, coach, and develop operators and shift teams to build equipment ownership and technical mastery.

• Partner with Shift Managers and Continuous Improvement Engineers to establish training strategies and continuous improvement roadmaps.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Requirements:

• Associate degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or a related technical field with at least 2 years of experience in a TPM / Lean manufacturing or military maintenance environment.

• — OR —

• 4+ years of experience in manufacturing maintenance, military maintenance operations (e.g., Work Center Supervisor, Maintenance Chief, Maintenance Management Analyst), or formal Autonomous Work Team/TPM programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or a technical discipline.

• Formal Lean / Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) or military Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) training.

• Demonstrated experience facilitating Kaizen events, CIL routines, and Centerline management systems.

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift and carry 10–50 lbs.

• Ability to push and pull 50–200 lbs.

• Ability to stand and walk on the production floor for extended periods (minimum 8 hours per shift).

• MILITARY & VETERAN CANDIDATE SUMMARY

• Mars values the leadership, discipline, operational readiness, and technical problem-solving skills developed during military service. If you have experience in maintenance scheduling, quality assurance, logistics/readiness operations, aviation maintenance, combat engineering, or maintenance data analysis, your skills directly transfer to our Continuous Improvement and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) programs.

Target Military Occupational Specialties (MOS / AFSC / Ratings):

• U.S. Army: 91 Series (91X Maintenance Supervisor, 91B, 91A Mechanical Maintenance), 12 Series (12A/12B Engineer Operations), 88 Series (88N Transportation/Logistics Management), and 92 Series (92A Automated Logistical Specialist).

• U.S. Navy: Aviation and Surface Maintenance Ratings (AD, AM, AT, MM, EN, GSM, GSE), Quality Assurance (QA) Inspectors, Work Center Supervisors, and 3-M Coordinators.

• U.S. Air Force: 2A Series (2A6X1 Aerospace Propulsion, 2A6X2 Aerospace Ground Equipment, 2A7X3 Aircraft Structural), 2R Series (2R0X1 Maintenance Management Analysis), and 2S / 2T Series (Materiel Management & Logistics).

• U.S. Marine Corps: 04 Series (0402 / 0411 Logistics and Maintenance Management), 13 Series (1302 / 1349 Engineer Equipment and Maintenance Operations), and 60 / 61 / 62 Series (Aircraft Maintenance Specialists).

• U.S. Coast Guard: Machinery Technicians (MK), Electrician’s Mates (EM), and Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AET / AMT).

• ABOUT MARS, INCORPORATED

• Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in sales, producing globally recognized brands such as PEDIGREE, ROYAL CANIN, WHISKAS, M&M’S, SNICKERS, and BANFIELD Pet Hospitals. Mars operates across 80+ countries, guided by The Five Principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom.

• Commitment to Equal Employer Opportunities: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in accordance with applicable law and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other category protected under federal, state, and local laws. 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.

Note to Search Firms/ Agencies:

• Mars, Incorporated and its subsidiaries and affiliates (Mars) do not compensate search firms for unsolicited assistance unless they have a written search agreement with Mars and the requisition is position-specific. Any resumes, curriculum vitae, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written search agreement or position-specific requisition submitted to any Associate of Mars will be deemed the sole property of Mars and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Mars.

• At Mars we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all candidates and provide reasonable accommodation throughout the hiring process. If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know. All requests for accommodations will be treated confidentially and will only be shared with those involved in the hiring process as necessary.

Benefits at a Glance:

• Industry competitive pay & bonus

• Learning and development support

• Tuition reimbursement

• Pet friendly offices

• Paid time off

• 18 paid weeks off for parental leave in the US

• Up to 23 weeks top-up for parental/maternity leave in Canada

• 5+ days of bereavement leave

• Health & dental package from day 1

• Life insurance & disability coverage

• On-site fitness center

• 401(K) Match/Retirement Savings Plan

• Defined Contribution Pension Plan in Canada

• Note: Benefits may vary by role and location.