Integrated Work Team (IWT) Leader

Job: Integrated Work Team (IWT) Leader

Shift: Days

Location: Mars Petcare – Aurora, Nebraska

Mars Petcare is looking to hire an Integrated Work Team (IWT) Leader for our state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Aurora, Nebraska! Being a Mars Associate is all about opportunity.  The opportunity to do challenging, exciting work that shapes the world’s best-loved brands.  To work with real purpose, supported by talented, friendly people from different backgrounds.  Access the tools, training, and experience you need to impact our business, the planet positively, and, most importantly, your career.  Being a Mars associate is more than a job.  It’s the opportunity to start your day tomorrow.

The Integrated Work Team (IWT) Leader is a day-based role that is put in place to drive MSE execution activities at the factory floor level. They are the key link between shift-based teams and area triads who clearly communicates activities with leaders and operators to maintain alignment on strategy and availability of resources. They train operators and technicians on practical MSE tools and systems. They manage the execution of implementation plans and coordinates expected timelines and outcomes. They also assist in developing technical training for their integrated work team (IWT). 

The IWT Leader does not have direct reports, but they must be able to influence without authority. They drive safety, quality, continuous improvement, assist with Associate development, team engagement and operating results for their assigned area in partnership with the shift-based teams, area triads, and the Supply Excellence Manager.  

Broadly - the “Integrated Work Team” (IWT) is a group of people working together in a defined area within the factory. The term “Integrated Work Team” comes from combining the core of Autonomous Maintenance and Progressive Maintenance into one, high-functioning team. The IWTs are responsible for the elimination of losses, transformation of their workplace, achieving breakthrough/sustainable results and development of their own autonomy through the implementation of Mars Supply Excellence methodologies, systems & tools. 

Responsibilities

• Promote the execution of MSE activities driving factory results at the line level 

• Lead the integrated work team (IWT) meetings 

• Facilitate step assessments 

• Understand and coach problem-solving techniques 

• Hold others accountable to MSE standards and results as an individual contributor (influence without authority) 

• Help develop technical training for integrated work team (IWT) 

• Work closely with all shift-based teams to align expectations and needs (i.e., coordinate operator/technician be pulled form the floor to support IWT activities) 

• They are the link between shift-based teams and area triad who clearly communicates activities with leaders and operators to maintain alignment on strategy and availability of resources. 

• Manage execution of IWT implementation plans and coordinate expected timelines and outcomes with the shift-based leaders, area triads, and the Supply Excellence Manager 

• Become Train the Trainer certified for their areas of ownership and train operators on MSE systems and tools 

• Work alongside triad/area owners to understand their area losses and link losses to Pillar systems and tools 

• Must be available to work on shift if needed based on coaching needs 

Education & Professional Qualifications 

Minimum:   

• 2+ years of experience in a technical manufacturing continuous improvement environment and High School Diploma/GED 

Preferred:   

• Associates Degree in Engineering, Supply, Business, or technical field of study with at least 2 years’ experience in a TPM manufacturing environment with 2+ years of experience 

Knowledge / Experience

• Working knowledge of Mars Supply Excellence systems and tools 

• Basic project management skills 

• Displays strong leadership skills with co-workers 

• Ability to coach and work with individuals in small teams 

• Ability to develop professional relationships with employees at all levels 

• Ability to convey communications clearly and concisely 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, etc) 

• Previous leadership experience preferred 

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.

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.