Continuous Improvement Engineer

Job Description: Continuous Improvement Engineer Leipsic, OH Join Our Team as a Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer! Find your future career at Mars Incorporated! Are you a dynamic problem-solver who thrives on the fast-paced energy of a manufacturing floor? Do you love turning data into action, coaching teams to reach their full potential, and being the mastermind behind cutting‑edge technical systems? As our Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer, you will be the driving force behind the operational excellence of your Production Area. This isn't a desk job—you will own the 24-hour process results of your department, serving as the technical champion and strategic partner to our Shift Managers. From the front lines to the leadership table, you will empower our Associates, streamline our operations, and directly shape the future of our manufacturing success. What are we looking for? Minimum: 3+ years of hands‑on experience driving operational excellence within a continuous improvement manufacturing environment 5+ years manufacturing experience Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) within food manufacturing 5+ years leading, influencing, and engaging cross‑functional teams using situational leadership to drive sustainable behavioral and cultural change. 3+ years connecting, communicating, and building trust with Associates at all levels of the organization—from frontline shop floor operators to plant leadership. 2+ years driving OEE improvements, downtime reduction, root cause analysis, and 5S deployment 2+ years mentoring CI Specialists and operations leads on Lean principles and project management best practices Outstanding analytical and data‑driven problem‑solving skills, with the ability to translate complex manufacturing data into actionable process improvements utilizing data visualization tools Prior utilization of SAP, ERP systems Project Management experience and leading continuous improvement initiatives Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply or technical field of study Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives in food, beverage, or fast‑moving consumer goods (FMCG) Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification (or equivalent TPM / Kaizen practitioner credentials) Professional Project Management certification (e.g., PMP, CAPM, Project Management fundamentals) Proven success in coaching and mentoring frontline Associates and local leaders through a structured continuous improvement journey What will be your key responsibilities? Owns all Daily Management Systems (DMS) execution and leads the Changeover (CO), Centerlines (CL), Clean, Inspect, and Lubricate (CIL), and Abnormality Handling (AH) DMS Conducts detailed analysis on performance data and integrates into Factory Mars Operating System (FMOS) Drives loss elimination for assigned area to include Line Loss Analysis and development of 90‑day action plans to address losses and build associate capability Leads Autonomous Maintenance (AM) process improvement teams focused on the reduction of downtime and loss elimination Supports and coaches Pillar activities within the Value Stream by providing analytics and developing standards Assists Shift Managers in managing the performance of their teams through coaching and skills development Provide overall direction to Continuous Improvement Specialists including development and performance evaluations Support Commission, Validation, Startup (CVS) activities for capital projects 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr