Reliability Specialist (Herman)

Job Title: Reliability Specialist
Segment / Business Unit: Mars Petcare
Country / Site: Aurora, Nebraska, USA
Shift: Night Shift

Job Purpose

The Reliability Specialist’s role is to effectively and efficiently communicate, facilitate, coordinate, and prioritize all maintenance activities within their area during the night shift. This position requires working closely with other supply groups, particularly Quality, Safety, and Operations, to ensure consistent product quality, productivity, and safety. The Reliability Specialist will make assignments and monitor progress, coordinate training, and develop Reliability and Operations Associates in their area of responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and manage Preventive Maintenance (PM) systems for assigned areas, focusing on Maintenance Planning, Scheduling, and Breakdown Elimination.
• Actively participate in and lead Continuous Improvement meetings as required.
• Oversee the coordination of Planned Stops in the assigned area.
• Identify and align with stakeholders on maintenance resources to execute planned stops and breakdown elimination processes, including the execution of corrective actions.
• Serve as the spokesperson for the maintenance group during daily management system (DMS) discussions.
• Act as the technical expert for the assigned area, including mechanical, electrical, and control systems, with a thorough understanding of the manufacturing process.
• Lead a team to consistently meet or exceed site goals for safety, quality, environmental, regulatory, financial, and product supply.
• Drive results in reducing Planned and Unplanned Downtime and take ownership of:
  • Maintenance and repair costs for the line.
  • Percentage of Planned Maintenance and PM compliance.
  • Reduction in equipment breakdowns.
• Serve as a technical expert who teaches, coaches, and assesses technicians and operators on equipment.
• Perform all duties of a senior mechanical/electrical technician at the highest levels of technical proficiency.
• Own the Abnormality Handling DMS and participate in developing the line's 90-day loss-elimination plans.
• Support and/or represent the maintenance team in daily FMOS meetings, providing performance data and communicating action plans.

Qualifications

Education & Professional Qualifications:

• Minimum: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred: Associate's degree in a technical discipline, preferably in Industrial Maintenance/Technology.

Knowledge / Experience:

Minimum:

• Demonstrated experience in leading change and situational leadership.
• Clear ability to relate to and motivate people and to train others effectively.
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office and SAP.

Preferred:

• Experience operating within a formalized Continuous Improvement environment (e.g., TPM, Lean Manufacturing).
• 3+ years of manufacturing experience in a technical capacity (maintenance controls, electrical, or mechanical).

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent lifting/carrying (10-50 lbs.).
• Frequent pushing/pulling (50-200 lbs.).
• Frequent handling, gripping, bending, and stooping.
• Ability to work at elevated heights, climb stairs, and lean over equipment.
• Ability to stand and/or work on your feet for extended periods (minimum eight hours in one shift).

Commitment to Military Veterans

Mars is a military-friendly employer. We value the leadership, discipline, and problem-solving skills that veterans bring to our organization. We strongly encourage veterans with experience in mechanical, electrical, or technical fields to apply. Your service and experience are highly valued here.

About Mars, Incorporated 

Mars is a family-owned business with over 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.