Factory Activity Manager - Fixed Term

Mars: Where your Tomorrow Starts Today!

Mars is a family-owned business that has been making products for people and their pets for more than 100 years. We’re behind some of the best loved brands in the world including MARS®, SNICKERS®, EXTRA®, ECLIPSE®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, DOLMIO®, BEN’S ORIGINAL ® MASTERFOODS ® and ROYAL CANIN® ORIJEN® ACANA® we are dedicated to making a positive impact on people and the planet. 

Join us in building a sustainable future where people, communities, and the planet can truly thrive.

• Location: Bathurst, NSW, Australia (BTH)
• Segment: Pet Nutrition
• Job Level: T1
• Hours & Arrangement: Full-time, fixed term until December 2027
• Reporting to: Portfolio Planning Manager

The role

As our Factory Activity Manager (FAM), you will sit at the vital intersection of business integration and factory operations. You will drive key business and factory projects from concept to reality, utilizing Mars’ flagship Stage and Gate methodologies (QuEST and QES). This is a highly collaborative role where you will manage multiple projects across the ANZ region and affiliates, ensuring every initiative is delivered on time, on budget, and fully aligned with our regional growth strategy.

Through the S&OP+ framework, you will act as a key connector—ensuring risks are anticipated, stakeholders are aligned, and our supply pipeline remains robust and agile.

Key Responsibilities

• Project & Stage Gate Management: Lead and manage the execution of factory-specific elements of market projects through the QuEST stage-gate process. Establish, communicate, and enforce timelines covering new innovations, affiliate projects, value leadership, and compliance.
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Lead the Factory Activity Task Group. Inspire, motivate, and align cross-functional team members to deliver project milestones.
• Risk & Issue Resolution: Facilitate comprehensive factory risk assessment processes, proactively develop mitigation plans, and guide the team through complex issue resolution.
• S&OP+ and Stakeholder Alignment: Active participation in SOG feeder meetings to provide transparency on project statuses, risks, and opportunities to key stakeholders.
• Continuous Improvement: Cultivate a continuous improvement mindset, reviewing project learnings to optimize future project management frameworks.
• Technical Quality & Data Ownership: Responsible for creating and maintaining Veritas Trade and Printed specifications, managing PFM workflows, and utilizing Yellowfin data for artwork launches.

What We Are Looking For

• University degree preferred
• 2 to 5 years of experience in dedicated Project or Process Management, ideally within a manufacturing, FMCG, or packaging environment.
• Key Capabilities:
  • Action-Oriented & Results-Driven: A proven ability to deliver consistent results under tight timelines.
  • Collaborative Relationship Builder: Outstanding communication skills with the ability to foster trust and navigate conflict across diverse business functions.
  • Comfortable with Ambiguity: Ability to navigate complex, fast-moving challenges and keep projects on track when variables shift.
  • Problem-Solving Prowess: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to identify bottlenecks and engineer proactive solutions.