Job Description:

Job: Area Maintenance Tech (Retort and Packaging)

Shift: Days (7 am – 3:30pm) (Flexible to support other shifts as needed) 

Location: Mars Petcare (Fort Smith, AR)

Mars Petcare is seeking an Area Maintenance Technician to join our exciting pet food business at a Fort Smith, AR, manufacturing plant. We focus on the unique needs of cats and dogs. Our obsession with detail allows us to deliver precise, effective nutrition and help them become their magnificent best.

As part of our overall total compensation package, Mars Petcare offers a competitive benefits package to all associates: Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance, Short- & Long-Term Disability, and 401k match. Associates are also immediately eligible (based on hire date) for up to three weeks of vacation, 12 Paid Holidays per year, Sick Pay, Maternity & Parental Leave, and annual bonus earning potential, plus many other ancillary benefits not listed here.

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

Responsibilities

Own PM systems for assigned areas, focusing on Maintenance Planning, Scheduling, and Breakdown Elimination.Active participation and leadership in CP meetings as dictated by MSE obligations.Oversee the coordination of Planned Stops in the assigned area.  Owns identification and alignment with stakeholders concerning maintenance resources to execute planned stops, BDE process, including execution of corrective action across areas of assigned responsibility. Spokesperson for the maintenance group during all DMS discussions.Technical expert in the assigned area, including mechanical, electrical, and control systems, and a thorough understanding of the process. Responsible for leading a team that supports the site in consistently meeting or exceeding safety, quality, environmental, regulatory, financial, and product supply goals.

Drives results in Planned and Unplanned Downtime and owns:

​Maintain & Repair costs for line% Planned Maintenance and PM compliance.Breakdown reductionTechnical expert of related equipment that teaches, coaches, and assesses technicians and operators on this equipment.Perform all the duties of a senior mechanical/electrical technician at the highest levels of technical proficiency. Owns Abnormality Handling DMS Participates in the development and owns portions of the Line's 90-day loss-elimination plans.Support and/or Represent the maintenance team in the daily FMOS meetings. Provides performance data for selected machines and effectively communicates action plans and completed work.SME directly responsible for building Reliability and Operations Associates' capability to work autonomously and resolve. Accountable and Responsible for all Reliability tasks as needed to support projects in assigned area

Education & Professional Qualifications

Minimum: 

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred: 

Associate's degree in a technical discipline, preferably in Industrial Maintenance/Technology.

Physical Requirements:

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

Knowledge / Experience

Minimum:

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

Preferred:

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

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.

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.