Production Technical Lead

Ajinomoto Foods North America•Oakland, MS

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Production Technical Lead (PTL) is a shop-floor position responsible for Safety, Quality, and Productivity of an assigned production line/area to ensure operational excellence. The PTL is responsible for driving technical excellence on the production floor, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and training teams on technical processes. This position may require time-sensitive decision-making and will play a critical role in maintaining compliance with regulatory and technical standards. The PTL serves as an important link in using foresight to remove roadblocks for line operators, considering daily production goals and potential scenarios.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Minimum 4 years of manufacturing experience, preferably in the food industry
Proven experience with troubleshooting processing equipment and implementation of technical solutions
Punctual. Demonstrates consistent attendance and dependability by being on time for every scheduled shift, completing a full shift, following company policy for reporting absences and adhering to break times.
Continuous Improvement mindset
Basic computer and typing skills, including Microsoft Office
Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills
Leadership through influence and coaching
Understand, adhere to and uphold standards for safety, quality and productivity
Write routine reports, procedures and provide training to assigned personnel
Composed and resilient in quickly changing environments
Operation and reading of measuring devices, including scales, rulers and thermometers
Process and mechanical aptitude, including ability to read, understand and apply OEM and Company equipment manual and bulletin operating procedures/principles
Basic math skills, including use of a calculator

Nice To Haves

College coursework preferred
Production Lead experience preferred
Lean Manufacturing experience preferred
Advanced knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and food safety regulations
Advanced knowledge of OSHA and safety regulations (OSHA 10/30)

Responsibilities

Serve as a subject matter expert for food processing equipment, formulations, and manufacturing methods.
Provide direction on process optimization and equipment utilization.
Lead troubleshooting of technical issues on the production floor.
Facilitate NWT shift huddles, weekly “drumbeat,” and other meetings to communicate performance, share challenges, solicit ideas, and provide recognition.
Via Standard Work, ensure centerline compliance for the area of responsibility. Teach centerline settings, their importance, and how to manage deviation.
Provide training and coaching to front-line operators to strengthen technical capability and ensure a safe and productive operation.
Identify opportunities to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reduce waste, and enhance product quality.
Monitor appropriate key performance indicators (KPIs) related to Safety, Quality, and Cost.
Ensure material usage and weight control is measured and at standard.
Ensure process and equipment operate at expected rates.
Provide technical training on equipment operation, process control, and troubleshooting to reduce/eliminate minor stops, downtime, and scrap.
Recommend and implement process improvements and new technologies.
Ensure all tasks are completed safely and in compliance with all safety policies and regulations.
Report on all safety incidents to Operations management, Safety department, or Human Resources.
Ensure assigned employees are trained and adhering to established safety procedures for Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Machine Guarding, Confined Space, Live Electrical Work, Lifting and Material Handling, Knives, and other safety regulations/policies.
Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and Company food-safety policies.
Use the 5S methodology to ensure good housekeeping is impeccably maintained.
Complete or verify completion of required production, process, safety, or quality documents, including batch sheets, production lot coding, and GMP/HACCP paperwork.
Collaborate with site leadership, maintenance, engineering, safety, and quality teams to identify and resolve production, safety, or quality challenges.
Partner with cross-functional teams to implement new processes, equipment, product scale-up, and trials.
Provide daily communication on productivity, safety, and quality performance with front-line operators. Solicit improvement suggestions and provide recognition.
Partner with Quality and Sanitation to ensure all regulatory and company quality standards are met.