PSC440T4 - Production Technical Lead (1st)

Ajinomoto Foods North America•Lampasas, TX

About The Position

The Production Technical Lead (PTL) is a shop-floor position responsible for the safety, quality, and productivity of an assigned production line or area. The PTL drives technical excellence, supports continuous improvement, and trains teams on technical processes. The role may require time-sensitive decision-making and helps maintain compliance with regulatory and technical standards. It also anticipates and removes roadblocks for line operators while considering daily production goals and potential scenarios. The PTL provides technical leadership in food-processing equipment, formulations, and manufacturing methods; monitors area performance; troubleshoots production issues; and trains and coaches operators. The position works with site leadership and cross-functional partners to improve processes, implement new equipment and products, and ensure safety, quality, and regulatory standards are met.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 4 years of manufacturing experience, preferably in the food industry.
Proven experience troubleshooting processing equipment and implementing technical solutions.
Consistent attendance and dependability, including punctuality, completing scheduled shifts, following absence-reporting policies, and adhering to break times.
Continuous-improvement mindset.
Basic computer and typing skills, including Microsoft Office.
Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to lead through influence and coaching.
Ability to understand, adhere to, and uphold safety, quality, and productivity standards.
Ability to write routine reports and procedures and provide training to assigned personnel.
Ability to remain composed and resilient in a quickly changing environment.
Ability to operate and read measuring devices, including scales, rulers, and thermometers.
Process and mechanical aptitude, including the ability to read, understand, and apply OEM and company equipment manuals and operating procedures or principles.
Basic math skills, including calculator use.
Ability to meet the described physical requirements, including regularly walking, climbing stairs, reaching, standing, handling objects or controls, stooping, kneeling, crouching, talking, and hearing; frequently lifting or moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds; and working for extended periods in hot environments up to 100 °F or cold environments down to 0 °F.
Close and distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

College coursework.
Production Lead experience.
Lean Manufacturing experience.
Advanced knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and food-safety regulations.
Advanced knowledge of OSHA and safety regulations, including 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, and lead troubleshooting of technical issues on the production floor.
Facilitate NWT shift huddles, weekly “drumbeat” meetings, and other meetings to communicate performance, share challenges, solicit ideas, and recognize employees.
Use Standard Work to ensure centerline compliance; teach centerline settings, their importance, and how to manage deviations.
Train and coach front-line operators to strengthen technical capability and support safe, productive operations.
Identify opportunities to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reduce waste, and enhance product quality.
Monitor key performance indicators related to safety, quality, and cost.
Ensure material usage and weight control are measured and meet standards, and that processes and equipment operate at expected rates.
Provide technical training on equipment operation, process control, and troubleshooting to reduce or eliminate minor stops, downtime, and scrap.
Recommend and implement process improvements and new technologies.
Ensure tasks are completed safely and in compliance with safety policies and regulations; report safety incidents to Operations management, the Safety department, or Human Resources.
Ensure assigned employees are trained in and follow safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout, machine guarding, confined space, live electrical work, lifting and material handling, and knife safety.
Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and company food-safety policies.
Use the 5S methodology to maintain good housekeeping.
Complete or verify required production, process, safety, and 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.
Communicate daily with front-line operators about productivity, safety, and quality performance; solicit improvement suggestions and provide recognition.
Partner with Quality and Sanitation to ensure regulatory and company quality standards are met.