Production Technical Lead - Line 4 - 2nd Shift

Ajinomoto Foods North America•Oakland, MS

16h

About The Position

The Production Technical Lead (PTL) is a shop-floor position responsible for safety, quality, and productivity in an assigned production line or area. The role drives technical excellence on the production floor, supports continuous improvement, and trains teams on technical processes. It involves time-sensitive decision-making and maintaining compliance with regulatory and technical standards. The PTL anticipates and removes obstacles for line operators while considering daily production goals and potential scenarios. The PTL serves as a subject matter expert on food-processing equipment, formulations, and manufacturing methods; guides process optimization and equipment utilization; and leads troubleshooting. The position monitors performance indicators and production standards, supports operator training and coaching, and identifies opportunities to improve equipment effectiveness, reduce waste, and enhance product quality. The role works with site leadership and cross-functional teams, including maintenance, engineering, safety, quality, and sanitation, to address production challenges and implement new processes, equipment, product scale-ups, and trials. The PTL also supports compliance with safety requirements, food-safety standards, and required production, process, safety, and quality documentation.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 4 years of manufacturing experience.
Proven experience troubleshooting processing equipment and implementing technical solutions.
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.
Composure and resilience in quickly changing environments.
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 bulletin operating procedures or principles.
Basic math skills, including use of a calculator.
Punctuality, consistent attendance and dependability, completion of scheduled shifts, compliance with absence-reporting policies, and adherence to break times.
Ability to walk, climb stairs, reach, stand, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, stoop, kneel or crouch, and talk and hear.
Ability to frequently lift or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.
Required vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Ability to work for extended periods in hot environments up to 100 °F or cold environments down to 0 °F.

Nice To Haves

College coursework.
Manufacturing experience in the food industry.
Production Lead experience.
Lean Manufacturing experience.
Advanced knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and food-safety regulations.
Advanced knowledge of OSHA and safety regulations, such as 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” meetings, and other meetings to communicate performance, share challenges, solicit ideas, and provide recognition.
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.
Ensure 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 5S 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, and 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.