Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc.
Oakland, MS
Shift: fulltime
[Board company: Ajinomoto] Position Summary: Production Technical Lead (PTL) is a shop\-floor position responsible for Safety, Quality and Productivity of assigned production line/area to ensure operational excellence. The Production Technical Lead 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. Position Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (Duties, responsibilities and activities are listed in no order and may be changed or updated at any time with or without notice. Line/Area Leadership * Serve as a subject matter expert for food processing equipment, formulations and manufacturing methods * Provide direction on process optimization and equipment utilization * Lead troubleshooting 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 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 Line/Area Performance * 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 Safety, Quality \& Compliance * Ensure all tasks are completed safely and in compliance with all safety policies and regulations o 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: o Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Machine Guarding, Confined Space, Live Electrical Work o Lifting and Material Handling o Knives o 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: o Batch sheets o Production Lot Coding o GMP/HACCP paperwork Collaboration \& Partnerships: * 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. Position Qualifications: QUALIFICATIONS Education * High school diploma or GED * College coursework preferred Experience * Minimum 4 years of manufacturing experience, preferably in the food industry * Proven experience with troubleshooting processing equipment and implementation of technical solutions * Production Lead experience preferred * Lean Manufacturing experience preferred Demonstrated Proficiency * Lead with Company Purpose and Values * 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