1st Shift Production Technical Lead

Ajinomoto

Lampasas, TX

Estimated pay: Est. $17–$26/hr (market estimate, not employer-stated)

Shift: Full time

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:

**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:

**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

Basic math skills, including use of a calculator

Preferred Proficiency

Advanced knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and food safety regulations

Advanced knowledge of OSHA and sa