Production Technical Lead - 2nd Shift

Ajinomotocareers; Michigan; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. is seeking a Production Technical Lead to drive safety, quality and productivity on the assigned production line.

The role focuses on technical excellence, one-line troubleshooting, and staff coaching to elevate operator capability and equipment utilization. The successful candidate will lead continuous improvement efforts, oversee process control, and ensure compliance with GMP/HACCP standards while coordinating with maintenance, engineering, and quality

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of manufacturing experience, preferably in the food industry.
• Experience troubleshooting processing equipment and implementing technical solutions.
• Production lead experience and lean manufacturing familiarity preferred.
• Strong communication and leadership through influence and coaching.

Responsibilities

• Lead line/area technical leadership to optimize safety, quality and productivity.
• Coach front-line operators on technical processes and equipment use.
• Identify opportunities to improve OEE and reduce waste.
• Conduct trainings and facilitate shift huddles and performance reviews.
• Ensure GMP/HACCP compliance and safety policies across operations.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Leadership

Communication

Lean Manufacturing

Education

High school diploma or GED

College coursework preferred

Job description

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
  • 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
    • 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:
    • Batch sheets
    • Production Lot Coding
    • 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 safety regulations (OSHA 10/30)

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Requirements are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to walk, climb stairs, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to stand; use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; stoop, kneel or crouch; and talk and hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be capable of working in hot (100 °F) or cold (0 °F) environments for extended periods of time.

AAP/EEO STATEMENT

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. (AFNA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AFNA does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by stated, federal, or local law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.