Technical Lead; 2nd Shift

Join to apply for the Technical Lead (2nd Shift) role at Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc.

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 PTL drives technical excellence on the production floor, supports continuous improvement initiatives, and trains teams on technical processes. The position may require time‑sensitive decision‑making and plays a critical role in maintaining compliance with regulatory and technical standards. The PTL is an important link in identifying obstacles for line operators, considering daily production goals and potential scenarios.

• 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

• Monitor 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

• Ensure all tasks are completed safely and in compliance with all safety policies and regulations
• Report 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

• 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

• High school diploma or GED
• College coursework preferred

• 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

• Lead with Company Purpose and Values
• Punctual; demonstrates consistent attendance and dependability, following company policy for reporting absences and 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…