Technical Lead; 3rd Shift

Technical Lead (3rd Shift)

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc.

Location:

Leawood, MO

Salary: $79,000 - $116,000

Employment Type:

Full-time

Seniority Level: Mid-Senior

Job Function:
Information Technology

Production Technical Lead (PTL) is a shop-floor position responsible for Safety, Quality and Productivity of the assigned production line/area to ensure operational excellence. The PTL drives technical excellence, supports continuous improvement initiatives, trains teams on technical processes, and makes time-sensitive decisions to maintain compliance with regulatory and technical standards. The PTL serves as an important link to remove roadblocks for line operators while meeting daily production goals.

• 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," and other meetings to communicate performance, share challenges, solicit ideas and provide recognition.
• Ensure centerline compliance via Standard Work; teach centerline settings and deviation management.
• 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 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.
• 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 adhere to established safety procedures for Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Machine Guarding, Confined Space, Live Electrical Work, Lifting and Material Handling, Knives, and 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 maintain excellent housekeeping.
• Complete or verify completion of required production, process, safety or quality documents such as 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.
• Punctuality and consistent attendance.
• Continuous Improvement mindset.
• Basic computer and typing skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Leadership through influence and coaching.
• Understanding and adherence to safety, quality and productivity standards.
• Write routine reports, procedures and provide training to assigned personnel.
• Composed and resilient in rapidly changing environments.
• Operate and read measuring devices including scales, rulers and thermometers.
• Process and mechanical aptitude, including ability…