Production Team Leader

Job Purpose/Overview

• Production Team Leader is a critical, hands-on management role to lead shift associates and contractors (50+) to deliver all appropriate standards for the shift.
• Role is expected to facilitate, co-ordinate, prioritize and communicate operational activities in order to achieve the KPIs relevant to the assigned areas in the shift. Role manages and develops the shift associates in the team to foster a high level of team engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead FMOS, PPM & Datalyzer (i.e. shift handover, performance review meetings and process confirmation tours) that enables the team to measure and manage the KPIs of agreed contract deliveries for safety, quality/food safety, cost, customers' service and ATLAS-related KPIs.
• Lead and accountable for conducting shift hand over (Connection Point 0 – CP 0), Connection Point 1 (CP 1), mid shift process confirmation/line tour, end of shift reviews & facilitating Connection Point 3 (CP 3). Also, role is a key member in the Connection Point 2 (CP 2) meeting.
• Escalate and provide clear communication of operational issues (in addition to following escalation standard for Operations, Q&FS and Safety). Be the first point of contact in the shift.
• Ensure the right associates are aware of issues that impact performances. Ensure regular communication with VSM.
• Collaborate with other functions i.e. Quality & Food Safety, Safety, Reliability, Engineering, Supply Chain/Logistics, P&O and Commercial, to ensure consistent product quality, safety, productivity and reliability.
• Promote and drive LEAN principles, problem solving with Mars 10 step methodology and continuous improvement culture within the team. Support the implementation of continuous improvement activities through the KAIZEN program that are impactful to safety, quality/food safety, productivity and reliability to the assigned areas.
• Own value creation (VLiC) projects within their area and make sure of their timely delivery.
• Develop the shift associates by coordinating training, assignment and ownership programs and monitor the associates' development and progress.
• Run appropriate performance reviews and development discussions as part of GLM objectives.
• Ensure disciplinary matters are dealt in accordance to the company policies and procedures.
• Manage under performances of the shift associates through individual or team coaching and initiate Performance Improvement Plan process, when required.
• Conduct team meetings to enhance team building and engagement. Identify issues with engagement and follow up on agreed actions with the team through impact planning.
• Work closely with other Production Team Leaders and shift team members to ensure consistent performance and standardization in practices across the shifts.
• Work closely with VSM and MSE Lead to ensure the team has the required capability, competency and attitude to succeed in delivering the team or areas objectives.
• Lead the execution in ATLAS Manufacturing within the shift to ensure the team’s adherence to ATLAS ways of work in converting the raw and packaging materials into semi-finished/finished goods as per the process orders with timely management of physical inventory, actual consumption, rework and scrap that match the data in the system within the shift. Manage system outage and exceptions according to the guidelines provided.
• Accountable for efficient and effective management of the shift activities within cost and quality goals so that the desired customer demand can be met within targeted service levels, lead times, and responsiveness.
• Manage the costs related to production (labor, contractors, and consumables, production overheads, etc) to reach the planned targets to ensure competitive conversion cost.
• Oversee the operational and non-operational activities in the factory as an Emergency
• Manager who assesses the risks of the work and ensures all safety precautions applied using the TRM process.
• Lead the Emergency Team in handling emergency situations in the factory and act as a site custodian in case of the Plant director & Value Stream Manager absence.
• Oversee the operations of the engineering parts store during the night shift in terms of providing access for parts and ensure proper documentation of the same as per procedure.
• Deploy Nairobi Factory’s Associate: Contractor ratio roadmap as per the predetermined targets.
• Create a sustainable culture of Supply Excellence, Collaboration, Quality Management Process, and Associate Engagement across his/her VS lines.
• Manage the scheduling within the shift and ensures proper execution of the production plan across all shifts through effective handovers to assure target Adherence To Schedule and Customer Service Level for the factory.
• Develop work instruction / standard operating procedures for all activities within the production area, ensure they are reviewed and updated frequently and training of end users.
• Carrying out stock counts as per documented procedure and following up on stock variances with a view to minimize them.
• Work as a commissioning validation and start-up manager for projects within manufacturing as assigned by the Value Stream Manager.
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the Value Stream Manager from time to time.#

Context and Scope

• The position reports to the Value Stream Manager and may be required to perform other duties in factory.

Job Specifications/Qualifications

• Holders of Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science and Technology, Science, Engineering or equivalent from a recognized University.
• The knowledge, skills, and abilities typically acquired through the completion of a bachelor's degree program in a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• At least 4 years total business experience in a busy FMCG.
• This candidate must have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of people relations skills, principles and team building processes as well as being an excellent communicator.
• Must have previous supervisory experience and a demonstrated ability and desire to work with people, both individuals as well as in teams.
• Should have a broad understanding of major functions within the plant and the ability to work directly with individuals at all levels and functions.