Technical Quality Coordinator – Manufacturing
Location: Danville Leaf Factory
Hours: 3rd shift- 7pm-7am
Salary: $75,000-$85,000 (Direct Hire Opportunity)
About the Role
We are looking for a motivated and technically minded Technical Quality Coordinator to join our Leaf Processing team at the Danville Factory.
In this role, you will play an important part in ensuring the quality and consistency of packed leaf by connecting laboratory testing, technical quality standards, and manufacturing operations. Working closely with the local Processing team and Global Technical Quality (GLTQ), you will analyze quality results, monitor processing performance, and recommend adjustments to processing settings to ensure products consistently meet the company quality requirements.
Beyond technical quality responsibilities, you will lead and develop a team of seasonal employees, oversee laboratory operations, and promote a safe, efficient, and continuously improving working environment.
This is a dynamic, year-round position offering the opportunity to make a direct impact on product quality, manufacturing performance, and team development.
Key Responsibilities
1. Technical Quality and Laboratory Operations
- Oversee daily Quality Laboratory activities, ensuring testing is performed accurately, consistently, and in accordance with QMS and GLTQ standards.
- Ensure laboratory equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, inspected, and ready for operation.
- Monitor and analyze quality testing results, providing timely and reliable data to the Processing team.
- Identify quality deviations and recommend appropriate adjustments to processing parameters to maintain product consistency and meet technical specifications.
- Lead or coordinate Non-Conformity investigations, identify root causes, and propose corrective and preventive action plans.
- Ensure quality results and investigations are properly documented and communicated to relevant stakeholders.
2. Technical Standards, Data, and Continuous Improvement
- Partner with Leaf Processing to monitor product quality and ensure compliance with technical standards.
- Collaborate with Global Technical Quality (GLTQ) to share quality data, analysis, technical findings, and best practices.
- Identify opportunities to improve laboratory performance, product consistency, and manufacturing processes.
- Support the implementation of technical quality improvements and best practices across the facility.
3. People Management and Development
- Supervise and coordinate a team of seasonal employees, ensuring adequate staffing and effective execution of daily activities.
- Participate in seasonal recruitment and provide functional, technical, and equipment-operation training.
- Establish goals, delegate responsibilities, monitor performance, and provide regular feedback and coaching.
- Coordinate mandatory training with the Line Manager, EHS, and People & Culture (P&C).
- Monitor attendance and absenteeism, maintain minimum staffing levels, and coordinate alternative coverage when required.
- Manage employee schedules and staggered breaks, validate and approve timecards, and address performance or disciplinary matters as necessary.
- Ensure employees have the resources, knowledge, and support needed to perform their responsibilities safely and effectively.
4. Safety and Workplace Standards
- Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with safety policies and procedures.
- Complete scheduled Behavior Observation System (BOS) activities, safety dialogues, and workplace walkthroughs.
- Verify equipment guarding, safe operating conditions, and compliance with applicable EHS requirements.
- Partner with the local EHS team to address occupational safety, fire protection, environmental, and workplace hygiene requirements.
- Promote and maintain 5S3R standards, ensuring a clean, organized, and safe working environment.
5. Non-Processing Season Responsibilities
- Coordinate and perform deep cleaning of the Quality Laboratory and assigned processing equipment.
- Coordinate equipment inspections, maintenance, calibration, and readiness activities with the Maintenance team.
- Identify equipment deficiencies and ensure required maintenance actions are addressed before the next processing season.
- Ensure laboratory facilities, equipment, and resources are ready to support the upcoming processing campaign.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably within the manufacturing industry.
- At least 1 additional year of experience in a supervisory or team leader position.
- Basic mechanical aptitude and understanding of manufacturing equipment.
- Good understanding of tobacco leaf characteristics and different types of tobacco leaf.
- Experience in quality control, laboratory testing, or manufacturing operations is an advantage.
Technical and Professional Skills
- Understanding of manufacturing processes, quality standards, and laboratory testing practices.
- Ability to interpret quality data, identify deviations, and recommend process improvements.
- Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to learn and effectively use manufacturing and quality management systems.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Leadership and Behavioral Competencies
- Effective people management skills, including goal setting, delegation, performance evaluation, and feedback.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
- Good planning, organization, and time management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
- Strong collaboration skills and ability to build relationships across different functions.
- Proactive problem-solving mindset, open-mindedness, and willingness to learn and continuously improve.
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