About the position
At JTI, we celebrate differences, and everyone truly belongs. We are currently seeking a Leaf Processing Manager for a vital role at JTI Leaf Services(US) LLC. The primary objective of this position is to maintain the quality of tobacco-packed products according to JTI and customer specifications. As the Leaf Processing Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead a team in optimizing yields and production, with the goal of meeting or exceeding departmental targets. This is a full-time position based in Danville, Virginia, and you will report to the Leaf Processing Director USA. In this role, you will manage daily tobacco processing activities to ensure all quality specifications are being met efficiently. You will guide the leaf processing team on the expected results and ensure adjustments to the process/machine are being made and documented as necessary. Safety and operational procedure trainings will be a key focus, ensuring compliance with JTI and local Governmental safety requirements while monitoring daily activities and performance. Collaboration is essential, as you will work closely with the Maintenance and Facilities Manager and respective teams to ensure processing equipment is being properly inspected and maintained for optimum performance. You will lead the maintenance staff during the season for efficient preventive maintenance, aiming to reduce downtime and better meet product specifications. Additionally, you will explore, capture, and implement effective strategies and innovative ideas wherever applicable. Engagement with the Technical Quality Manager will be crucial to ensure processing results meet or exceed JTI and/or other customer technical specifications. In case any packed product is found to be below standards, you will guide the leaf processing staff to perform required adjustments, ensuring non-conformity products are reported and segregated. Conducting a comprehensive Root Cause Analysis to determine the underlying reasons for non-conforming products and devising appropriate solutions will also be part of your responsibilities. You will keep track of performance indicators, production outputs, quality control, equipment downtime, production rates, product accountability, adherence to budgeted costs, and necessary reporting. Furthermore, you will communicate and arrange deliveries and manage on-hand inventories with necessary NTM vendors on behalf of JTI, upholding workplace compliance by adhering to JTI safety standards and procedures, along with 5S3R guidelines and recommended approaches. Working seamlessly and closely with all internal departments and leaf processing vendors/contractors will be essential for success in this role.
Responsibilities
- Manage daily tobacco processing activities to ensure all quality specifications are being met efficiently.
- Guide leaf processing team on the expected results and ensure adjustments to the process/machine are being made and documented as necessary.
- Ensure safety and operational procedure trainings are completed by leaf processing staff, ensure compliance with JTI and local Governmental safety requirements, and monitor daily activities and performance.
- Collaborate with Maintenance and Facilities Manager and respective teams to ensure processing equipment is being properly inspected and maintained for optimum performance.
- Lead the maintenance staff during the season for efficient preventive maintenance, aiming to reduce downtime and better meet product specifications.
- Explore, capture, and take actions to implement effective strategies and innovative ideas wherever applicable.
- Engage with the Technical Quality Manager to ensure processing results are meeting or exceeding JTI and/or other customer technical specifications.
- Guide leaf processing staff to perform required adjustments in case any packed product is found to be below standards, ensuring non-conformity products are reported and segregated.
- Conduct a comprehensive Root Cause Analysis to determine the underlying reasons for non-conforming products and devise appropriate solutions.
- Keep track of performance indicators, production outputs, quality control, equipment downtime, production rates, product accountability, adherence to budgeted costs, and necessary reporting.
- Communicate and arrange deliveries and manage on-hand inventories with necessary NTM vendors on behalf of JTI.
- Uphold workplace compliance by adhering to JTI safety standards and procedures, along with 5S3R guidelines and recommended approaches.
- Work seamlessly and closely with all internal departments and leaf processing vendors/contractors.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree with a management or engineering background or 10 years of experience in tobacco processing.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment (preferably tobacco related) with an additional 2 years of experience in management or a leadership role.
- Fluency in English, with excellent written and oral skills.
- Appropriate communication skills with internal and external individuals.
- Excellent proficiency level in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Demonstrate great leadership skills and ability to speak in public.
- Capable of working in a diversified team environment, managing multiple tasks timely and with proactivity.
- Good understanding of FCV and Burley tobacco leaf characteristics.
- Basic machinery maintenance knowledge.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Family leave
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
