Position Summary:

Associates in the Shift Leader position are responsible for leading their production shift in manufacturing quality products in strict conformity to the work instructions. The work will support PPC’s ability to produce quality flexible packaging materials on time while assuring that Associates comply with all applicable safety and quality control procedures. Associates in this position are entrusted with the valuable components of production including facilities, raw materials, supplies, machines & equipment, tools, and the Associate’s time and talents. In the event of absence, these job responsibilities will be covered by another employee in the “Shift Leader” position.

Responsibilities and Duties:

This job description and performance standard document has been prepared as a guide to ensure better communication and understanding. All responsibilities, however, have not been included, nor could they be. Your Supervisor/Manager may from time to time ask you to perform other related duties not specifically included in this description. Likewise, this description will be revised when required to meet current business needs.

• Shift Leaders arrive prior to their scheduled shift to review the production schedule, to review staffing issues, and to touch base with the prior Shift Leader for continuity (Shift-to-Shift “Tie-In”) and preparation for the communication “huddles.”
• Conducts communication “huddles” at the beginning of every shift to review actual performance during the previous 24 hours, review the schedule and assignments, and highlight quality and communication issues on the boards. Effective huddles pull the Associates into a tight circle so all can easily hear and see, and should emphasize continuous learning by discussing root cause of quality issues and reviewing key procedures that impact costs and quality control. Maintains production control boards with current and appropriate content.
• Through faithful adherence to the Shift Leader Daily Routine Checklist sustains and audits our core disciplines, and holds Associates accountable for compliance with all quality control, productivity, safety, housekeeping, scrap data input, and communication expectations and procedures. The Checklist and the “Production Leader Daily Expectations” lists are attached for references.
• Establishes a productive tempo on the plant floor by working with a steady and purposeful pace and presence in the plant.
• Insists that the Press Department, Mounters, and Ink Techs work proactively and with a sense of urgency utilizing the Set-Up / Start-Up Procedures to facilitate systematic and timely start-ups on the press. This supports product quality and efficiencies through a consistent approach, and minimizes scrap by starting the press closer to the point of job approval.
• Assures that Operators in all departments thoroughly review and understand the work instructions, and verifies that all materials, equipment, and supplies are available before proceeding with a job set-up. Any discrepancies or points of confusion must be addressed, clarified, and formally revised, if necessary, before proceeding with the job.· Makes sure that Operators establish Job History documentation on new jobs to document the key run parameters and follow dashboard settings to assure consistency and production efficiency from run to run.Drives strict compliance with all Quality Control procedures to first make sure we are making product properly (“Approved Set-up Sample”), then to both assure consistency and limit our quality exposure throughout the run by continuously monitoring the process including auditing roll-to-roll checks. Makes sure that Operators “flag” and document all deviations from the approved quality sample to alert the downstream operations of quality problems.
• Trains, guides, and assists Associates in the successful execution of their roles. Coordinates training of new Associates by assigning a qualified trainer, and monitoring the timely completion and documentation of the training program. Works with Quality Assurance to make sure every Associate on their shift is “Quality Certified” and completes the recertification program every 6 months.
• Must be trained in the proper handling and disposal of Hazardous waste.
• Maintains a safe and secure workplace, responsible for the physical operation of the plant and its contents. Assumes the role of “Acting Plant Manager” during the off-shifts and any time the Plant Manager is not on the premises.
• Monitors and enforces Associates’ breaks for both rules compliance and productivity. Ideally coordinates breaks in each department to keep machines running as much time as possible
• In case of a hazardous waste emergency (such as a spill or fire), execute all appropriate actions specified in the Emergency Response / Action Plan.
• Administers progressive disciplinary procedures as required.
• Ensures accuracy with daily & weekly audits of payroll records, and provides performance evaluations and pay reviews for Associates in a timely and objective manner.
• Attends and participates in weekly Production Leadership Meetings.
• Corrects data input problems, and inputs items into inventory within the “Label Program” and the operating system, PSI.
• Ensures that all responsibilities and functions performed are in accordance with company and quality procedures as set forth in the Personnel Handbook and the Quality Manual. Participates in quality programs and stays updated on changes to the Quality Manual.
• Supports the company emphasis on teamwork and cooperation to achieve our goals by performing other duties as assigned including periodic SQF cleanup issues. Covers time for other Shift Leaders for vacation and sick days.
• Generates improvement ideas and embraces improvement projects to better the business.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Detail-orientation required for completing required paperwork and information system’s inputs with a high degree of accuracy.
• Previous flexographic printing experience and mechanical aptitude/experience is highly preferred.
• Previous supervisory/management/leadership experience in an industrial production environment with the related safety training is preferred.
• Knowledge of Windows computing programs and experience with business operating systems a must with some degree of proficiency required.
• Able to read and understand job tickets, and provide verbal direction to successfully complete procedures and required tasks.
• Capable of performing mathematical calculations, and properly using tape measures and micrometers.
• Flexibility in work assignments and priorities is required to address the dynamic needs of our customers and shifts in production requirements.
• Good verbal and written communication skills required, and proven experience with effective teams and continuous improvement methods strongly preferred.

Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and ensure proper handling of items up to 75 pounds.
• Must be capable of standing for the duration of a work shift less breaks and lunch.
• Must be capable and willing to work in excess of a normal workweek with notice, as outlined in the Personnel Handbook, as production demands dictate.
• Must be able to distinguish and ensure product quality in a fast paced production environment.
• Must be able to identify, prioritize, and meet multiple expectations for area of responsibility.
• Must have the physical dexterity to bend, stand, flex, and reach as the position dictates.
• Must be able to satisfactorily see and differentiate color per adopted assessment methods in order to assess good from unacceptable product specification and print quality on bags.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Willingness to be trained in the proper handling and disposal of Hazardous waste.
• Local travel will be required; must travel as needed
• Must travel (up to 10%) as required; overnight travel may be required.