PRODUCTION LEAD HAND 35 PRODUCTION LEAD HAND 36 In many cases working on the production line is a production workers first exposure to the manufacturing process. Because of this many workers are not familiar with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) so they need guidance from a supervisor. Although it is the quality department’s job to enforce and maintain GMPs it is difficult to be on the floor at all times, so the production leads fills in these gaps. 5. Production Lead Hands Are Problem Solvers Problem solving can be the most challenging but exciting portion of any lead hands job. For example, they may find that a machine is not producing a product with the required speed or quality. To solve the problem, they might adjust the equipment to correct this problem. Alternatively, they may be told by the plant supervisor that the production priorities have changed during the shift. It is a lead hands job to delegate new tasks to production workers or move them to different machines. There are a lot of challenging tasks that a production lead may have to perform but that is the fun of the job! 6. Production Lead Hands Train Employees It is very typical for new workers to be trained by production leads because these individuals have so much experience in the plant. They provide effective training to all new and existing employees and ensure safety and quality standards are maintained at all times. Training for production workers might include shadowing an individual throughout the day while other times they are thrown right in the job on to the line. Although the production lead always makes sure they are doing so in a safe manner. The number one thing employers are looking for in new hires! 7. Production Lead Hands Are Involved in Innovation Initiatives When research and development decides to perform a new initiative it is not uncommon for the production lead to be involved, this is known as a plant-trial. For example, a plant trial by Dr.Oetker could be testing a new flavour of pizza on their production line. Lead hands are very knowledgeable about their organizations and different machinery parts, so they have a good grasp of things. Lead hands can pretty much answer any question about the production process. 8. Production Lead Hands Can Motivate, Communicate and Act Decisively Being a production lead hand requires a range of skills however there are a few which are more essential than others. These skills include: • Ability to motivate - In order to meet daily targets these individuals need to be able to motivate their co-workers. This is a skill that is generally developed over time, but the most effective production leads can perform this task. They motivate individuals by assessing their strengths and weaknesses and provide appropriate feedback. As well, if someone is doing a good job they make sure to tell others. • Ability to communicate - Any effective leader needs to be able to communicate clearly and persuasively with their team and managers. If not done correctly this could affect company performance. • Ability to act decisively - Production lead hands need to act decisively and not get overwhelmed by the fast paced nature of a food manufacturing plant. They are confident in what they are doing, have the knowledge from production, don’t let their emotions overwhelm them and talk with employees to ensure success! A Career in the Pet Food Industry: The Perspective of a New Grad Seronei Cheison, Global Ingredient Innovation Leader at Mars Global Petcare Tayler Hansen, Ph.D., Companion Animal Nutritionist at Trouw Nutrition Photo by Anna Shvets/pexels.com
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTQyMDk=