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Leaf Processing Supervisor
What This Position Is About
This position exists to oversee one of the leaf processing areas: blending line, threshing line, redryer or prize room, with following responsibilities:
Machinery and operation: ensure all machinery are maintained and set up to perform the processing of tobacco leaf in an efficient and effective way, aiming procedures and processes comply with global quality standards and regulatory requirements.
People: in charge to supervise a team of seasonal workers, providing functional & safety trainings and coordinate with line manager and EHS/P&C for mandatory trainings. Check absenteeism ratios, ensure minimum head count on the floor, coordinate with peers and managers on alternatives to high absenteeism ratios, validate and approve timecards.
Safety & 5S3R: ensure machinery and safety behaviors are adhering to JTI standards, implement safety protocols and fostering a positive work environment.
Blend quality (Blending line only): ensure blend ratio maintenance, check bale quality, reject and rework defect bales. Ensure transactions have been capture in Leaf Point.
Non-processing season period: conduct deep cleaning and maintenance of processing equipment at the leaf factory. The role will also perform other duties as requested by the manager.
Areas of Responsibilities:
People Management:
Participate in the recruitment process of seasonal JTI employees. Train both permanent and seasonal JTI employees on their job responsibilities and on equipment operation. Set goals, evaluate performance, and provide feedback. Ensure employees adhere to safety protocols. Ensure the team has the necessary resources. Oversee work ethics and discipline within the assigned department, taking corrective actions if necessary. Approve timecards. Stagger break times for assigned seasonal workers.
Run the leaf processing equipment of one of the following areas:
Blending- including bale processing, wire pulling, slicing, hospital line, conditioning, silo loading, and Helius sorting—while ensuring blend quality, data accuracy, and troubleshooting issues as needed. Threshing- oversee the Stratus line, picking room, 2nd DCC conditioning, and all threshing equipment to ensure product quality, NTRM removal, moisture and temperature compliance, and operational efficiency across all threshing stages, including OPUS monitoring and issue troubleshooting. Dedry- oversee re-dryer silos, leaf and stem dryers, scrap drying, and TB5 sorter to ensure proper loading, moisture and temperature compliance, product uniformity, and accurate sampling, while monitoring equipment performance and reporting issues. Prize Room- oversee by-products line operations—including presses, lamina packing, strappers, re-feeds, and weight verification—ensuring packing accuracy, equipment efficiency, data integrity, and quality control while maintaining housekeeping and minimizing discharge and NSP discrepancies.Work Orders & Reporting:
• Act as a primary point of contact between the leaf processing team and external maintenance vendors.
• Inspect and diagnose equipment issues, identify root causes, and communicate repair needs to vendors.
• Request necessary accesses to the facility and equipment, issue appropriate permits for vendor work on the shop floor.• Evaluate vendor safety preparedness and provide clear instructions on equipment failures and repair expectations.
• Assist vendors during on-site repairs to ensure compliance and effectiveness
Quality of the product and adjustment of machine setting
Ensure the removal of NTRM (non-tobacco related material) from the product in the assigned leaf processing area. Monitor heat and moisture at all stages of assigned leaf processing. Identify tobacco spillage points in the line and report them as IWS DMS. Ensure the assigned team follows Leaf Contamination Prevention (Leaf CP) protocols (e.g., food, drinks, phones, bottles). Adjust machine settings to achieve the desired specifications per grade and report to the manager when necessary. Operate the HMI system to load recipes during grade changes and adjust machine settings as needed.
Compliance & Safety:
• Comply with all EHS standards i.e. labor safety, fire protection, environmental and hygienic company rules, equipment safety, etc.
• Ensure proper use of PPE when performing tasks, install safety guards for maintenance, and use the correct tools—ensuring they are clean, stored properly, and inspected before and after use.
• Monitor the safety practices of colleagues, contractors, and visitors; provide feedback when unsafe actions are observed or when additional safety measures are needed.• Adhere to all Federal, State, Local, and JTI safety regulations.
• Ensure all safety equipment is properly maintained and compliant with standards.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in a clean and orderly condition
Other (if applicable):
Manage various tasks and projects as they arise and upon manager’s request
Who Are Looking For-Requirements
Education: GED or High School diploma, Associate Degree with a management or mechanical background is preferred.
Work Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment (preferably tobacco related) with an additional 1 year of experience in a supervisory / team lead role with average mechanical skills.
Language Skills: Fluency in English with decent written and oral skills.
Functional Skills:
Basic understanding of the core business.People management skills (goal setting, delegation, performance evaluation, feedback).Good time management skills.Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.Good communication skills (both verbal and written).Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.Open-minded with a willingness to listen and learn.Good understanding of different types of tobacco leaf characteristics.Benefits
Excellent employee environment with a competitive benefits package including:HealthcareDental + VisionVoluntary benefitsPaid Time OffPaid family leave benefit401k Plan + Company ContributionsLife InsuranceDisabilityTuition AssistanceAre you ready to join us? Build your success story at JTI. Apply now!
Next Steps:
After applying, if selected, please anticipate the following within 1-3 weeks of the job posting closure: Phone screening with Talent Advisor > Assessment tests > Interviews > Offer. Each step is eliminatory and may vary by role type.
At JTI, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive work environment. As an equal-opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you need any specific support, alternative formats, or have other access requirements, please let us know.