Technical Leader

The Technical Leader contributes to the success of the Aiken Nonwovens Plant by providing all aspects of technical leadership to the Plant. The Tech Leader is responsible for leading process optimization efforts while ensuring optimal product quality. This position is a member of the plant leadership team.

Reports to: Plant Leader

Span of Control:  Supports all technical, manufacturing, and quality processes

Direct Reports: 3 direct reports

Lives the Owens Corning Safety Stand - Living Safely

•     Ensures a safe and environmentally compliant workplace where safety is the first priority

•     Reports and investigates injuries, first aids and near misses

•     Leads by example through hazard recognition and elimination

•     Utilize technical knowledge to provide a safe and secure work environment for all employees, contractors, and visitors

•     Ensure all practices and procedures within their control are safe, environmentally compliant, and permit compliant

Technical Excellence and Process Optimization

•     Identify, lead, and implement process development improvements and new process developments

•     Participate in the scope development and execution of all major projects, including rebuilds, to ensure safety, performance, schedule and cost goals of the projects are met or exceeded

•     Set clear and measurable expectations in line with plant goals; proactively analyzes and manages all relative performance metrics

•     Share accountability for successful delivery of all aspects of the plant operating plan with other plant leadership team members

•     Effectively communicate objectives holding people accountable to deliver results

•     Applies statistical methods/data analytics to estimate future manufacturing requirements

•     Actively drive understanding of customer requirements and the relationship to plant process variables to ensure products meet the customer FFU at all times

•     Ensure that all customer complaints are recorded, communicated plant wide and thoroughly investigated with corrective action preventing recurrence

•     Develop, evaluate, improve and document manufacturing processes / controls

•     Demonstrate the ability to develop and meet key milestones, to work and communicate effectively with people at all levels within the organization, and to technically contribute to the development of the process solutions.

Delivery to Customer and Business

•     Understand and communicate customer expectations and Critical Product Characteristics to employees through effective use of process and product specifications, standard work, control plans, and routine reporting

•     Partnering with our Product Technical Leaders to develop Product Specifications that are achievable and capable in the manufacturing environment.

•     Developing and implementing procedures and systems to ensure products consistently meet or exceed customer expectations

•     Supporting trials for new and existing products to ensure they meet our customer’s fitness for use

•     Coordinates with upstream and downstream processes to meet production demands aligning people, raw material and machine capacities

Leads Continuous Improvement Activities

•     Leverages standard work to minimize variation and waste

•     Leads Focused Improvement activities to improve process capability and efficiencies, reduce costs, and eliminate waste

•     Partners with relevant stakeholders to optimize process and drive continuous improvement initiatives

•     Participates in and leads Kaizen and 5S events in various work areas throughout plant

Leads and Develops Talent 

•     Create and sustain a culture where talent is developed through effective performance management and talent evaluation

•     Effectively staff the organization with competent people using the appropriate mix of internal and external talent to satisfy both near-term and long-term succession needs

•     Ensure a positive, creative, diverse and collaborative work environment where employees own the success of the business

•     Plan, promote and organize training activities to constantly elevate the capabilities of employees

•     Establish clear and measurable performance expectations and hold direct reports accountable for delivering the goals

•     Actively participate in talent reviews as well as invest in the growth and development of self and others to achieve sustained success

•     Maintain documentation, track, counsel and execute coaching and corrective action when performance issues occur

•     Educates primary employees in the manufacturing process and process control procedures

•     Engages team members to collaboratively own the success of the business by contributing to continuous improvement in the areas of safety, quality, cost, productivity, etc.

•     Recognizes and rewards positive behaviors and contribution to critical plant performance metrics

•     Implements and documents corrective action when performance issues occur

•     Effectively communicates critical plant performance metrics to team members daily to ensure engagement

Leads Across the Site

•     Drives alignment between plant departments

•     Shares best practices, challenges thinking and provides candid and respectful feedback; sets an example for the organization of how teamwork and partnerships should work

•     Be seen as a great leader across the plant, driving engagement and supporting cross-functional projects

•     Assist the plant leader with other duties as required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

•     Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or related discipline

•     A minimum of three (3) years of progressive technical experience in a manufacturing environment

•     A minimum of two (2) years of experience leading people

•     Demonstrated experience in root cause analysis

•     Proven results in driving product and process improvement in the manufacturing environment

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

•     10 years’ experience in continuous manufacturing preferred

•     Leadership experience in a matrix environment

•     Six Sigma Green Belt and/or Lean Manufacturing experience

•     Ability to engage and care for others starting with safety

•     Computer skills: The ability to utilize Owens Corning systems and the software necessary for this role

•     Utilizing data and data collection systems, and Six Sigma methods for problem-solving and decision-making to eliminate manufacturing losses and unnecessary costs

•     Strategic Plan implementation

•     TPM Focused Improvement Pillar experience

•     Impactful verbal and written communications

•     Business and financial acumen

•     Strong planning, resourcing and delegation skills

•     SPC (Statistical Process Control) knowledge a plus

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

•     Utilizing data and data collection systems, and Six Sigma methods for problem-solving and decision-making to eliminate manufacturing losses and unnecessary costs

•     Creating and implementing strategic and operations plans

•     Leading and motivating peers, managers and subordinates

•     Accomplishes the goals of the business; translates strategies into actionable operating plans; sets goals for personal accomplishment; uses measurement methods to monitor progress; quickly overcomes barriers and adapts plans to ensure goal attainment

•     Understands that all business opportunities start with knowledge of how to create value for customer.

•     Able to achieve results fast both individually and through teams

•     Customer orientation: Has an external perspective and understands that all business opportunities start with knowledge of how to serve our customers

•     Acts as a leader amongst peers: Expected to embrace and help drive division initiatives throughout the business unit

•     Demonstrates a strong self-awareness of one’s strengths, development needs and the impact of one’s own behavior on others; and consistently takes actions to be better

•     A balanced sense of self-confidence and an abiding respect for others. Prioritizes strong personal wellbeing in order to maximize and fortify their contribution to the business. Operates in a transparent fashion without a personal agenda

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

About Owens Corning

Owens Corning is a residential and commercial building products leader committed to building a sustainable future through material innovation. Our products provide durable, sustainable, energy-efficient solutions that leverage our unique capabilities and market-leading positions to help our customers win and grow. We are global in scope, human in scale with more than 25,000 employees in 31 countries dedicated to generating value for our customers and shareholders and making a difference in the communities where we work and live. Founded in 1938 and based in Toledo, Ohio, USA, Owens Corning posted 2024 sales of $11.0 billion. For more information, visit www.owenscorning.com. 

Owens Corning is an equal opportunity employer.