Port Colborne - Production Technician - Xanthan Gum

Production Technician - Xanthan Gum

Reporting to the Xanthan Gum Purification Manager and to the Team Leader the job holder is ensures optimization of the purification process ensuring all quality and production parameters are maintained while working in a safe manner. Ensuring optimization of the purification process and contributing to the establishment and maintenance of a safe workplace will contribute to the success of the company.

Responsibilities

• Maintain strict adherence to all established health, safety, and security policies and procedures.
• Conduct routine inspections of production areas with a focus on safety, environmental impact, and equipment functionality to ensure compliance and proactively address any potential hazards to provide a safe working environment for all personnel.
• Participate in all scheduled training.
• Strictly follow all Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, rules, procedures and regulatory requirement as defined for the safe and efficient operation of the purification process.
• Operate equipment only after completing all required pre-use inspections and checklists to ensure machinery is defect-free and that all safety devices and guards are properly in place.
• Comply fully with all HACCP, ISO and FSSC requirements to uphold the highest standards of product quality and safety. Maintain accurate and up-to-date logs of manufacturing execution software PAXAN, shift activities, production metrics, and equipment parameters
• Immediately report any incidents, conditions, or unsafe practices that could pose risks to people, equipment, materials, or the facility to a supervisor.
• Wear and properly use all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as directed
• Promptly report anomalies or deviations in the process to the Purification Manager and/or Team Leader. Work collaboratively to resolve issues
• Liaise with Fermentation Department, Blending and Packaging department and Quality Assurance staff in resolving production and quality issues as necessary.
• Assist and back up the other Technicians as necessary to promote team environment.
• Oversee all stages of the purification process, which include Inactivation, Precipitation, Decantation, Fiber silo, Dryer, Pneumatic transport, milling operation, Daily cleaning, sampling etc. under defined parameters to ensure consistency and product quality.
• Monitor and manage the operation of critical systems such as IPA addition, Inertization, Rectification, Heat recovery, Tank farm etc..
• Maintain good housekeeping practices, cleanliness and organization in work areas through adherence to 5S principles. Actively participate in Kaizen and other continuous improvement programs to drive operational excellence
• Collaborate with maintenance personnel by assisting in equipment maintenance tasks. Participate in diagnosing process inefficiencies or equipment malfunctions.
• Optimize and maintain the energy efficient operation to meet our sustainability compliance goal.
• Assist in writing, reviewing, and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to reflect current best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned, supporting team objectives and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• A post-secondary diploma (microbiology, chemical, mechanical, stationary or related science field) or internal operations certificate
• A minimum of 2-5 years related experience in a process-based work environment
• Familiar with DCS - making changes and understanding impact of such changes
• Manufacturing experience focused on a safety / quality / production balance in a hands-on capacity working with large scale automated processing equipment
• Understanding of basic chemistry and purification techniques, general understanding of electrical interfaces and a mechanical aptitude are all assets
• Ability to recognize process improvement opportunities
• Helpful and reliable work ethic to support a team-based environment