REPORTING TO : VALUE STREAM MANAGER

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Line Leader is responsible for leading day-to-day operations of the specific Value stream during day shift, developing and sustaining operational standards, coaching and developing team members, and driving continuous productivity improvements. This role ensures consistent execution across all shifts by establishing standards, training team leaders, and solving systemic problems. The Line Leader acts as the operational backbone of the value stream, translating the VSM's strategy into daily reality on the production floor.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Leadership:

•Lead daily production execution

•Ensure adherence to production schedule

•Coordinate shift handovers

•Resolve production issues quickly

•Manage inputs: crew, materials, tooling, equipment condition

•Ensure safety compliance

Standards Development:

•Create and maintain standard work

•Document best practices

•Establish quality checkpoints

•Define process parameters and input requirements

•Update SOPs regularly

Team Development:

•Train and coach Team Leaders

•Develop operator capabilities

•Foster a continuous improvement culture

•Conduct performance reviews

•Build problem-solving skills (raise hand, ask for help)

Problem Solving:

•Investigate recurring issues

•Lead root cause analysis to prevent recurrence

•Implement corrective actions

•Escalate systemic issues

Productivity Improvement:

•Reduce changeover times

•Eliminate waste

•Optimize workflow

•Implement kaizen ideas

Quality Management:

•Own first-pass yield

•Ensure CTQ compliance

•Minimize rework and scrap

•Coordinate with quality team

•Drive defect reduction

Equipment & Maintenance:

•Coordinate planned maintenance

•Lead autonomous maintenance

•Ensure equipment readiness

•Manage engineering support

•Reduce breakdowns

Communication & Coordination:

•Daily reporting to VSM

•Coordinate with support functions

•Share information across shifts

•Document lessons learned

•Facilitate team meetings

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Technical Competencies:

•Deep understanding of corrugated manufacturing processes (die-cutting, printing, finishing)

•Lean manufacturing tools and methodologies

•Problem-solving techniques

•Quality management principles and tools

•Equipment operation and basic troubleshooting

•Production planning and scheduling fundamentals

Leadership Competencies:

•Team coaching and development

•Performance management and feedback

•Conflict resolution and mediation

•Change leadership and adoption

•Effective communication (verbal and written)

•Decision-making under pressure

Behavioural Competencies:

•Hands-on, floor presence leadership style

•Attention to detail and process discipline

•Bias for action and results orientation

•Collaborative approach with all stakeholders

•Continuous learning mindset

•Resilience and adaptability

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

•Matric or equivalent is essential

•A tertiary technical qualification will be an advantage

•3 years of leadership experience in manufacturing / FMCG