Leaf Processing Shift Supervisor - Danville, VA
Japan Tobacco InternationalAbout the role
At JTI we celebrate differences, and everyone truly belongs. 46,000 people from all over the world are continuously building their unique success story with us. 83% of employees feel happy working at JTI.
To make a difference with us, all you need to do is bring your human best.
What will your story be? Apply now!
Learn more: jti.com
- Please apply until the 26th of January 2026.
- Role: Permanent
Leaf Processing Shift Supervisor - Danville, VA
Position Purpose
Lead and supervise shift operations in a tobacco leaf processing facility, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant production across blending, threshing, redryer, and packing areas while driving quality and continuous improvement.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience Required
- Education: High School Diploma or GED required; Associate Degree in management or mechanical field preferred.
- Work Experience: Minimum 5 years in a manufacturing environment (preferably tobacco-related) and at least 3 year in a supervisory or team lead role.
- Language Skills: Proficient in English with strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Functional Skills:
- Good understanding of the core business
- Good understanding of different types of tobacco leaf characteristics
- Basic mechanical aptitude
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Advance knowledge of Leaf Point and QIMS systems
- Strong leadership
- People management (goal setting, delegation, performance evaluation, feedback, employee growth)
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams
- Good communication skills (both verbal and written)
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Open-minded with a willingness to listen and learn
Main Areas of Responsibility
Operational Oversight: Supervise shift activities across blending, threshing, redrying, and packing areas. Ensure equipment maintenance, quality standards, accurate data entry, and compliance with operational guidelines.
Blending Line: Manage bale handling, blending silos, and sorting operations. Maintain blend integrity, monitor moisture/temperature, and ensure accurate data capture.
Threshing: Oversee threshing stages, picking room, and conditioning. Ensure product specs, remove NTRM, and troubleshoot equipment issues.
Redrying: Monitor drying processes for lamina, stem, and scraps. Ensure correct moisture levels, sample quality, and report equipment issues.
Prize Room: Supervise packing, presses, and by-products. Maintain housekeeping, minimize waste, and ensure accurate system transactions.
Quality of the Product and Adjustment of Machine Settings
Ensure compliance with JTI technical quality standards and product integrity programs. Conduct inspections and investigations for non-conforming products, implementing corrective actions promptly. Oversee removal of NTRM (Non-Tobacco Related Material) and adherence to Leaf Contamination Prevention protocols. 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 any issues. Operate the HMI system to load recipes during grade changes and adjust machine settings as needed.
People Management
Lead and develop the team by ensuring effective training and formal sign-off on standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality standards, and safety protocols. Establish clear goals that foster ownership, accountability, and responsibility across all assigned work areas. Promote a culture of continuous learning by providing development opportunities, conducting performance evaluations, and delivering ongoing, constructive feedback to support individual and team performance. Oversee work ethics and discipline within the assigned department
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