Tobacco Processing Operator

Role Purpose

The role involves tobacco-processing activities through machinery operation, ensuring product quality, maintaining machinery in good condition, and sustaining housekeeping standards established by the organization. The incumbent must have the knowledge and skills to operate all Tobacco Processing work centers and demonstrate proficiency in operating the Lamina Conditioning/Casing and Stem Conditioning work center.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform tobacco-processing activities by properly operating machines within a group/work center for each blend and batch, according to the SAP work order and in line with standard operating procedures and instructions from the supervisor.
• Ensure that the quality of each processed batch complies with the standard specifications established by the organization. Closely monitor process parameter settings and quality parameter status through the online SCADA system and proactively take preventive or corrective action independently or with guidance from the Process Lead or Electronic Technician.
• Inspect and clean the entire tobacco-processing line before start-up; clean the line after processing a dark-fired blend and before starting a light-grade blend; and conduct thorough line cleaning at the end of each production day in accordance with machine-cleaning work instructions and procedures.
• Maintain a safe working environment while operating and cleaning machinery. Ensure that both the operator and crew use the appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves when changing knives or cleaning, masks and goggles during cleaning, safety shoes, uniforms, and earplugs.
• Maintain effective housekeeping in the assigned work area throughout the production shift through proper shop-floor cleaning and orderly arrangement of work tools.
• Communicate effectively with the Process Lead and other team members to support the smooth operation of upstream and downstream work centers. Demonstrate strong teamwork by assisting and supporting colleagues with daily assignments whenever required.
• Actively participate in and perform special tasks associated with organized improvement activities.

Who We Are Looking For

• University Degree in Engineering or its equivalent
• Ability to understand and communicate in English and Swahili.
• At least two years of experience working in a tobacco-processing environment.
• Basic computer literacy.

• Perform tobacco-processing activities by properly operating machines within a group/work center for each blend and batch, according to the SAP work order and in line with standard operating procedures and instructions from the supervisor.
• Ensure that the quality of each processed batch complies with the standard specifications established by the organization. Closely monitor process parameter settings and quality parameter status through the online SCADA system and proactively take preventive or corrective action independently or with guidance from the Process Lead or Electronic Technician.
• Inspect and clean the entire tobacco-processing line before start-up; clean the line after processing a dark-fired blend and before starting a light-grade blend; and conduct thorough line cleaning at the end of each production day in accordance with machine-cleaning work instructions and procedures.
• Maintain a safe working environment while operating and cleaning machinery. Ensure that both the operator and crew use the appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves when changing knives or cleaning, masks and goggles during cleaning, safety shoes, uniforms, and earplugs.
• Maintain effective housekeeping in the assigned work area throughout the production shift through proper shop-floor cleaning and orderly arrangement of work tools.
• Communicate effectively with the Process Lead and other team members to support the smooth operation of upstream and downstream work centers. Demonstrate strong teamwork by assisting and supporting colleagues with daily assignments whenever required.
• Actively participate in and perform special tasks associated with organized improvement activities.

• Machinery operation
• Product quality assurance
• Machinery maintenance
• Housekeeping standards
• SAP work order operation
• Standard operating procedures
• SCADA system monitoring
• Preventive and corrective action
• Machine cleaning
• Safe working environment maintenance
• Personal protective equipment usage
• Effective communication
• Teamwork
• Basic computer literacy

• University Degree in Engineering or its equivalent
• Ability to understand and communicate in English and Swahili
• At least two years of experience working in a tobacco-processing environment
• Basic computer literacy