Position Title

Production Officer – Blow Molding

Department: Blow Molding
Location: Uganda
Reports To: Business Unit Manager

Job Purpose

To supervise and coordinate daily production activities in the Blow Molding section, ensuring optimum machine utilization, product quality, operational efficiency, safety, and timely production. The role requires a technically hands-on professional capable of independently performing machine setup, troubleshooting, mechanical adjustments, and process optimization on Blow Molding equipment.

Key Responsibilities

Production Management

• Plan, allocate, and monitor daily work schedules for production operators.
• Supervise end-to-end Blow Molding production to achieve daily production targets with minimum rejection.
• Oversee machine startup, shutdown, mold changes, and fixture changeovers.
• Ensure production meets cycle time, quality standards, and delivery schedules.
• Prepare daily production reports and downtime analysis.

Technical Operations

• Independently perform machine setup, process optimization, and mechanical adjustments on Blow Molding machines.
• Diagnose and resolve machine and process-related issues.
• Ensure proper positioning and bonding of In-Mold Labels (IML).
• Conduct first-off and in-process quality inspections.
• Coordinate with tooling teams to monitor mold performance and recommend preventive maintenance or repairs.

Maintenance & Inventory Control

• Coordinate preventive maintenance of Blow Molding machines and auxiliary equipment such as chillers, dryers, robots, and related systems.
• Monitor inventory of raw materials, packaging materials, labels, consumables, and spare parts.
• Raise material requisitions to prevent production interruptions.
• Coordinate with maintenance personnel and external service providers for equipment repairs.

Quality & Safety

• Ensure compliance with Quality Management Systems and ISO standards.
• Work closely with the Quality Assurance team to resolve production and customer quality concerns.
• Enforce Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) procedures.
• Conduct routine safety inspections and housekeeping audits.
• Train operators on safe machine handling and operational procedures.

Team Leadership

• Supervise production staff and monitor individual performance.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and on-the-job training.
• Identify skill gaps and recommend training programs.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.

ERP & Performance Monitoring

• Maintain accurate production records in ERP/SAP.
• Monitor Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), downtime, rejection rates, and production efficiency.
• Track departmental KPIs and implement corrective actions.

Cross-functional Coordination

• Work closely with Production Planning to optimize production schedules.
• Participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Corrective & Preventive Action (CAPA), and Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (FMEA).
• Recommend and implement process improvements to improve productivity, quality, and cost efficiency.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform additional duties assigned by the Business Unit Manager or Production Manager as required.

Authority

The Production Officer is delegated appropriate operational authority to manage production activities in accordance with company policies, operational standards, and assigned responsibilities.

Educational Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in:
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Plastics Engineering
  • Or a related engineering discipline

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in Blow Molding operations.
• Strong practical experience in:
  • Machine setup
  • Process troubleshooting
  • Mechanical adjustments
  • Blow Molding production
• Experience with Injection Molding machines and IML robots.
• Knowledge of:
  • Mold maintenance
  • Hot runner systems
  • Automation interfaces
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and production plans.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical knowledge of Blow Molding processes.
• ERP/SAP proficiency.
• Production planning and scheduling.
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement.
• OEE and KPI monitoring.
• Quality assurance and ISO compliance.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Leadership and team management.
• Decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication skills.
• Planning and organizational ability.
• Ability to work in demanding manufacturing environments.
• Hands-on approach to machine setup and maintenance is essential.

Working Conditions

• 72-hour work week as per operational requirements.
• Exposure to heat, dust, noise, grease, oil, and manufacturing environments.
• Requires prolonged standing, walking, climbing stairs, and movement within production areas.
• Occasional kneeling, crouching, reaching, and manual handling activities may be required.

Work Environment

The role primarily operates within a manufacturing environment and requires regular movement between production areas, maintenance sections, and other operational locations to support uninterrupted manufacturing activities.