Head of Future Technologies at LIPTON Teas and Infusions

ROLE SUMMARY

The Head of Future Technologies will be responsible for leading the Future Technologies function to oversee the introduction of new technologies and automation of current manual processes in the factory and field to enhance efficiency in the Lipton Tea Plantations in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. They will also manage the scouting, testing and introduction of new products, processes, and technologies into the plantations.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Overall Responsibilities

• To provide the technological vision and road-maps as well as to develop tactical plans to align with organization strategies in meeting the future needs of the business and Consumer
• To conceptualize, manage and drive the implementation of strategic technology projects.
• To drive the in-house engineering capabilities to translate emerging technology to industry application.
• Oversees the new technical aspects and technologies development, assess their value add and applicability for the purpose of organization growth and adoption.
• Manage department financials and keep track of future technologies’ project costs, scope, risk, schedule and progress, performance, deliverables, issues, escalations, and conflicts.
• Work closely with stakeholders and partners to drive change and innovations.
• Involve in continuous improvement, initiate new ideas / concepts by leveraging the latest technologies, driving the efficiency across the whole ecosystem.
• Provide leadership and technical advice to business users, technical members, and vendors to adoption of strategic Digital Transformation framework and standards.
• Promote the use of emerging technologies, contribute to the digital strategy, and build the digital transformation initiatives within the organization.
• Ensure Certification/Compliance of the Company with relevant bodies such as RA
• Member of the Company Leadership team 
• Evaluate and decide upon key investments in equipment, infrastructure, and talent.
• People Management as the Head of the Unit

Leads Future Technologies Operations in the Field and Factory

• Delivering functional specifications and SOP for new and existing processes in the field and factory
• Conducting risk assessment, HACCP studies and ensure full compliance with standards and systems.
• Completing process calculations including scale up factors, process yield, and equipment sizing and developing process flow diagrams and layouts 
• Keeps abreast with all new technology covering field and factory operations.
• Propose, coordinate and implement process improvements in the field and factory in liaison with the line and unit manager.
• Monitoring major modifications, upgrades, preventive /renovation maintenance of all plant, machinery, equipment, and structures in the field and factory to optimal standards
• Maintaining close communications with the field and factory managers to ensure process works are at the optimum level, to the right rate and quality of output, in order to harvest quality tea. 
• Leads continuous improvement in field and factory operation processes and ensure the uniform implementation of best operating practice in all sections.

Leads Automation & Digital Technologies Operations

• Keeps abreast with all new technologies in the Tea Industry
• Carry out pilot scale and factory trials for new technology platforms. 
• Support the development of new Tea Technologies.
• Develops new digital processes and products for Lipton, improves and optimizes existing innovation processes for improved quality and process efficiencies.
• Produces market research samples for evaluation by Lipton Sales Team
• Delivering Technical transfer documentation / Toolbox data and provide inputs to core design Developing consumer understanding to enable process and product delivery of consumer relevant attributes.
• Working with external suppliers/Open Innovation partners to develop solutions and ensure on-time in full delivery of innovation projects.
• Interfacing cross functionally (e.g., Supply Chain; Brand and Procurement) to design and implement new products and processes.
• Supervises new process technology evaluations and scale up from idea phase, through pilot plant to commercial plant.
• Providing technical recommendations and information to plant and business management regarding process and equipment capabilities and limitations, including both identification of bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.

Leads Certification/Compliance for the business.

• Develop and oversee control systems to prevent or deal with violations of legal guidelines and internal policies.
• Evaluate the efficiency of current controls and improve them continuously.
• Revise procedures, reports etc. periodically to identify hidden risks or non-conformity issues.
• Draft, modify and implement relevant company policies related to Rainforest Alliance Certification
• Collaborate with Legal and HR department to monitor enforcement of standards and regulations.
• Assess the business’s future ventures to identify possible compliance risks.
• Review the work of colleagues when necessary to identify compliance issues and provide advice or training.
• Keep abreast of regulatory developments within or outside of the company as well as evolving best practices in compliance control.
• Facilitate Rainforest Alliance (RA) related trainings to employees to prepare them for RA Audits. Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to develop training and educational materials related to certification programs.
• Facilitate Company RA Audits in conjunction with Rainforest Alliance. Provide guidance and support to the Company, including answering questions and addressing concerns raised by RA team.
• Conduct audits of certification processes and procedures to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.
• Act as the Company liaison with relevant certification bodies such as Rainforest Alliance
• Build trust and strong relationships to uphold compliance standards and ensure the integrity of Company set systems.
• Ensure Corrective Action Requests are routed to appropriate responsible party(s).
• Monitor Corrective Action Plan development and orientation and report to management on conformance and implementation.
• Develop and implement certification programs and policies to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Manage the certification application and renewal process, including reviewing and verifying documentation and communicating with the relevant stakeholders.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and regulatory requirements related to certification programs, and make recommendations for updates and changes as needed.
• Provide regular reports and updates on certification program activities and outcomes to senior management and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with corporate and communications teams to promote certification programs and increase awareness and participation.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED 

• Degree in Sciences, Food science & Technology or Engineering.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience working in Production, Research & Development, Field Operations, Operational Excellence, Automation or laboratory environment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Experience in leading automation processes in manufacturing environments
• Excellent ability to transform business requirements and expectations to results using technology.
• Excellent Communication skills 
• Has the ability to work with and influence cross functional teams.
• Enthusiastic, pro-active, analytical, open-minded, curious and hands-on approach
• Agricultural Skills
• Agricultural Performance control
• Project Management
• Quality Assurance
• Asset Care and Management
• Supply Chain process and management
• Finance Management
• Production experience
• Compliance Management
• Research and Development

TRAVEL

• Regular travel across East Africa. Occasional international travel.

LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOR

• Exhibit the LIPTON Teas & Infusions GROW Values