Location(s):

Japan

City/Cities:

Shiga

Travel Required:

00% - 25%

Relocation Provided:

No

Job Posting End Date:

March 8, 2026

Shift:

Job Description Summary:

Key Responsibilities:

Manufacturing Execution (35%)

• Monitor operational KPIs and execute action plans to improve outcomes.
• Analyze machinery and packaging material specifications to optimize production processes.
• Promote a zero-defect culture by encouraging team members to strictly adhere to quality standards and fostering heightened awareness among employees.
• Support to create / review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) based on company requirements.
• Coordinate with other departments to support decision-making for production strategies, troubleshooting, process reviews, and schedule adjustments.
• Assess the feasibility of new product operational processes, and implement / manage Flow process related to the manufacturing area.
• Lead internal manufacturing reviews and technical evaluations for new ingredients or manufacturing feasibility.
• Analyze shop floor situations to propose capital investment plans.
• Monitor and report on operational performance (e.g., OEE2, production forecasts vs. actual, capacity utilization).
• Review weekly production schedules and coordinate adjustments for resources, manpower, and production capacity by shop floor.
• Manage resource planning and data collection for mid-/long-term manufacturing, and resource objectives (if necessary).

Strategy Development and Execution (30%)

• Drive engagement initiatives and ensure their scheduling and execution.
• Lead and implement non-strategic quality, efficiency, safety, and environmental projects, taking full responsibility for their design and execution.
• Act as a project member to identify pain points, collect user requirements, and manage the implications of projects at the plant level.
• Monitor and report on small group activities, providing updates and ensuring project progress.

Driving a Quality, Environment, and Safety Culture (30%)

• Ensure compliance with corporate standards (KORE) as well as international standards (e.g., ISO9001, ISO14001/22000, ISO45001) and relevant local regulations.
• Maintain a safe workplace by ensuring zero accidents and fostering a sustainable environment by prioritizing water and energy savings.
• Uphold strict food safety standards to ensure top product quality.
• Promote and execute plans to improve safety and quality in collaboration with the Production Manager and Manufacturing Director.

Core Responsibilities and Focus Areas:

• Manage KPI-related operational tasks to drive and maintain performance across production operations.
• Analyze production inefficiencies and actively develop effective solutions.
• Lead non-strategic projects aimed at improving processes, operations, and employee engagement.
• Facilitate the development and optimization of processes and improvement initiatives.
• Identify and address performance gaps by introducing innovative solutions and aligning operations with benchmarks.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure smooth implementation of improvement plans.
• Provide constructive feedback and propose recommendations for process optimizations.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the food or pharmaceutical industry (e.g., manufacturing, quality assurance, R&D, or engineering/maintenance).
• 2–5 years of proven success in a manufacturing environment.
• A high school diploma is required; a bachelor’s degree or higher is preferred.
• Working knowledge of beverage production processes and basic industrial food hygiene principles.
• Ability to quickly identify, monitor, and respond to machine malfunction alarms efficiently and effectively.
• Microsoft software tools proficiency (e.g. Excel, MS Word and Power Point)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with resilience under pressure.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 3 years of experience managing a small team.
• Experience leading process improvement initiatives.
• Proven track record of contributing to organizational capability development and achieving sustainable operations.
• Proven experience designing and implementing training and mentoring programs at both team and individual levels.
• Possession of OE (Operational Excellence) Yellow Belt certification or higher.
• Familiarity with SAP/MES.

Skills:

Communication, Computer Literacy, English Language, Forklift License, Group Problem Solving, Machine Operations, Mathematics, Mechanical Apptitude, Writing

Our Purpose and Growth Culture:

We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what’s possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors – curious, empowered, inclusive and agile – and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. Visit Our Purpose and Vision to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.