Front End Specialist Launch Team

About Ball Corporation

Join Ball Corporation, a global leader in sustainable aluminum packaging manufacturing, with over 16,000 employees worldwide. Recognized as one of Newsweek's 2023 Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces, Ball focuses on producing endlessly recyclable aluminum cans, cups, and aerosol bottles, contributing positively to communities and the environment.

Role Overview

The Front End Specialist will be a key member of a team of process experts responsible mainly for start-up performance involving new builds, new lines, and line conversions in cupper, bodymaker, and trimmer areas. The specialist will own specific process areas based on prior experience and will prioritize efficiency, spoilage control, safety compliance, and secondary KPIs such as material usage and production supplies, while respecting environmental guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Advocate and promote a "safety-first" work culture, ensure equipment compliance, and mentor newcomers on safety standards.
• Lead hands-on support during equipment installation, setup, commissioning, and early production phases to meet design and performance standards.
• Act as the on-site subject matter expert to ensure stable and high-performance operations for assigned process areas.
• Deliver approximately 80% on-the-job and 20% classroom coaching for operators and mechanics on operation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and quality.
• Provide immediate troubleshooting during start-up, resolving mechanical, chemical, and process issues to stabilize production.
• Contribute to root cause analyses, employing structured problem-solving to prevent recurring problems and improve reliability.
• Validate standard operating procedures, work instructions, and training materials according to new equipment and start-up conditions.
• Ensure adherence to food safety, sanitation, and housekeeping standards during all start-up activities and equipment operations.
• Assist in parts, tooling, and material readiness, ensuring availability of essential start-up resources and identifying operational needs.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, and Quality teams to shift lines from start-up to steady-state performance.
• Document and share lessons learned to enhance future builds and continuous operational improvements.
• Meet established efficiency and spoilage targets aligned with authorized start-up performance curves.
• Operate within a unified Start-Up Team, sharing responsibility for overall start-up success while leading assigned process areas.
• Train and develop site staff to build enduring process knowledge and autonomous capabilities.
• Offer emergency breakdown support to minimize downtime during critical start-up phases.
• Support size conversions by ensuring local teams execute safe, efficient, and reproducible changeovers.
• Identify and implement best practices to improve future start-ups and optimize long-term performance.
• Implement BOE standards at level 3 across safety, quality, business management, and maintenance related to the scope of assignment.

Job Requirements

• Mechanical or electrical qualification required.
• Certified in training or teaching, at minimum Train The Trainer level.
• In-depth understanding of the complete can-making process with subject matter expertise in at least one area.
• Capability to effectively transfer can-making process knowledge to others.
• Strong skills in equipment setup, troubleshooting, optimization, and supporting line performance.
• Proficient with computers for data analysis and report creation.
• Communicative English language skills.
• Preferred experience includes line launches or rebuild projects.
• Strong ownership mentality with a focus on continuous improvement and waste reduction.
• Mentorship ability to develop less experienced personnel.
• Strong attention to detail and strict adherence to specifications.
• Effective communication skills across departments and organizational levels.
• Teamwork and collaborative mindset.
• Minimum five years of can manufacturing operational experience.
• Experience with basic problem-solving techniques and fundamental lean principles.
• Preferred background in line launch or equipment rebuild projects.

Work Environment and Benefits

This position supports central functions and provides flexible working options including hybrid or fully remote work, subject to manager approval and role specifications.

Compensation: Salary range approximately 62,300 to 89,690 EUR gross annually, adjusted according to education, experience, skills, and local standards.

Incentives: Eligibility for participation in the company’s annual incentive compensation program.

Benefits: Comprehensive package including defined contribution pension, life insurance, accident and disability coverage, employee assistance programs, and meal assistance.

Diversity & Inclusion

Ball Corporation is an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants irrespective of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, ability, or orientation. The company fosters a culture of diversity and belonging, dedicated to making a positive impact through its products and people.

Note

Job titles may vary between the job posting and official contracts due to differences in local job structures and global HR systems.