We're seeking a dynamic, hands-on Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead our production team. In this critical leadership role, you'll be responsible for delivering high-quality products on time, while championing safety, performance, and continuous improvement throughout the operation. You'll oversee the full spectrum of manufacturing.
As a financially strong and steadily growing plastics manufacturer, we're committed to investing in our people, technology, and equipment. This role is more than just a job-it's a succession opportunity for a driven leader ready to take the next step and grow alongside a company that values operational excellence and long-term potential. Relocation Assistance available.
What You'll Do:
As a Production Leader, you'll play a critical role in ensuring our operations run efficiently, safely, and to the highest standards. You will:
- Deliver Operational Excellence: Ensure consistent, high-quality manufacturing while meeting or exceeding service commitments and production timelines.
- Lead and Inspire: Coach, support, and engage a team of up to 50 hourly employees across multiple stages of the production process, fostering accountability and teamwork.
- Champion Safety & Lean Practices: Cultivate a strong safety-first culture while driving continuous improvement through 5S, Lean principles, and adherence to standardized work.
- Optimize Performance Metrics: Monitor and improve key operational KPIs, including safety, quality, delivery, yield, scrap reduction, equipment uptime, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
- Drive Process Efficiency: Lead initiatives such as SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die), cross-training programs, and production standardization to enhance flexibility and throughput
- Develop Talent: Oversee staffing, conduct performance reviews, and drive training and development efforts to build a high-performing, engaged workforce.
What You'll Bring:
- Education: Bachelor's degree required; a background in engineering or a related technical discipline is strongly preferred.
- Industry Experience: At least 7 years of manufacturing experience, with a strong track record of success in progressive leadership roles. Prior experience in the plastics industry is a plus.
- Leadership Excellence: A hands-on, floor-focused leader who motivates teams, leads by example, and drives meaningful operational improvements through influence and action.
- Analytical Approach: Strong problem-solving capabilities rooted in root cause analysis and a commitment to implementing sustainable, long-term solutions.
- Results Orientation: Data-driven mindset with a proven ability to leverage key performance indicators (KPIs) to enhance productivity, quality, and overall efficiency.
- Technical Proficiency: Working knowledge of statistical process control (SPC), Lean manufacturing principles, and continuous improvement tools is highly beneficial.
- Agility & Focus: Thrive in fast-paced, high-change environments; able to prioritize effectively, remain composed under pressure, and guide teams through operational complexity.
Ready to lead in a growing, innovation-focused environment? Join us and bring your expertise to a company rooted in quality, teamwork, and the future of plastics manufacturing. EOE