Plastics Manufacturing Operations Lead

Is leading a high-mix, fast-paced molding floor where you excel?

If you thrive on balancing schedules, quality, manpower, and materials—while coaching a large team through change—this Plastics Manufacturing Operations Lead role is for you. You’ll oversee daily injection molding production, enable safe and stable runs, and partner with Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and Materials to meet customer commitments.

What will you do each day?

• Align labor, methods, equipment, and materials to achieve production plan, quality metrics, and on-time delivery.
• Model Servant Leadership to build engagement and accountability; connect shifts and departments to share best practices.
• Reinforce compliance with company policies, procedures, goals, and standards.
• Staff, train, and develop team members; execute workforce planning to meet demand.
• Drive a zero-injury mindset—ensure OSHA compliance, safe behaviors, and proper PPE usage.
• Verify mold changes, first-piece approvals, last-shot documentation, production reporting, process verifications, training records, and standardized work completion.
• Maintain 5S and housekeeping to keep the facility safe, clean, and organized.
• Monitor safety, quality, productivity, efficiency, scrap, and attendance KPIs; take timely corrective actions.
• Use Lean principles to eliminate waste and continuously improve processes.
• Coordinate with Quality, Maintenance, Materials, and Engineering to resolve issues and avoid downtime.
• Coach performance and attendance; uphold quality standards and company expectations.
• Advance plant targets across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.

Do you bring the right experience?

• At least 5 years leading teams in fast-paced manufacturing (or equivalent experience).
• BS/BA in Business, Manufacturing, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong communicator and organizer; skilled at managing competing priorities.
• History of leading 50+ employees with Team Leader support.
• Self-motivated, results-driven, and collaborative across functions.
• Microsoft Office proficiency; ERP experience (IQMS preferred).
• Background in thermoplastic injection molding.
• Knowledgeable about molding machines, tooling, plastics, automation, and robotics.
• Mechanical aptitude with strong troubleshooting skills.

What’s the work like?

• Lift/carry/push/pull up to 50 lbs.
• Stand, stoop, twist, climb, and perform repetitive motions for 8–12 hours.
• Bend at the waist 45° or more; bend below the waist to reach floor-level items.
• Operate near hot molds, presses, cranes, and industrial equipment; function in tight spaces.
• Use hands/fingers to grasp and hold objects; reach overhead and at/below shoulders.
• Go up/down ramps and stairs using feet and legs.
• Hear and discern speech, machinery alarms, medical codes, and warnings.
• Work frequently around machinery with moderate noise.
• Close vision ( 20 inches) and ability to identify/distinguish colors.
• Hands-on 60–80% with some desk/computer time.
• Temperature variability up to 90°F; operate effectively in hot and cold environments.
• Remain stationary 50%–100% of the time as required.
• Enter/exit forklifts and standing lifts; access trailers, steps, and ladders.
• Comfortable with heights.

Why you’ll love working here

• Competitive hourly pay based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits with free medical/HSA for employees earning under $75,000 annually who choose individual coverage.
• 401(k) plan to support retirement goals.
• Generous PTO and company holidays.
• Complimentary weekly uniform service—we handle it.
• Annual boot allowance for qualifying safety toe footwear.
• Hands-on exposure to varied molds and tooling for continuous learning and growth.

Accessibility and compliance

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Frequency of duties, percent of time and work year may vary based on department or building assignment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands, work environment factors and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.