Thermoplastic Molding Production Team Leader

Are You the Process-Driven Leader We’re Looking For?

Do you love turning complex molding challenges into stable, repeatable processes? At Proto Plastics in Tipp City, OH—where we’ve perfected custom injection molding for over 50 years—you’ll guide people, optimize equipment, and elevate performance in a culture obsessed with continuous improvement.

Your Mission

Lead a high-performing molding operation by building capable processes, empowering your team, and partnering cross-functionally to ensure on-time, in-spec product every run.

How You’ll Succeed

1. Coach and Coordinate: Supervise molding operators, material handlers, mold set-up technicians, and process technicians; create clarity, cadence, and accountability.
2. Master the Technology: Apply expertise in 3-axis robotics; 2- and 3-stage injection profiles; horizontal presses with multiple core pulls and multi-cavity tooling; hot runner systems (hot drop and valve gate); material handling (color feeders, hoppers, Gaylord tippers, dryers); and auxiliary equipment (thermolators, chillers, hot runner controls).
3. Build Better Processes: Apply scientific molding; complete capability studies; compress cycle times; and document robust methods for new product launches.
4. Lead Lean: Instill Lean Management principles—reduce waste, standardize work, and lock in gains.
5. Collaborate to Win: Work closely with Quality, CSR’s, Tooling, Processing, Engineering, and Maintenance to solve customer issues quickly and prevent recurrence.
6. Decide with Data: Use IQMS (MRP) to prioritize work, balance resources, and act on real-time information.
7. Develop People: Interview, train, assign work, coach, motivate, and address performance issues when needed.
8. Own the Floor: Capture observations from daily production and bring them to the core team to remove constraints.
9. Pitch In: Step outside your lane as needed to ensure production success.

What You’ll Bring

• Broad knowledge of manufacturing equipment, processes, systems, and tooling.
• MRP fluency (IQMS preferred) and confidence turning data into decisions.
• Proven troubleshooting, structured problem-solving, and sound judgment.
• Lean and continuous improvement experience.
• Ability to execute instructions delivered in written, verbal, or schedule form.
• Experience conducting process capability studies and applying scientific molding.
• Skill in developing and documenting processes for product launches.
• Analytical rigor—use data to diagnose and verify improvements.
• Leadership: interview, train, direct, counsel, and motivate team members.
• Ability to read/interpret SOPs, safety rules, maintenance instructions, and procedures.
• Manager-level familiarity with HR basics.
• Clear written and spoken communication.
• Applied mathematics (ratios, percentages, discounts, area, circumference, volume) and basic algebra/geometry.
• Team orientation with strong ownership and accountability.
• Excellent time management—prioritize, schedule, and multi-task.
• Comfort with database, internet, inventory software, and MS Office.
• Reliable, self-motivated, and effective with minimal supervision.
• Adaptable, versatile, and responsive to change.
• Safety- and security-minded.
• Professional, positive, and optimistic leadership presence.

Experience Required

• 3+ years of supervisory experience in manufacturing.
• 3+ years working with injection molding processes, equipment, and materials (or equivalent training).
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing and multi-product operations.

Physical Expectations

• Extended computer work (typing and mouse use; frequent reaching).
• Ability to stand, walk, kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl as needed.
• Reach, grasp, and handle components and tooling.
• Lift/move up to 30 lbs.
• Vision capabilities: close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception.

Core Proficiencies

• Injection molding experience.
• Injection mold set-up and processing experience.

Accommodation Notices (Verbatim)

**Essential Job Functions:

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.

**Required Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

**Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.