Department Manager

• Operational/manufacturing experience
• Managerial/supervisory experience

Key Responsibilities and Competencies:

• Lead with Safety First – Ensure plant safety policies and regulatory compliance are consistently followed; drive root cause analysis and sustain corrective actions

• Drive Production Excellence – Manage daily production and process functions by following established schedules to maximize utilization of equipment and associates

• Champion Quality – Monitor production activities with a focus on quality standards, ensuring products meet customer specifications and preventing customer complaints

• Spearhead Continuous Improvement – Lead improvement initiatives in safety, quality, waste reduction, and cost savings using lean manufacturing principles and methodologies

• Develop Your Team – Provide leadership to department leads and associates through coaching, mentoring, feedback, and professional development opportunities

• Optimize Processes – Improve existing procedures and standards or develop new ones to maximize production and quality while minimizing waste

• Drive Accountability – Address performance issues in a timely manner and hold teams accountable for safety, quality, and productivity metrics

• Collaborate Cross-Functionally – Partner with internal departments to achieve customer satisfaction and coordinate improvement initiatives

• Leverage Data – Analyze production data, identify inefficiencies, and develop data-driven solutions to complex operational challenges

• Lead Change – Guide the department through improvement initiatives including tests, trials, and implementation while ensuring successful adoption

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Process Management, Operations, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent experience

• Prior experience in process optimization, operations management, or business management with demonstrated results

• Lean Manufacturing certifications preferred (Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt, Kaizen certification)

• Previous experience operating or troubleshooting thermoforming/extrusion lines and processes is a plus

Required Skills & Competencies

• Proven leadership and team management experience in a manufacturing environment

• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and continuous improvement methodologies

• Experience managing daily production operations, scheduling, and resource optimization

• Solid understanding of industrial safety standards and regulatory compliance

• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead initiatives from concept to implementation

• Advanced data analysis and performance measurement capabilities

• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

• Demonstrated change management and problem-solving abilities

• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage competing demands effectively

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primary office environment with regular plant floor exposure

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures, moderate noise levels, and occasional exposure to dust, chemicals, and industrial materials

• Must be able to stand, walk, climb stairs/ladders, and work on elevated platforms

• Capability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally

• Required to wear PPE including hearing protection, steel-toe shoes, and safety glasses

• Work Schedule: Monday 6Friday with flexibility for operational needs; occasional overtime during peak production periods