Injection Molding Operations Manager

About the Role:

The Injection Molding Operations Manager is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing day-to-day injection molding operations across multiple facilities. Reporting to the Executive Director of Operations, this position provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing performance while meeting customer quality and delivery expectations. The Operations Manager leads production, staffing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence initiatives while partnering closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and the Injection Molding Technical Manager to drive world-class manufacturing results. This role requires strong leadership in a high-volume, just-in-time automotive manufacturing environment and the ability to develop high-performing teams focused on safety, quality, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

What You Need To Be Successful:

• Lead all injection molding operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity objectives.
• Provide direct leadership and development for plant operations teams including production supervisors, team leaders, and hourly team members.
• Drive a culture of safety, accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement throughout the operation.
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) including OEE, scrap, labor efficiency, downtime, customer PPM, and on-time delivery.
• Ensure customer production requirements are achieved while maintaining compliance with quality standards and customer-specific requirements.
• Develop and execute operational strategies to improve productivity, capacity utilization, and manufacturing performance.
• Collaborate with the Technical Manager to optimize molding processes, tooling performance, equipment uptime, and launch readiness.
• Partner with Maintenance and Engineering teams to ensure robust preventive maintenance programs and equipment reliability.
• Lead problem-solving activities utilizing structured methodologies such as 8D, 5 Why, and root cause analysis.
• Support new product launches, engineering changes, and capacity planning activities to ensure successful implementation.
• Manage labor planning, staffing requirements, scheduling, and workforce development initiatives.
• Drive cost reduction efforts through waste elimination, lean manufacturing principles, and continuous improvement projects.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and company policies and procedures.
• Develop, monitor, and manage departmental budgets and operational expenditures.
• Foster strong cross-functional relationships with Quality, Supply Chain, Human Resources, Maintenance, Engineering, and Customer teams.
• Lead daily management activities including production reviews, performance reporting, and escalation processes.
• Support customer visits, audits, and operational reviews as required.
• Champion employee engagement, talent development, succession planning, and leadership growth initiatives.

Bonus Points If You Have:

• Multi-site manufacturing leadership experience.
• Automotive Tier 1 supplier experience.
• Experience with large-tonnage injection molding operations.
• Knowledge of automation, robotics, vision systems, and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement certifications.
• Experience supporting JIT/JIS manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of plastic joining technologies including ultrasonic welding, vibration welding, heat staking, and assembly processes.
• Experience with production planning, inventory control, and supply chain operations.
• Launch management experience for new programs and production expansions.
• Familiarity with IATF 16949, ISO 14001, and customer-specific automotive requirements.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, Operations Management, or a related field required.
• Master's degree or MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of manufacturing leadership experience, with at least 5 years managing injection molding operations in a high-volume environment.

Travel:

Less than 25%, primarily supporting Michigan and Canada operations, customer visits, supplier meetings, and business initiatives.

What We Offer:

We believe our employees are our greatest investment, which is why we offer a competitive total rewards package designed to support you at every stage of your career and life. Our benefits may include comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, retirement savings programs with employer contributions, tuition reimbursement, paid time off and holidays, employee assistance resources, and additional wellness programs and benefits designed to support your health, financial well-being, professional growth, and overall quality of life.