Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Operations Manager

Position Summary

The Operations Manager will oversee all aspects of silicone manufacturing operations, specializing in molding and extrusion processes to ensure efficient, safe, and profitable production. This role is responsible for managing daily operations, optimizing silicone processing techniques, leading teams, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to meet quality, cost, and delivery objectives in silicone product manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

Production Management

• Plan, direct, and coordinate silicone manufacturing operations including compression molding, injection molding, and extrusion processes
• Monitor production metrics including throughput, yield, efficiency, scrap rates, and on-time delivery
• Oversee tooling and mold management, including maintenance schedules and process validation
• Coordinate with engineering teams on new product introductions and process development

Team Leadership

• Supervise production supervisors, team leads, and manufacturing staff
• Recruit, train, and develop operations personnel
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching and mentorship
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration with engineering, quality, maintenance, and supply chain teams

Process Improvement

• Identify and implement lean manufacturing principles
• Optimize processes to reduce cycle times, minimize waste, and improve yields
• Lead kaizen events focusing on silicone material handling, cure optimization, and post-processing efficiency
• Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures
• Drive cost reduction initiatives including material usage optimization and energy efficiency improvements
• Implement predictive maintenance programs for molding presses and extrusion equipment

Quality and Compliance

• Ensure all products meet dimensional tolerances, physical properties, and customer specifications
• Coordinate with quality teams on process capability studies and statistical process control
• Support customer audits and certification processes
• Manage non-conforming material disposition and corrective action processes

Safety and Environmental

• Maintain a safe working environment with special attention to silicone material handling and high-temperature operations
• Ensure proper ventilation and exposure controls for silicone processing areas
• Lead safety meetings and incident investigations
• Implement environmental management practices including waste minimization and proper disposal of silicone materials
• Monitor and improve environmental performance including VOC emissions and waste stream management

Financial Management

• Develop and manage operational budgets
• Monitor and control manufacturing costs including labor, materials, and overhead
• Analyze variances and implement corrective actions
• Participate in capital expenditure planning and justification
• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs)

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field
• Master's degree preferred

Experience

• Minimum 5-7 years of manufacturing operations experience with emphasis on polymer processing
• 3+ years of experience in silicone molding (compression, injection, or transfer molding) and/or extrusion operations
• 3+ years of supervisory or management experience in manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of tooling design, mold flow analysis, and process optimization
• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies
• Knowledge of ERP systems and manufacturing software
• Experience in automotive, medical device, aerospace, or industrial sealing applications preferred

Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management abilities
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with focus on process troubleshooting
• Knowledge of molding and extrusion equipment operation and maintenance
• Proficient in data analysis, statistical process control, and performance metrics
• Knowledge of quality management systems (ISO 9001, ISO/TS 16949, FDA CFR Part 820)
• Understanding of safety regulations including OSHA and chemical handling requirements
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Project management experience with process improvement and equipment installations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, CAD software awareness, and manufacturing software

Certifications (Preferred)

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
• OSHA 30-Hour General Industry certification

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods in manufacturing environment
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
• Comfortable working in industrial setting with machinery, noise, and temperature variations
• Willingness to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays as needed

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing plant environment with molding presses, extruders, and high-temperature equipment
• Exposure to industrial equipment, elevated temperatures (up to 400&degree;F), and silicone processing chemicals
• May require occasional travel to other facilities, suppliers, or customer sites
• On-call availability for production emergencies and equipment breakdowns
• Standard work week with overtime as required during peak periods or new product launches

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: VP of Operations
• Direct Reports: Production Supervisors, Team Leaders, Manufacturing Technicians

Performance Metrics

• Production efficiency and throughput for molding and extrusion lines
• Quality metrics (defect rates, dimensional accuracy, material property compliance)
• Safety performance (incident rates, near misses, chemical exposure controls)
• Cost management (material yield, cycle time optimization, energy efficiency)
• On-time delivery performance and customer satisfaction
• Equipment effectiveness (OEE) for molding presses and extrusion lines
• Employee engagement and retention rates

EEO

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