Molding Manager
Description:
Job Description
Job Description
The Molding Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for all injection molding operations at Creative Liquid Coatings, Inc. This role is responsible for planning, directing, and optimizing molding production, processes, and resources to ensure safe, high quality, and cost effective manufacturing that meets customer delivery and performance requirements. The Molding Manager oversees molding production strategy, technical process governance, staffing, safety, quality compliance, cost control, and continuous improvement initiatives across assigned facilities or shifts.
Roles and Responsibilities
Molding Operations Leadership & Strategy
Establish and execute molding operations strategies aligned with production plans, customer requirements, and business objectives.
Lead all injection molding production areas, including machine operations, material handling, process setup, and downstream coordination.
Define and monitor key molding performance metrics related to safety, quality, delivery, efficiency, scrap, and uptime.
Ensure molding operations can support production schedules, launch requirements, and demand changes.
Analyze production data and direct corrective actions when performance targets are not met.
Production Planning & Execution
Partner with Scheduling, Materials, and Supply Chain to ensure molding production plans meet customer demand.
Ensure accurate recording of production output, scrap, and material usage in ERP systems.
Oversee staffing plans, shift coverage, overtime usage, and labor utilization within molding operations.
Support and govern new product introductions, mold tryouts, validations, and production launches.
Ensure recovery and contingency plans are in place for equipment, material, or capacity disruptions.
Technical Process & Equipment Oversight
Provide technical leadership for injection molding processes, die setting, troubleshooting, and process optimization.
Ensure standardized process control systems, work instructions, and setup procedures are implemented and followed.
Oversee mold trials, process validation, and process capability improvements.
Partner with Maintenance and Tooling to ensure preventive maintenance, tooling readiness, and equipment reliability.
Support SMED, OEE, cycle time optimization, and scrap reduction initiatives.
Safety, Quality & Compliance
Ensure molding operations comply with all safety standards, OSHA/IOSHA requirements, and environmental regulations.
Promote and enforce safe work practices and PPE usage.
Support ISO, IATF 16949, and customer specific quality system requirements.
Ensure Layered Process Audits (LPAs), process audits, and quality checks are executed as scheduled.
Partner with Quality to address defects, nonconformances, and customer quality issues.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and develop Molding Managers, Process Managers, Supervisors, Engineers, and technical staff.
Ensure training programs are established for operators, technicians, and leaders, with documented effectiveness.
Oversee performance management, discipline, and annual evaluations.
Build a culture of accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
Continuous Improvement & Cost Management
Lead Lean Manufacturing, CES, and Kaizen initiatives within molding operations.
Drive standardization and best practice sharing across molding processes and facilities.
Manage molding departmental budgets and support cost reduction initiatives.
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce scrap, minimize downtime, and optimize resource utilization.
Cross Functional Collaboration
Serve as the senior molding liaison with Engineering, Tooling, Maintenance, Quality, Materials, and Program Management.
Work with suppliers and vendors relating to molding materials, tooling, and equipment.
Communicate priorities, risks, and performance clearly to plant and executive leadership.
Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational objectives.
Skill and Education Requirements
Experience in injection molding and plastics manufacturing.
Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience managing supervisors, managers, or technical teams.
Strong technical expertise in plastics processing, injection molding machinery, and process troubleshooting.
Demonstrated experience with Lean Manufacturing, OEE, SMED, and continuous improvement.
Experience supporting ISO, IATF, and customer audits.
Strong analytical, organizational, and decision making skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in standard office software and manufacturing systems.
Work Environment
Manufacturing environment with frequent shop floor presence.
Exposure to noise, fumes, chemicals, temperature variation, and moving machinery.
PPE required in designated molding areas.
Typical schedule includes extended hours and flexible availability to support production.
Occasional travel for customer, supplier, or interplant coordination.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Authority
Authority to direct molding production operations, staffing, and technical priorities.
Authority to enforce safety, quality, and process standards.
Authority to approve process changes, recovery actions, and resource allocation.
Authority to recommend capital equipment, tooling improvements, and staffing changes.
Authority to escalate molding related risks impacting safety, quality, delivery, or cost. \nCompany Description
With over 30 years of industry experience and a footprint spanning 10 United States locations, Creative Liquid Coatings is a powerhouse in integrated manufacturing. We bridge the gap between complex plastic injection molding and world-class automated finishing, utilizing a fleet of over 150 machines ranging from 85 to 5,000 tons. Our versatile paint lines accommodate a wide range of component sizes, providing a seamless, end-to-end production solution that combines massive scale with precision engineering for the most demanding industrial applications.
Full-time