Sr. Manager, Engineering

Petmate POSITION SUMMARY

The Engineering Manager will lead strategic initiatives to optimize injection molding, extrusion molding, blow molding operations, drive Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma programs, and manage engineering functions. This role combines leadership in process improvement with oversight of engineering, tooling department, and continuous improvement team to achieve safety, quality, cost, and deliverable objectives. The position is critical in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence across the organization.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive continuous improvement strategy aligned with company goals.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise the Engineering, Tooling department, and Continuous Improvement teams, fostering safety, teamwork, and accountability.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to establish KPIs and performance metrics.
• Conduct performance reviews through Smart Goal initiatives and identify professional development opportunities.
• Support New Product Development team in developing new product releases

• Oversee and optimize manufacturing processes to ensure efficiency and high-quality standards.
• Identify and eliminate inefficiencies using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Optimize mold changeover processes to reduce downtime and increase machine utilization.
• Maintain and enhance manufacturing SOPs to drive consistency and reduce variability.

• Monitor daily production metrics and ensure targets for quality, cycle time, yield, and waste reduction are met.
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Ensure all products meet customer specifications and quality standards.
• Partner with quality teams to conduct root-cause analyses and implement preventative measures.

• Plan, lead, and execute capital and process improvement projects within budget and timeline.
• Evaluate new technologies and equipment to improve operational efficiency.
• Manage Cap Ex projects, including equipment procurement, vendor negotiations, and implementation.

• Lead continuous improvement activities.
• Focus driven on cost saving initiatives.
• Partner with our safety team objectives to improve safety standards throughout the facility.

• Conduct training sessions on Lean principles, Six Sigma tools, and problem-solving techniques.
• Empower employees to identify improvement opportunities and implement changes.

• Analyze production data to identify trends, establish baselines, and monitor the impact of improvement initiatives.
• Track KPIs such as OEE, TEEP, cycle times, scrap rates, and downtime; prepare reports for senior leadership.

• Uphold safety regulations and ensure compliance with environmental and industry standards.
• Promote sustainable manufacturing practices to reduce waste and energy consumption.

• Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
• Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process improvement methodologies.
• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and statistical analysis software.
• Excellent communication skills for training and cross-departmental collaboration.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing), Operations Management, or related field. Master’s degree is a plus.
• 8+ years in injection molding or plastics manufacturing.
• Proven track record of leading Lean and Six Sigma projects (certification preferred: Green Belt, Black Belt, or Lean Sensei).
• 8+ years of supervisory or managerial experience.
• Experience with injection molding equipment, materials, and process troubleshooting.
• Cap Ex project management experience.

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen.

Our facility operates with machinery that can be loud and requires ear protection and eye protection. The manufacturing environment can be fast-paced and physically demanding, with exposure to various materials and processes that may result in a dirty workspace. We prioritize safety and cleanliness, providing all necessary…