Director of Manufacturing Operations

Description

Westlake Plastics is a world-leading manufacturer in extrusion and compression molding technologies of high-performance thermoplastics. Close collaboration with our customers and new product development have been the hallmarks as we celebrate 75 years of success.

We are seeking a candidate that can lead production, supply chain, facilities and warehousing providing operational guidance that instills continuous improvement and a culture of accountability to deliver high-quality, cost-effective thermoplastic extruded stock shapes products and achieve the company’s operational goals. The ideal candidate would be strategic and a hands‑on manufacturing operations leader with a deep understanding of lean principles, who leads by influence, facilitates cross functional collaboration, and communicates effectively to drive safe and cost effective-business results.

The Director of Manufacturing Operations is responsible for leading and optimizing manufacturing operations for the thermoplastic extrusion sites in the Greater Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania. Reporting to the General Manager, this role oversees all aspects of operations including manufacturing, supply chain, facilities and warehousing with accountability for quality, safety, delivery, and cost effectiveness. This position works closely with the Director of Engineering Management to ensure operational excellence [RC3.1], alignment with company strategy and a culture of accountability [RC4.1].

The Director will provide strategic and hands‑on leadership across two production sites and warehousing facility, driving continuous improvement while leveraging deep technical expertise in thermoplastic extrusion. This role requires a proven ability to foster strong cross‑functional collaboration [RC5.1] and to lead a team in the manufacturing of high‑quality products that meet customer requirements.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing, multi‑site operations team. [RC6.1]
• Recommend and implement plan to develop professional and managerial skills of direct reports
• Set clear performance expectations and provide regular oral and written feedback
• Establish a culture of accountability, professional development, and operational discipline.
• Gain clear understanding of overall business objectives and goals and encompass them into operational goals

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high‑quality production.
• Create and manage KPIs related to operational productivity,
• Lead collaborative efforts between supply chain and extrusion management to ensure production schedules, and customer commitments are consistently met [RC7.1]
• Assess and balance workload by department to ensure each operational stage is efficient and free of bottlenecks. [RC8.1]

• Drive Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and waste‑reduction initiatives across all sites.
• Utilize business analytical systems to enhance visibility, control, and performance of production operations.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions.

• Leverage expertise in thermoplastic Rod, Film, sheet and slab extrusion to optimize processes, troubleshoot issues, and improve product quality and yield.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, and R&D on product and process development, validation, transfer of product development to manufacturing stage.

• Ensure compliance with ISO , standards [RC9.1] and all relevant environmental, health, safety, and regulatory requirements at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Maintain audit readiness and oversee documentation, inspections, and regulatory interactions.
• Develop and modify processes and procedures as needed in manufacturing, supply chain, and shipping operations.

• Oversee facility operations to ensure a safe, OSHA compliant manufacturing environment.
• Direct equipment maintenance, calibration, and preventive maintenance programs to minimize downtime and maximize…