Departmental Lead Person

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate the activities of injection molding operators, material handlers, and setup technicians.
• Monitor production schedules and ensure daily output, quality, and efficiency targets are achieved.
• Oversee mold setup, startup, troubleshooting, and changeover activities.
• Ensure compliance with all safety procedures, environmental requirements, and company policies.
• Monitor machine performance and address process issues to minimize downtime and scrap.
• Coordinate with Maintenance to ensure equipment reliability and timely repairs.
• Conduct root cause analysis for production, quality, and equipment-related issues.
• Implement and sustain continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, and cost reduction.
• Review production metrics, including scrap rates, machine utilization, downtime, and labor efficiency.
• Train, coach, and develop employees to improve performance and technical skills.
• Conduct employee performance evaluations and administer corrective actions when necessary.
• Ensure proper documentation of production records, quality checks, and shift reports.
• Support new product launches, process validations, and engineering change implementations.
• Maintain compliance with customer requirements, ISO standards, and other applicable quality systems.
• Participate in inventory control efforts related to molds, raw materials, and finished goods.
• Promote a positive work environment and foster teamwork across all shifts.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's degree or technical certification in Manufacturing, Plastics Technology, Engineering, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of injection molding manufacturing experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with mold setup, processing, troubleshooting, and process optimization preferred.

• Strong knowledge of plastic injection molding processes and equipment.
• Ability to troubleshoot molding defects such as flash, short shots, sink marks, splay, and warpage.
• Knowledge of tooling, molds, auxiliary equipment, and automation systems.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with SPC (statistical Process control), quality systems, and manufacturing documentation.
• Strong leadership, communication, and employee development skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing ERP systems.
• Ability to prioritize work, manage multiple tasks, and meet production deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during shifts.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures, noise levels, and moving machinery.
• Ability to use personal protective equipment as required.

• Manufacturing production facility operating multiple injection molding machines.
• May require overtime, weekends, and flexible scheduling to support production requirements.
• Exposure to industrial equipment, forklifts, and automated production systems.

• Safety performance and incident rates.
• Production output and schedule attainment.
• Scrap and rework reduction.
• Machine uptime and efficiency.
• Labor productivity.
• Quality performance and customer complaints.
• Employee training and retention.
• Continuous improvement project completion.