Manufacturing Manager

This is an onsite, in-person position located at:

• Mylar Specialty Films - 5401 Route 1, Richmond, VA 23234 This role is ideal for an engineering-degreed manufacturing leader with experience in process or chemical operations who is ready to take ownership of daily production performance in a multi-shift environment.
• The Manufacturing Manager provides leadership for the Coating and Finishing departments, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operations that meet customer requirements and unit objectives.
• This role focuses on driving operational excellence, developing frontline leadership, and identifying and implementing continuous improvement opportunities.
• Reporting to the Director of Production, the Manufacturing Manager leads a team of 12 direct reports, including Supervisors, a Production Engineer, and Technicians, and supports a broader organization of approximately 60 operators across two operating areas.
• Most operators and supervisors work rotating shift schedules.
• The Manufacturing Manager typically works Monday–Friday days and provides on-call support as needed to ensure safe and reliable operations.

• Operational & Safety Leadership Lead and manage site operations for the Coating and Finishing units to achieve safe, reliable, and efficient production.
• Own and reinforce Safety, Quality, Reliability, and Employee Engagement (SQRE) strategies through daily leadership presence and walkthroughs.
• Ensure effective Conduct of Operations systems are in place to support flawless daily execution.
• Provide timely and thoughtful responses to operational escalations.
• People & Team Development Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, engineers, technicians, and operators to build strong bench strength and organizational capability.
• Act as a visible role model, fostering accountability, engagement, and a strong safety culture.
• Drive consistent use of the operating model across teams to improve performance and execution.
• Performance Management & Continuous Improvement Review daily KPIs, identify performance gaps, and assign problem-solving resources (PPR) to address issues.
• Drive proactive and consistent improvement initiatives across safety, quality, reliability, and cost.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvements and develop and implement recommendations.
• Planning, Resources & Systems Ensure availability of resources, raw materials, and supplies to support production plans.
• Translate unit strategy into executable operating plans, including progression of the Unit Technology Plan (UTP).
• Plan for emerging needs, non-routine activities, and operational changes.

• Required Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical engineering discipline. 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or industrial operations, including at least 3 years in a leadership role managing supervisors, engineers, or other frontline leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead in a team-based, operations-driven environment.
• Strong understanding of balancing safety, production demands, equipment reliability, raw material availability, cost, and other operational constraints.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and standard manufacturing software tools.
• Preferred Experience in chemical or process manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with SAP or similar ERP systems.
• Working knowledge of Process Safety Management (PSM).
• Experience working in a unionized manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to drive cultural and performance improvements.