Molding Manager

Benefits:

• 401(k)

• 401(k) matching

• Dental insurance

• Health insurance

• Paid time off

Position Title:

Contract Molding Manager

Location:

Wilmington, NC

Employment Type:

Full-Time

Wilmington Machinery is expanding its capabilities to include full-service contract molding. We are seeking a Contract Molding Manager to help launch, organize, and run this new department.

This role is ideal for someone with experience in injection molding, plastics manufacturing, or related operational leadership. You do not need experience in every area—what matters is strong production leadership, problem-solving ability, and familiarity with molding or manufacturing environments.

• Assist leadership in creating workflows, documentation, training, and production processes.

• Help prepare machines, molds, and tooling for initial production.

• Participate in hiring and onboarding operators, setup personnel, and support roles as needed.

• Manage production scheduling, staffing, and shift planning.

• Supervise molding machine operators, CNC router personnel, and assembly staff.

• Ensure safe, efficient, repeatable production processes with strong housekeeping and operational discipline.

• Oversee mold changeovers, startup approvals, and process checks.

• Coordinate with engineering and quality on part validation and issue resolution.

• Maintain production records, inspection documentation, and part traceability (aligned with FM Approvals guidelines).

• Work closely with the Quality Manager to ensure customer requirements and internal standards are met.

• Support communication regarding schedules, run status, part concerns, and tooling needs.

• Ensure that customer-owned molds and materials are properly handled and maintained.

• Identify opportunities to improve cycle times, reduce scrap, and increase uptime.

• Provide input on automation, fixturing, and workforce development.

Candidates meeting most of these criteria are encouraged to apply:

• Experience in injection molding, plastics manufacturing, CNC machining, or related production environments.

• Prior leadership experience (supervisor, lead, or manager).

• Ability to understand production processes and troubleshoot issues.

• Strong communication and organizational skills.

• Experience in a custom or contract molding operation using customer molds.

• Familiarity with mold setup, processing, or tooling maintenance.

• Exposure to quality systems such as ISO or FM Approvals guidelines.

• Ability to read engineering drawings or understand basic GD&T.

• Opportunity to help build a new department from the ground up.

• Stable company with long-term customers and growing service offerings.

• Supportive leadership and strong investments into equipment, people, and processes.

• Excellent growth potential as the department expands.