A financially strong, established plastics manufacturer is seeking a Director of Manufacturing Operations to lead manufacturing operations and support continued growth. This is not a turnaround situation. The business is established and financially stable, with an experienced workforce and a strong foundation already in place. The opportunity is to build on that foundation by strengthening manufacturing systems, developing people, improving performance, and helping prepare the operation for continued growth. This position requires a leader who is comfortable both on the manufacturing floor and at the leadership table. The Director of Operations will be expected to understand the processes behind the numbers, work directly with plant leadership and employees, and use data to improve safety, quality, productivity, cost, capacity, and customer performance. Experience in plastics manufacturing is essential. Extrusion experience is preferred; however, candidates with strong leadership experience in injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, compounding, converting, or other plastics processing environments will be considered. What You'll Be Responsible For Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations within a multi-shift production environment. Maintain a visible presence on the manufacturing floor and develop a strong understanding of equipment, processes, people, and production challenges. Develop manufacturing managers and supervisors while establishing clear expectations and accountability. Drive improvements in safety, quality, productivity, scrap, downtime, labor efficiency, throughput, and on-time delivery. Establish, monitor, and improve manufacturing KPIs and operating metrics. Lead Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives based on measurable business results. Partner with engineering, maintenance, quality, supply chain, HR, sales, and finance to improve overall business performance. Improve production planning, scheduling, capacity utilization, workflow, and resource allocation. Use root-cause analysis and structured problem-solving to address recurring manufacturing issues. Evaluate equipment, automation, process improvements, and capital investments to support capacity and future growth. Participate in budgeting, forecasting, cost management, and operational financial planning. Translate business objectives into practical manufacturing priorities and execution plans. Contribute to long-term operational and business planning as a member of the leadership team. What We're Looking For Progressive leadership experience within plastics manufacturing is required. Experience leading a plant, manufacturing operation, or multiple manufacturing functions. Extrusion experience is preferred, including profile, sheet, film, pipe, tubing, compounding, or other extrusion processes. Candidates with substantial experience in injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, converting, or other plastics processing technologies will also be considered. Demonstrated success improving manufacturing performance through Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and structured problem-solving. Experience managing manufacturing KPIs including productivity, scrap, downtime, labor efficiency, quality, throughput, and delivery. Working knowledge of manufacturing financials, budgets, cost control, and operational P&L. Experience developing manufacturing managers, supervisors, and production teams. Ability and willingness to be hands-on and highly visible within the manufacturing operation. Experience with capital equipment, capacity planning, automation, or manufacturing expansion is beneficial. Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical/scientific discipline required. Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Polymer Science, Plastics Engineering, or a related field is preferred. Leadership Profile This opportunity is best suited for someone who enjoys being close to manufacturing. The successful candidate will understand that operational leadership isn't managed solely through reports and meetings. You should be comfortable walking the floor, talking with operators and supervisors, understanding equipment and process issues, reviewing production data, and then connecting what you learn to the financial and strategic priorities of the business. We are looking for a leader who can improve an already established operation rather than someone whose experience is primarily centered on restructuring or turnaround situations. Education A bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical/scientific discipline is required. Graduates of Purdue University, particularly those with engineering, manufacturing, materials, or related technical backgrounds, are encouraged to apply. Graduates of other accredited engineering and technical programs will receive full consideration. H2

Pay:

$180,000.00 - $215,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Vision insurance Application Question(s): Do you have direct manufacturing leadership experience within a plastics processing operation? Which plastics manufacturing processes have you directly supported or led? Ex.

Extrusion / Injection

Molding / Blow Molding / Thermoforming / Compounding / Converting / Other Plastics Processing / None Do you have a bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical/scientific discipline?

Work Location:

In person