Job Overview Directs, plans, and manages all production activities for injection-molded polymer components and automotive lighting assemblies to meet customer requirements and organizational objectives. Responsible for achieving safety, quality, cost, delivery, productivity, and operational excellence targets through effective leadership of production personnel and resources. Provides strategic and day-to-day leadership for molding, assembly, material flow, and related manufacturing operations. Develops and implements production plans, establishes performance expectations, and ensures the effective utilization of labor, equipment, materials, and manufacturing processes. Maintains accountability for production performance, budget compliance, workforce development, and adherence to Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality standards. Leads continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, and other modern manufacturing principles to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance customer satisfaction. Drives innovation, workforce engagement, and operational excellence through effective 4M management (Man, Machine, Material, Method) and cross-functional collaboration in a multicultural, global supplier environment. Provides regular reporting and performance reviews to executive and plant leadership regarding production performance, operational challenges, improvement activities, and strategic initiatives. Essential Functions Direct and manage daily production operations for injection-molded polymer components and automotive lighting assemblies to ensure achievement of safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives. Develop, implement, and monitor production plans and schedules based on customer demand, inventory requirements, and operational capacity. Lead production supervisors, assistant managers, team leaders, and operators to achieve departmental performance goals. Ensure compliance with all Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality requirements and promote a culture of safety and accountability throughout the department. Establish and maintain effective production workflows across molding, assembly, and material handling operations. Monitor and analyze production performance indicators including UPH, OEE, scrap, downtime, labor utilization, efficiency, PPM, and customer delivery performance. Identify production constraints and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime, improve equipment utilization, and maximize productivity. Manage departmental staffing, labor planning, scheduling, overtime, and resource allocation to meet operational needs and budget objectives. Lead employee performance management activities including coaching, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, succession planning, and career development. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality improvement, cost reduction, waste elimination, and operational efficiency. Lead root cause investigations utilizing structured problem-solving methodologies such as 5 Why, 8D, Fishbone Analysis, and PDCA. Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, quality, logistics, and supply chain teams to resolve production-related issues and achieve business objectives. Support new program launches, engineering changes, production transfers, and process improvements. Oversee development and maintenance of manufacturing documentation including Work Instructions, Standard Operating Procedures, PFMEA, Control Plans, and process standards. Manage departmental budgets and operating expenses while identifying opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements. Ensure effective implementation and management of 4M changes and production readiness activities. Maintain effective communication with plant leadership and provide regular updates regarding production performance, staffing, quality concerns, and operational risks. Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, engagement, and continuous improvement. Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational objectives. Competencies Leadership

• Provides strong leadership and direction while building accountability, engagement, teamwork, and a high-performance culture. Strategic Thinking
• Anticipates operational challenges and develops plans that align departmental objectives with organizational goals. Performance Management
• Effectively manages employee performance through coaching, development, recognition, corrective action, and succession planning. Problem Solving/Analysis
• Utilizes data-driven decision-making and structured methodologies to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions. Results Driven
• Maintains focus on achieving production, quality, safety, delivery, and financial objectives. Communication Proficiency
• Communicates effectively with employees, peers, customers, suppliers, and senior leadership. Financial Acumen
• Understands budget management, labor costs, production costs, and operational metrics impacting business performance. Technical Capacity
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of injection molding, automotive assembly processes, manufacturing systems, and quality standards. Continuous Improvement
• Promotes Lean Manufacturing principles and drives operational excellence initiatives. Change Management
• Effectively manages organizational, process, and production changes while maintaining operational stability.

Required Education and Experience High School Diploma or GED Minimum 7 years of experience in an automotive manufacturing environment. Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience managing production operations. Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Management, Industrial Technology, or related field. Preferred Education and Experience Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Management, Industrial Technology, or related field. 10+ years of automotive manufacturing experience. Experience with injection molding and automotive lighting assembly operations. Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement certification. Experience with IATF 16949 and customer-specific automotive requirements.

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Relocation assistance Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person