Injection Molding - Operations Manager

DMS’ Purpose:

We are creating a culture of service.  We empower others to grow, rise and give back – accelerating positive change in the world. We lead with the heart to bring out the best in you – which brings out the best in us. As a dynamic and innovative team, we are dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions to our customers in the automotive and non-automotive sectors.  We do well so we can do good.

Serve Others, Enrich Lives, Rise Together and Give Back

Position Overview: The Injection Molding Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of injection molding production within a Tier 1 automotive supplier environment. This role ensures the efficient, cost-effective, and timely production of high-quality automotive components, meeting customer specifications and industry standards. The Operations Manager leads production teams, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and ensures compliance with safety, quality, and environmental regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Leadership:
• Oversee day-to-day injection molding production activities to ensure targets for safety, quality, delivery, and cost are achieved.
• Develop and execute production schedules in alignment with customer demands and Just-in-Time (JIT) manufacturing principles.
• Monitor production metrics and drive performance improvements to achieve key performance indicators (KPIs).
2. Team Management:
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of supervisors, technicians, and operators to promote a culture of accountability and high performance.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide constructive feedback, and facilitate training and development opportunities.
• Manage staffing levels and labor allocation to support production goals and customer demand fluctuations.
3. Continuous Improvement:
• Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to improve production processes, reduce waste, and increase efficiency.
• Identify and resolve bottlenecks, downtime, and other production challenges through root cause analysis and corrective action.
• Lead Kaizen events and other continuous improvement initiatives to optimize machine uptime, changeover times, and overall operational efficiency.
4. Quality Assurance:
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 standards, as well as customer-specific requirements.
• Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to address quality issues, implement corrective actions, and maintain product quality standards.
• Support internal and external audits and ensure all corrective actions are implemented effectively.
5. Safety & Environmental Compliance:
• Promote a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with OSHA and other regulatory safety standards.
• Conduct regular safety inspections and risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
• Support environmental compliance initiatives and maintain adherence to ISO 14001 standards.
6. Production Equipment & Maintenance:
• Oversee the preventive maintenance program for injection molding machines and auxiliary equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Coordinate with maintenance teams to minimize unplanned downtime and ensure quick response to machine failures.
• Participate in the specification, purchase, and installation of new machinery, molds, and equipment.
7. Budgeting & Cost Control:
• Develop and manage the operations budget, including labor, materials, and overhead expenses.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through process optimization, material efficiency, and waste reduction.
• Track and report on financial performance metrics, ensuring adherence to budgetary constraints.
8. Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Work closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Customer Service teams to ensure seamless production planning and execution.
• Support new product introductions (NPI) by coordinating mold trials, process validation, and production readiness.
• Act as a liaison between the production team and senior management, providing status updates and recommending process improvements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in injection molding operations, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in a Tier 1 automotive supplier environment is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 standards.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with experience in root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and production scheduling tools.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Technical Skills & Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of injection molding equipment, robotics, and resin processing.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives with measurable results.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in P&L management.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems, production scheduling, and inventory management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to industrial machinery and equipment.
• Requires the ability to stand, walk, and occasionally lift objects up to 50 lbs.
• May require off-shift and weekend availability to support production demands.

Performance Metrics:

• Achievement of safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) targets.
• Reduction of scrap, downtime, and cycle times.
• Compliance with regulatory and customer standards (IATF, ISO, etc.).
• Successful leadership and development of production team members.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to lead a world-class injection molding operation with cutting-edge technology.
• Strong leadership role with direct impact on business profitability and efficiency.
• Competitive compensation, performance bonuses, and career growth opportunities.
• Collaborative culture with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.

Traits/Values:

Integrity – adhering to high ethical principles and professional standards.

• Trustworthiness – Being honest, dependable, and earning the confidence of others.
• Excellence – consistently being the best you can be.
• Responsible – being reliable and trustworthy.
• Accountability – being obligated and willing to accept responsibility for one’s actions.
• Dignity – behaving in accord with DMS basic principles.
• Respect – treating others as you would have them treat you.

Our Values:

Gratitude * Integrity * Fun * Teamwork * Excellence * Diversity &

Respect * Innovation * Commitment * Humility