Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title:  Head of Manufacturing

Industry: Plastics/Automotive   Manufacturing

On-site Location: Montgomery, AL

Relocation Provided: Yes

Salary Range: $100,000-$140,000 + Performance Annual Bonus

About the Opportunity:

An established plastics injection molding manufacturer is seeking a Head of Manufacturing  to strengthen its leadership team and oversee reliable, efficient plant performance.

This is an opportunity for an experienced manufacturing leader to become a key operational partner to the CEO, develop the plant's leadership team, and support continued success across established and newly launched automotive programs.

The Head of Manufacturing  will lead through the existing Plant Operations Manager and collaborate with quality, engineering, maintenance, and materials personnel. This position combines floor-level engagement with broader responsibility for operating priorities, accountability, resource planning, and continuous improvement.

Overview:

The Head of Manufacturing will translate business objectives into clear operating plans and ensure the plant has the people, processes, and resources needed to execute consistently.

While the Plant Operations Manager remains closely involved in daily production, the Head of Manufacturing will provide overall operational direction, resolve cross-departmental issues, develop leaders, and assume operational responsibilities currently carried by the CEO.

Success requires strong injection molding & automotive industry experience, sound business judgment, and the ability to build productive relationships while establishing clear expectations and follow-through.

Minimum Requirements:

• 8+ years of manufacturing experience with 5+ years in a senior production leadership role
• Must have strong experience in injection molding operations & automotive
• Deep understanding of production flow, automation, and molding processes
• Proven ability to stabilize and improve underperforming operations
• Background with ISO standards
• Strong leadership presence with a hands-on operational mindset
• Experience with automation expansion initiatives
• Background in continuous improvement methodologies (OEE, scrap reduction, etc.)
• Experience supporting new program launches and PPAP processes
• Strong data-driven decision-making capability
• Ability to travel as needed for customer or supplier visits

Responsibilities:

Production Stability and Execution

• Ensure daily production targets are achieved safely and consistently
• Lead injection molding operations, including scheduling, machine utilization, and workforce efficiency
• Drive shift stability and eliminate reactive “firefighting” behaviors
• Ensure strong startup discipline and effective shift handoffs
• Oversee mold changeovers and automation integration

Workforce Leadership and Accountability

• Build and lead a strong production leadership team
• Establish and track KPIs for supervisors and technical staff
• Promote accountability, ownership, and structured communication
• Improve workforce stability and reduce turnover
• Support training and skill development initiatives

Process and Operational Discipline

• Enforce process control standards
• Partner with Process Engineering to ensure robust, repeatable processes
• Coordinate preventive maintenance with production needs
• Reduce scrap, downtime, and rework through operational rigor
• Promote data-driven decision-making

Continuous Improvement and Efficiency

• Improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Reduce scrap and improve first-pass yield
• Optimize labor allocation and shift balance
• Improve material flow between the warehouse and production
• Support automation and labor efficiency initiatives

Customer and Launch Support

• Ensure readiness for new program launches
• Support PPAP builds and production ramp-ups
• Participate in customer visits as operational lead
• Ensure execution meets customer timing and quality expectations

Safety and Compliance

• Promote a zero-incident safety culture
• Ensure adherence to all safety procedures
• Maintain compliance with quality systems and internal standards
• Keep production areas audit-ready at all times

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