Conversion Manager

Position Purpose

The Conversion Manager is responsible for the full management and performance of the Conversion Department which includes Conversion, Flexographic Printing, Security, and Rewind. This position oversees all manufacturing activities within these areas, ensuring customer requirements are met while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, food safety, cost control, and employee engagement. The Conversion Manager directs supervisors, leads, operators, and support personnel and works closely with Production Planning, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, Training and Human Resources to achieve plant objectives.

Functions

• Communicate and work under direction of Operations or Plant Manager, to meet production and quality expectations in Conversion, Flexographic Printing, Security, and Rewind.
• This position is backed up by a Conversion Supervisor or other management when needed.
• Communicates safety policies, procedures, and practices
• Ensures department personnel have completed Novolex safety training on time
• Ensures department personnel follow all safety standards
• Ensures department accident investigations and communications with Plant Manager, Operations Manager, Human Resources Manager, and Safety Manager and others as assigned.
• Communicates food safety and consumer safety policies, procedures, and practices
• Encourages employees to take the correct actions and report events that could impact food safety of the product
• Encourages a strong food safety culture and participates in GMP and food safety training
• Holds team responsible to follow all GMP policies
• Participates in audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Communicates with all levels of the organization
• Operational leadership
• Manages daily operations of Conversion, Flexographic Printing, Rewind, and Security departments
• Ensures production schedules are achieved while meeting quality and customer service requirements
• Maintains production performance using key metrics including: Throughput, Waste and scrap, OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), Changeover times, Labor efficiency, Downtime
• Covers staffing and resources to meet production demands
• Leads daily production meetings and communicates plant priorities
• People leadership
• Leads, coaches, and develops supervisors and production teams
• Conducts performance evaluations and development planning
• Aids in hiring, onboarding, training, and succession planning
• Drives employee engagement and accountability
• Fosters a culture of teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement
• Continuous Improvement
• Leads Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Identifies opportunities to improve productivity, quality, and cost performance
• Utilizes root-cause analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies
• Supports capital projects and equipment upgrades
• Financial Responsibility
• Manages departmental labor and operating budgets
• Controls manufacturing costs through waste reduction and process improvements
• Maintains material usage variance (MUV) and other cost metrics
• Supports annual budgeting and forecasting activities
• Performs other duties required by management as necessary

Qualifications/ Education/Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, engineering, business, or related field preferred
• 5+ years of manufacturing leadership experience
• 3+ years of managing production teams
• Experience in one or more of the following: Flexographic printing, Film conversion, Rewind operations, Bag making, Flexible packaging manufacturing
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies preferred
• Must have experience handling deadlines, scheduling, and prioritization
• Strong leadership and coaching skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strategic and operational decision making
• Conflict resolution and employee relations skills
• Strong organizational and planning capabilities
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability
• Data analysis and KPI management
• Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP) and Microsoft Office applications

Company Policies

• Company policies, procedures, and practices are implemented via this position.
• The Quality of products is directly related to the effectiveness of individuals in this job.
• A broad base of current technical knowledge is required to ensure that standards are met, and efficiencies are maintained.
• Problem solving and decision-making abilities are essential for success.

Company Benefits

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental and vision insurance as well as a variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health.
• Specific benefits and well-being programs may vary depending on where you work.
• Community Engagement
• At Novolex, giving back to the local communities that support us is important. Our Focused Giving Program prioritizes support for organizations whose missions promote sustainability initiatives or address food and hunger needs. We also encourage facility level support of activities in the communities where our employees live and work.
• Training and Development
• We offer constant opportunities for advancement. From skills development to advanced education programs, training and development programs and courses are available through MyLearning. Programs include company and industry training curricula, support for formal education through the Tuition Reimbursement Program (Non-Union), and a Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the organization.
• Novolex is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including but not limited to selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, handicap or disability, genetics, citizenship status, service member or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.