Thermoplastics Operations Manager

About the role

Spectrum Plastics Group is seeking a Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead and develop high-performing teams, ensuring manufacturing performance meets customer expectations for quality, delivery, and costs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations to achieve and exceed performance goals.
• Develop and implement manufacturing processes that support production and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the primary resource for resolving escalated production issues.
• Establish and manage operational goals, budgets, and performance metrics.
• Lead, mentor, and develop direct reports.
• Maintain manufacturing documentation, including BOMs, ECOs, specifications, reports, and protocols.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external customers through responsive communication.
• Promote and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, trust, and respect.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to exceed customer expectations.
• Define program objectives, gain stakeholder alignment, and ensure successful execution.
• Ensure customer and company requirements are met for cost, quality, delivery, and performance.
• Partner with internal and external resources to maintain customer satisfaction and program schedules.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives for products, processes, and programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience with a minimum of five (5) years of success in program management, Engineering, or manufacturing leadership will be considered.
• Preferred experience with thermoplastic extrusion and molding operations.
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, thermoplastic materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to solve complex problems and effectively influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills with a disciplined approach to execution.
• Excellent time management and prioritization abilities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams, driving accountability, and improving operational performance.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other business systems and databases.
• Strong analytical and business acumen with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Able to develop and implement practical, mutually beneficial solutions that support customer and business objectives.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to execution and continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to identify customer and operational challenges and implement innovative, cost-effective solutions.
• Strong understanding of the operational and financial impacts of manufacturing decisions.
• Demonstrated success leading organizational change, driving operational excellence, and supporting business growth.
• Effective collaborator with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Engineering, Supply Chain, Human Resources, IT, Finance, and Executive Leadership.
• Proven track record of building, developing, and leading high-performing teams that consistently deliver measurable results in a customer-focused environment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Must be able to actively support manufacturing operations and the production floor as needed.
• Ability to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment as required.
• Occasionally reach above, at, and below shoulder level.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders, and perform stooping, crouching, and kneeling activities.
• Ability to perform gross motor movements and occasionally fine motor tasks.
• Regularly work in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Ongoing exposure to dust, odors, fumes, and moderate manufacturing noise.
• Ability to travel occasionally to support business and customer needs.