Conversion Manager

Novolex; Yakima (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

Novolex is seeking a Conversion Manager to oversee the Conversion Department, including Flexographic Printing, Security, and Rewind. You will lead supervisors and teams, manage production schedules, and drive safety, quality, and cost controls while partnering with planning, maintenance, quality, engineering, training, and HR to meet plant objectives.

The role emphasizes continuous improvement, KPI tracking, and strong leadership to develop and engage the workforce in a safety- and quality-first

Qualifications

• 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 Flexographic printing, Film conversion, Rewind operations, Bag making, Flexible packaging manufacturing.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations of Conversion, Flexographic Printing, Rewind, and Security departments.
• Ensure production schedules are achieved while meeting quality and customer service requirements.
• Monitor production performance using KPIs like throughput, waste, OEE, changeover times, labor efficiency, downtime.
• Coordinate staffing and resources to meet production demands.
• Lead daily production meetings and communicate plant priorities.
• Drive employee engagement and accountability and foster teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives and identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, and cost.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Data analysis

KPI management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing/engineering/business

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

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.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• a. Communicates safety policies, procedures, and practices
  • Ensure department personnel have completed Novolex safety training on time
  • Ensure department personnel follow all safety standards
  • Ensure department accident investigations and communications with Plant Manager, Operations Manager, Human Resources Manager, Safety Manager and others as assigned.
• b. Communicates food safety and consumer safety policies, procedures, and practices
  • Ensure employees are empowered and encouraged to take the correct actions and report events that could impact food safety of the product.
  • Encourage a strong food safety culture and participate in GMP and food safety training and hold team responsible to follow all GMP policies.
• c. Participate in audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• d. Communicate with all levels of the organization.
• e. Operational leadership
  • Manage daily operations of Conversion, Flexographic Printing, Rewind, and Security departments
  • Ensure production schedules are achieved while meeting quality and customer service requirements
  • Monitor production performance using key metrics including:
    • Throughput
    • Waste and scrap
    • OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)
    • Changeover times
    • Labor efficiency
    • Downtime
  • Coordinate staffing and resources to meet production demands
  • Lead daily production meetings and communicate plant priorities
• f. People leadership
  • Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and production teams
  • Conduct performance evaluations and development planning
  • Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, and succession planning
  • Drive employee engagement and accountability
  • Foster a culture of teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement
• g. Continuous Improvement
  • Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, and cost performance
  • Utilize root-cause analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies
  • Support capital projects and equipment upgrades
• h. Financial Responsibility
  • Manage departmental labor and operating budgets.
  • Control manufacturing costs through waste reduction and process improvements
  • Monitor material usage variance (MUV) and other cost metrics
  • Support annual budgeting and forecasting activities
• i. Perform other duties required by management as necessary.

Company policies, procedures, and practices are implemented via this position. 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.

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

Benefits

Novolex offers comprehensive benefits including a 401(k) plan with company match, medical, dental, vision insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, paid vacation, sick days, free onsite clinic, paid parental leave, paid holidays, and a wellness program. Additional programs focus on mental, physical and financial health and may vary by location.

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. Any individual who, because of a disability, needs an accommodation in connection with an aspect of the company's application process should contact [e-mail].