Technical Manager

Plastic Executive Recruiters; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading polymer manufacturing firm is seeking a VP / Director of Compounding for its advanced facility near the Indiana-Michigan border. This critical leadership role requires over 10 years of polymer compounding experience, including at least 5 years in a senior managerial position. The successful candidate will oversee comprehensive compounding operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety. Expertise in polypropylene formulations and twin-screw extrusion technology is essential. This position offers an opportunity to lead a high-performing team and drive innovative practices in compounding.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in polymer compounding, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Deep technical knowledge of polypropylene chemistry and processing.
• Extensive experience with twin-screw extrusion technology.

Responsibilities

• Direct all compounding activities to optimize throughput and minimize scrap.
• Act as the subject matter expert for polypropylene formulations.
• Oversee troubleshooting and fine-tuning of extrusion equipment.
• Develop and execute the annual operating budget and CAPEX projects.
• Ensure all products meet ISO and customer-specific specifications.
• Lead, recruit, and develop a high-performing team.

Skills

Polypropylene (PP) compounding

Twin-screw extrusion technology

Process optimization

Lean/Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Master’s or MBA (preferred)

Job description

Overview

Industry: Polymer / Polypropylene Manufacturing

Reports to: COO or President

We are seeking a high-caliber VP / Director of Compounding to lead our advanced polymer processing facility located on the Indiana-Michigan border. This is a critical leadership role for a technical expert who lives and breathes polypropylene (PP) compounding.

You will be responsible for the strategic oversight of our compounding operations, ensuring that our production lines achieve peak efficiency, rigorous quality standards, and innovative material formulations. If you are a master of twin-screw extrusion, melt-flow optimization, and operational excellence, we want you at the helm. We will be setting up the plant and commissioning the equipment in Feb and March. Sister plant operations on the west coast are already running.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Direct all compounding activities, from raw material intake to finished pelletization. Optimize throughput and minimize scrap rates.
• Technical Authority: Act as the subject matter expert (SME) for polypropylene formulations, including the integration of fillers (talc, glass fiber), impact modifiers, and UV stabilizers.
• Process Engineering: Oversee the troubleshooting and fine-tuning of extrusion equipment. Implement advanced process controls to ensure consistent melt quality.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and execute the annual operating budget, CAPEX projects for new machinery, and long-term scaling strategies.
• Quality & Compliance: Ensure all products meet ISO and customer-specific automotive, industrial, or consumer goods specifications.
• Team Mentorship: Lead, recruit, and develop a high-performing team of engineers, supervisors, and technicians, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement (Lean/Six Sigma).

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 10+ years in polymer compounding, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (plant manager level).
• Subject Matter Expertise: Deep technical knowledge of polypropylene (PP) chemistry, rheology, and processing nuances.
• Technical Skills: Extensive experience with twin-screw extrusion technology and downstream pelletizing systems.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Materials Science. (Master’s or MBA preferred).
• Location: Ability to work on-site in Northern Indiana. Travel required to sister plant periodically.

Preferred Skills

• Proven track record in startup environments or scaling up greenfield operations.
• Expertise in recycled polypropylene streams and sustainable compounding practices.