Injection Molding Operations Manager

Hayward Holdings, Inc.; Clemmons (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Hayward Holdings Inc. is seeking an Injection Molding Manager to lead a three-shift operation, directing Production and Technical Managers and a workforce of ~175 employees.

The role emphasizes safe, efficient, and high-quality production of residential and commercial pool equipment across molding, tooling, and related processes. You will drive continuous improvement, capacity planning, and collaboration with Engineering, Quality, and Production Planning to support new product launches while

Qualifications

• Experience leading a large, multi-shift injection molding operation.
• Experience with ERP and MES systems is required.
• Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering Technology or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Production Manager and Technical Manager directly and oversee ~175 employees.
• Oversee a three-shift operation and drive safety, quality, and productivity.
• Monitor metrics, prepare reports, and drive continuous improvement (OEE, scrap reduction).
• Coordinate mold changes and changeovers; ensure inventory requirements are met.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Production Planning on new products.
• Ensure parts meet established specifications and maintain a safe work environment.
• Support capital equipment planning, upgrades, and automation initiatives.

Skills

People leadership

Injection molding

Process development

Thermoplastics

Mold/tooling design

Analytical problem solving

ERP/MES

Microsoft Office

Cross-functional collaboration

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering Technology

Tools

ERP systems

MES systems

Job description

Hayward Holdings Inc. (NYSE \"HAYW\") is one of the leading manufacturers of residential swimming pool equipment in the world, with a significant presence in the commercial pool market that is continuously growing. Hayward designs, manufactures, and markets a full line of residential and commercial pool and spa equipment including pumps, filters, heating, cleaners, salt chlorinators, automation, lighting, safety, flow control and energy solutions at our company owned facilities. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Hayward also has facilities in Tennessee, Arizona, and Rhode Island, Georgia, as well as Canada, Spain, France, Australia, and China.

The Injection Molding Manager oversees all injection molding operations, ensuring safe, efficient and high-quality production across a three-shift, 24-hour molding operation. This role leads a Production and Technical management team to drive continuous improvement, critical thinking and problem solving, as well as maintaining departmental molding metrics. The Injection Molding department supplies parts to Blow Molding, Assembly, and other Hayward facilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Production Manager and Technical Manager directly, and approximately 175 employees indirectly.
• Responsible for overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of a three-shift operation.
• Monitor production metrics, prepare reports, and recommend operational improvements.
• Oversee mold changes and assembly cell changeovers to ensure inventory requirements are met.
• Conduct capacity studies and monitor production capacity; collaborate with commodities to insource/outsource work as needed.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including scrap reduction and increased OEE.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Production Planning to support new product launches and problem-solving efforts.
• Ensure part quality meets established specifications.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment, ensuring all safety devices are functioning properly.
• Coordinate with Maintenance to schedule machine repairs, minimizing downtime and maintaining at least 85% capacity utilization.
• Interprets company policies to employees and enforce safety regulations.
• Support capital equipment planning, including machine upgrades, automation, and auxiliary equipment.
• Work with outside molding vendors to resolve issues during mold/machine setup or repair.
• Operate department using Lean Manufacturing methodologies (Kanban, 5s and continuous improvement).

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to lead people and manage projects.
• Strong understanding of the injection molding process and process development.
• Understanding thermoplastic resins and morphology (material behavior).
• Understanding of plastic part design and injection tooling design for manufacturability.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem solving, and analytical skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office required.
• Experience with ERP and MES is required.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Plastics Engineering Technology or a related technical field.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear.
• Frequently required to use hands to handle or feel objects, touch or press controls, reach with arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Must have close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Frequently required to push, pull, maneuver or lift up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment

• The work environment is typically noisy and dirty, with regular exposure to dust, oil, electrical devices, and moving mechanical parts.
• Safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety toe shoes are required while on the plant floor.