Manufacturing Tech Leader: Mold & Process Excellence

Newell Brands; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Newell Brands in Wichita, KS is seeking a Technical Manufacturing Leader to drive all technical functions in the operation. You will develop systems to meet objectives in OEE, MUV, quality, and TPM while supporting Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance.

The role requires leadership of supervisors, engineers, and technicians, guiding root-cause analysis, process optimization for Blow Molding and Thermoforming, and maintaining 5S/6S standards.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment, troubleshooting.
• 5+ years of technical leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Lean tools and techniques.
• Proven proficiency in the practical application of 5S, SMED, TPM, Visual Factory, and Kaizen practices in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with OEE, process optimization, root‑cause analysis, and equipment reliability.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and technical guidance to departmental supervisors, engineers, Plastics leads, technicians, and managers, including process support, facilities, mold/tool shop, and mold change functions.
• Develops the overall departmental strategy and drives the tactical execution of continuous improvement initiatives focused on mold, machine, process, and facility-related technical metrics.
• Assigns resources and deploys technical resources to resolve operational issues, equipment downtime, process challenges, and production constraints.
• Leads troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis for recurring equipment and process issues and ensures corrective actions are implemented and sustained.
• Drives process optimization for Blow Molding and Thermoforming equipment to improve OEE, productivity, quality, scrap, downtime, and cycle time.
• Supports the development and standardization of process parameters, setup procedures, troubleshooting guides, and standard work to ensure consistent production performance.
• Supports all other departmental objectives through teamwork and collaboration.
• Works to continuously improve safety in the department and facility by addressing both physical safety issues and employee behaviors.
• Partners with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Operations, and other functions to support new equipment, tooling, molds, process improvements, and production launches.
• Maintains and improves housekeeping in all areas and ensures 5S/6S standards are established and sustained.
• Develops technical capabilities within the team through coaching, training, and knowledge sharing to build stronger problem‑solving and equipment/process expertise.
• Tracks and communicates key technical performance metrics and develops action plans to address gaps and improve department performance.

Skills

Technical leadership

Lean tools

OEE optimization

Root-cause analysis

Continuous improvement

Tools

5S/6S

SMED

Kaizen

TPM

Visual Factory

Job description

Newell Brands in Wichita, KS is seeking a Technical Manufacturing Leader to drive all technical functions in the operation. You will develop systems to meet objectives in OEE, MUV, quality, and TPM while supporting Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance.

The role requires leadership of supervisors, engineers, and technicians, guiding root-cause analysis, process optimization for Blow Molding and Thermoforming, and maintaining 5S/6S standards.