Molding Manager

NR Consulting; Addison (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

NR Consulting is seeking an experienced Molding Manager to lead the plastic injection molding department, drive tooling development, process validation, and new product launches. You will manage timelines, budgets, and technical teams to optimize production efficiency and ensure ISO/IATF quality compliance.

The role requires 8–10 years in molding leadership, strong GD&T skills, and experience with ERP/MRP systems.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of experience in molding leadership and tooling development.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T and blueprint interpretation.
• Experience managing tooling upgrades, process validation and NPI launches.

Responsibilities

• Project Leadership: manage new tool construction, mold trials and validation to production launch.
• Production Management: oversee daily molding operations, scheduling and staff to meet targets.
• Budgeting and Scheduling: develop timelines, budgets and cost estimates for equipment and materials.
• Technical Optimization: drive techniques to improve process efficiency and lean outcomes.
• Cross Functional Communication: liaise with engineering, sales and customers; provide status and support.
• Vendor Management: manage mold constructors, tooling procurement and materials networks.
• Risk Mitigation: contingency plans for tooling and high-volume programs to ensure supply.
• Organisational Skills: strong detail orientation and time management.
• Financial Acumen: understand impact of safety, quality, and productivity on revenue.

Skills

Injection molding

Process optimization

Lean methodology

Leadership

Project management

Root cause analysis

CAD

ERP/MRP

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

College degree or equivalent

Tools

SolidWorks

Microsoft Excel

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

The Molding Manager oversees the plastic injection molding department operations and maintains optimal performance while serving as the senior technical expert responsible for tooling development, process validation, and new product launches.

This individual will manage timelines, budgets, and technical teams to drive production efficiency, ensure compliance with ISO/IATF quality standards, and act as a liaison between engineering and sales. The incumbent will manage capital equipment upgrades, the production schedule, monitoring standard work to maintain tight controls on process, continuous improvement, and inventory control.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Leadership: Manage new tool construction by embracing automation and design verification (DFM) through mold trials and validation to production launch.
• Production Management: Oversee daily molding operations, maintenance, scheduling, and staff to meet production targets while minimizing scrap and downtime.
• Budgeting and Scheduling: Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, and cost estimates for equipment, tools, and materials. Support department cost savings targets.
• Technical Optimization: Drive new techniques to improve efficiency in process, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement lean methodology.
• Cross Functional Communication: Act as primary contact on programs and projects with internal and external customers. Provide project status and technical support to upstream and downstream customers in a get it done together environment.
• Vendor Management: Comfortably manage our network of strategic partners for mold construction, tooling procurement, and raw materials.
• Risk Mitigation: Develop and maintain contingency plans for critical tooling and high-volume programs to ensure uninterrupted supply to Tier 1 and OEMs.
• Technical knowledge: Strong knowledge of injection molding, material selection, and process optimization. Minimum of 8-10 years’ experience in the role. GD&T and blueprint interpretation.
• Project Management: Ability to drive and manage multiple projects to completion on time and to budget.
• Leadership and Communication: Proven ability to lead teams and solve problems across the organization. Mentor / develop technicians and operators.
• Software: Proficient in CAD software (Solid works), Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and a working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems
• Organisational Skills: Highly organized with strong attention to detail, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Financial Acumen: Understanding the impact of measurables for safety, quality, delivery, and productivity within the molding department revenue stream and leading improvements.

What Will Put You Ahead

• NetSuite experience (strongly preferred)
• Proven track record in the role
• Knowledge of LS Mtron, Niigata, Arburg, and Toshiba Molding Machines
• Proficiency in both English and Spanish languages is a plus
• College degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• TPM Maintenance programs to achieve uptime targets
• APICS/ASCM CPIM or CSCP (or equivalent experience)