Operations Manager - Plastic Injection Molding

Genuine Search Group; Little Canada (MN); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Genuine Search Group seeks an experienced Senior Operations Leader for its Minnesota and California plastics operations. You will oversee molding production, quality, inventory, and shipping, and partner with Engineering to launch new programs on schedule.

This role requires 10+ years in plastic injection molding, proven leadership, Lean/GMP know-how, and a record of cost reduction and continuous improvement. You will mentor teams and drive safe, efficient operations across sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in plastic injection molding manufacturing environments.
• 5–7 years of leadership or management experience.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing or similar process improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with GMP standards and quality systems.
• Proficient with ERP systems and MS Office.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Uphold and reinforce 5S standards to maintain a safe, efficient facility environment.
• Support ISO standards and quality system requirements.
• Coordinate and manage the launch of new production programs in California.
• Partner with Engineering to ensure projects are introduced on schedule using cost‑effective tooling, fixtures, and processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and increase product profitability.
• Conduct capacity planning and resource analysis for labor, equipment, and supplier capabilities.
• Oversee California quality operations with focus on continuous improvement and standardized work practices.
• Track machine utilization and implement improvements to increase throughput.
• Balance labor allocation to meet labor-to-sales targets.
• Work with Customer Service, Production, Planning, and Purchasing to ensure scheduling and on-time fulfillment of work orders.
• Support ERP utilization and cross‑department process improvements.
• Monitor BOMs and labor availability to support on-time delivery.
• Mentor and develop employees through performance management and ongoing development.
• Foster a positive, team‑oriented culture and represent the organization professionally.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Team development

Communication

Problem solving

Continuous improvement

Quality mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Job description

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Provide operational support to the Vice President of Operations and the General Managers for Minnesota and California operations.
• Oversee order processing, molding production, secondary operations, and shipping activities.
• Lead program management efforts for new product launches to ensure timely and successful production introduction.
• Drive high standards in quality, on-time delivery, and overall customer satisfaction.
• Manage inventory control and accuracy across operations.
• Promote and maintain workplace safety initiatives.
• Support workforce planning and labor management activities.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Uphold and reinforce 5S standards throughout operations to maintain a safe, efficient, and organized facility environment in Brooksville.
• Support compliance with ISO standards and quality system requirements.
• Coordinate and manage the launch of new production programs within the California operation.
• Partner with Engineering teams to ensure projects are introduced on schedule using cost-effective tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and increase product profitability.
• Conduct capacity planning and resource analysis for labor, equipment, and supplier capabilities.
• Oversee quality operations in California with a focus on continuous improvement, standardized work practices, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Track machine utilization and implement improvements that increase throughput and operational performance.
• Balance labor allocation to maintain targeted labor-to-sales ratios.
• Work closely with Customer Service, Production, Planning, and Purchasing teams to ensure accurate production scheduling and timely fulfillment of work orders.
• Support ERP system utilization and process improvements across departments.
• Monitor bills of materials (BOMs) and labor availability to support on-time customer delivery.
• Mentor, coach, and support employee growth through performance management and ongoing development.
• Foster a positive, team-oriented culture that values employee contributions and continuous improvement.
• Represent the organization professionally within the community and industry.

Leadership & Management Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the divisional leadership team, contributing to operational strategy, goal setting, and achievement of business objectives.
• Lead staffing efforts and conduct annual performance evaluations for direct labor employees.
• Supervise employees in accordance with company policies, safety standards, and applicable employment laws.
• Support recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and performance management activities.
• Maintain a safe working environment while promoting accountability and operational excellence.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in plastic injection molding manufacturing environments.
• 5–7 years of leadership or management experience with a proven ability to motivate and develop teams.
• Strong knowledge of injection molding processes and manufacturing operations.
• Experience implementing continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean Manufacturing or similar process improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with quality systems, GMP standards, and manufacturing best practices.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and ERP systems.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational and leadership abilities.
• Comfortable making decisions independently while also empowering team members through delegation.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain a collaborative, team-focused work environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds as needed.
• Position primarily involves seated work and extended periods of computer use.
• Frequent bending, reaching, pushing, and pulling may be required.