Plant Manager - Automotive Molding Startup

Mold-Tech Engraving; Kelly (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Standex Engraving is launching a state-of-the-art automotive interior soft trim parts facility in Fraser, MI. We seek a dynamic Plant Manager to lead all plant and production management, blending traditional management with hands-on oversight of plastic injection molding operations to ensure efficient, high-quality, and safe production of automotive components.

The role involves building a high-performance team, establishing processes, and driving continuous improvement from the ground up, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field preferred (experience may be considered in lieu of degree).
• 3+ years of operational management experience in manufacturing, Class A soft trim automotive interior manufacturing, including edge-folding and finesse operations.
• Experience in automotive plastic injection molding; prior experience with start-up desirable.
• Experience deploying, qualifying and validating new processes in a highly automated production environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all plant operations, including production, quality, safety, maintenance, and logistics, to achieve goals.
• Partner with Leadership and Launch Manager to develop multi-year strategic plan for part production business.
• Plan, coordinate, and control manufacturing processes to meet production targets and deadlines.
• Lead, coach, and develop department leads and operators, fostering engagement and continuous improvement.
• Monitor equipment performance and implement process improvements for injection molding operations.
• Ensure adherence to IATF 16949, ISO 9001 and health & safety regulations.
• Collaborate with maintenance and quality teams to minimize downtime and scrap rates.
• Manage site P&L, budgeting, and cost-saving opportunities while maintaining customer satisfaction.
• Staffing, interviewing, hiring, scheduling, training, performance management, retention and terminations in partnership with HR.
• Drive actions to foster employee engagement and a respectful work environment.
• Communicate production timing, quality, and delivery with customers and upper management.

Skills

Proactive prioritization

Adaptability

Leadership & coaching

GD&T & experimental design

Data-driven problem solving

Lean/continuous improvement

Quality & safety standards

Communication & organization

MS Office & production software

Physical capability (lift up to 50 lbs

Education

Bachelor’s in Manufacturing/Engineering or related field

3+ years of manufacturing operations management

Experience in automotive plastic injection molding

Startup environment experience

Experience deploying new processes in automated production

Job description

Standex Engraving is launching a state-of-the-art automotive interior soft trim parts facility in Fraser, MI. We seek a dynamic Plant Manager to lead all plant and production management, blending traditional management with hands-on oversight of plastic injection molding operations to ensure efficient, high-quality, and safe production of automotive components.

The role involves building a high-performance team, establishing processes, and driving continuous improvement from the ground up, with