Plant Operations Leader - Injection Molding & Lean

Clayens; Crystal Lake (IL); On-site; USD 115,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Clayens is seeking a Manufacturing Manager in Crystal Lake, IL to lead multi-shift production, drive safety, quality and profitability, and partner with the Plant Manager on staffing and training. Strong leadership, plastics processing knowledge, and P&L awareness are essential.

The role requires extensive experience in a manufacturing environment, with emphasis on injection molding, lean methods, and continuous improvement initiatives aimed at operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years in manufacturing, 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Experience in plastics and injection molding preferred.
• Knowledge of P&L / Income Statement and plant quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Directs day-to-day floor manufacturing activities across multiple shift teams.
• Collaborates with production scheduling to optimize customer satisfaction and plant efficiency.
• Supports improvements in quality, safety and costs.
• Ensures proper staffing and training; manages conduct and advancement processes.
• Oversees equipment, tooling, and material purchase needs with the Plant Manager.
• Maintains housekeeping and safety awareness; aligns processes with profitability targets.
• Evaluates scrap reduction strategies and process improvements.
• Coordinates with Quality Manager to meet plant objectives and targets.

Skills

Leadership

English proficiency

Overtime availability

Team building

Education

Bachelor's or equivalent experience

Tools

Fundamentals of Injection Molding

Lean Manufacturing

6 Sigma

TS/ ISO guidelines

Job description

Clayens is seeking a Manufacturing Manager in Crystal Lake, IL to lead multi-shift production, drive safety, quality and profitability, and partner with the Plant Manager on staffing and training. Strong leadership, plastics processing knowledge, and P&L awareness are essential.

The role requires extensive experience in a manufacturing environment, with emphasis on injection molding, lean methods, and continuous improvement initiatives aimed at operational excellence.