Plastics Technician-2nd Shift

Newell Brands; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Newell Brands in Wichita, KS, is seeking a skilled supervisor for the plastics production area. The role leads machine setup, maintenance coordination, and line leadership to ensure safe, efficient operation.

You will train operators, monitor OEE, plan workflows, and participate in continuous improvement through SEAL/PEAK programs, with emphasis on safety, quality, and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and team supervision skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot and maintain production equipment.
• Commitment to safety policies, SEAL and PEAK initiatives.
• Experience training operators and leads.
• Familiarity with MRO and production documentation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee machine setup and program calibration.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance to support production schedules.
• Lead and train operators, leads, and assigned plastics personnel.
• Monitor OEE and ensure quality and performance targets.
• Maintain documentation and part changes per notes.

Skills

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Safety awareness

Team training

Education

One year certificate from college or technical school

Experience in plastics manufacturing

Tools

MRO system

MicroMain

Process documentation

Job description

Newell Brands is a leading consumer products company with a portfolio of iconic brands like Graco®, Coleman®, Oster®, Rubbermaid®, Sharpie® and Yankee Candle® - and 24,000 talented teammates around the world. Our culture is built on values in action: Integrity, Teamwork, Passion for Winning, Ownership, and Leadership. We work together to win, grow, and make a real impact—supported by a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative environment where you can be your best, every day.

Summary

This role is responsible for machine setup, preventive maintenance, and supporting the Wichita plastics production process. It also coordinates activities and provides leadership across assigned plastics areas, assisting in directing workers and monitoring machine operations to ensure efficient production.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

include the following:

• Observes all Safety policies and procedures as outlined within Newell Brands’ Safety Excellence and Leadership (SEAL) program.
• Drive success through the Company’s Planning, Engagement, Awareness and Knowledge (PEAK) continuous improvement program.
• Personally responsible for upholding the Newell Brands Values and the Code of Conduct.
• Maintain a clean and orderly workstation for compliance with Newell Brands’ Housekeeping standards.
• Ensure operators have been trained on JSA’s safety and PPE for the machines they are assigned to
• Responsible for machine output impacting OEE adhering to quality and performance expectations
• Assist with the Initiation and catalog of personnel training as required
• Complete programming and set up calibration of machines and equipment to meet part specifications
• Monitor and maintain material handling system
• Maintain 6/S initiative
• Complete product setup, including molds, fixtures, nozzles, fabrication of EOAT, plugs, and automation as required
• Minor repairs and disassembly/reassembly of tooling and equipment
• Use hand tools to change out parts including cylinders, pneumatic valves, core pins, vacuum brake components, filters, blow needles, linear actuators, tighten knockouts, replace water lines, replace air lines and replace fittings.
• Manage and maintain the material management system.
• Follow all procedures within the company and for the department.
• Utilize micro main to document daily work and parts consumed from MRO.
• Read and follow production notes for sets, component and color changes
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Complete all required documentation
• Troubleshoots to maintain smooth flow of production or product shipments, instruct employees on the job as necessary
• Plans and issues work assignments as instructed by supervision to maintain department schedules
• Prioritize job assignments and machine schedules based on production needs
• Participates in fire mitigation training, including fire prevention and fire extinguisher training
• Assists with making job estimates assists with recommendations
• Reports on irregular conditions such as non-observance of standard procedures, equipment failures and production slowdowns
• Initiates requisitions for materials and supplies
• Reports on production issues needing maintenance
• Supports team objectives
• Other duties as assigned
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills are a must
• Ability to troubleshoot machinery
• Must be able to work a weekend shift
• Must be able to work overtime as needed
• Accountable for first pass yield (line returns)
• Train Mold Machine Assistants, Assistant Leads, and Plastics Leads.
• Be able to perform all duties listed without assistance (This does not include set work that requires more than one person)
• Troubleshoots to maintain production processes run smoothly and efficiently.
• Identifying and monitor production machine parameters and the setting of centerlines.
• Identify machine faults and production rate errors, ensure machines and equipment are running at cycle time.
• Perform preventative maintenance on machines, molds, and inserts as required.
• Document mold changes and machine adjustments.
• Provide direction to Operators in an effort to support production as required.
• Sets up machines and tools as required including color changes.
• Plans and issues work assignments as instructed by supervision to maintain department schedules.
• Inspect parts to ensure a consistent level of quality standards are maintained.
• Reports on irregular conditions such as non-observance of standard procedures, equipment failures and production slowdowns or stops.
• Initiates requisition of materials and supplies when required.
• Supports the technical team’s objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Responsible for working independently without direct supervision.
• Lead training and cross-training initiatives to develop team members and ensure adequate coverage across operations

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly provides instruction for Coleman employees and contingent workforce employees. Responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Oral Communication

Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.

Teamwork

Contributes to building a positive work environment. Interacts with fellow team members to build morale and maintain a sense of Coleman pride.

Change Management

Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.

Leadership

Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.

Quality

Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Uses feedback to improve overall quality of finished product.

Adaptability

Adapts to changes in the work environment and production schedules. Must be able to perform multiple tasks.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Strong Interpersonal and leadership skills are a must
• Must be able to work overtime as needed

Education and/or Experience

One year certificate from college or technical school; or three to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 1 - 2 years’ experience in area to be overseen preferred. Ability to read and comprehend basic instructions presented in English.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of issues. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• CPR Certificate Lockout / Tagout

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions; risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Personal Protection Equipment Requirements

• Safety glasses
• Hearing protection
• Armguards
• Gloves when handling products, tools, and equipment

Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Graco, Coleman, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Yankee Candle, Paper Mate, FoodSaver, Dymo, EXPO, Elmer’s, Oster, NUK, Spontex and Campingaz. We are focused on delighting consumers by lighting up everyday moments. Newell Brands and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers and comply with applicable employment laws. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled are encouraged to apply.