Process Innovation Manager

Guided Search Partners; New Jersey; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Guided Search Partners is seeking a Process Innovation Manager to lead process innovation and optimization in a medical device manufacturing organization in New Jersey. The role demands strong expertise in injection and scientific molding, focusing on enhancing manufacturing flow, tooling development, and efficiency.

You will improve process capability and execute technical solutions directly on the manufacturing floor, collaborating with diverse teams to ensure high-quality standards and compliance.

This position is perfect for a driven professional excited to make a significant impact in the medical device field.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience with plastic process development of high-tolerance plastic parts.
• Deep understanding of quality, regulatory, and manufacturing requirements for medical device production.
• Ability to multitask and set priorities with little supervision.

Responsibilities

• Lead process innovation and optimization initiatives across manufacturing operations.
• Drive new tooling development and implementation.
• Optimize production floor layout and workflow.
• Serve as subject matter expert for injection molding processes.

Skills

Injection molding experience

Scientific molding expertise

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

BSME or plastics-related degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Design of Experiments

Job description

Guided Search Partners (GSP)

Guided Search Partners is an Executive Search firm built on Trust, Transparency, Specialization, and Long‑term Relationships. We connect high‑performing professionals with organizations that value people, performance, and growth—helping leaders find roles where they can make an impact and build meaningful careers.

About the Opportunity

We’re supporting a search for a Process Innovation Manager with a medical device manufacturing organization in New Jersey. This role will lead process innovation and optimization across injection molding operations, with a focus on improving manufacturing flow, tooling development, production floor layout, efficiency, throughput, and scalability. The Process Innovation Manager will serve as a hands‑on technical leader and subject matter expert for injection molding and scientific molding. This is a strong fit for someone who understands medical device manufacturing requirements and can work closely with technical teams to improve processes on the floor.

What You’ll Do

You’ll lead process innovation, molding optimization, and technical improvement efforts across manufacturing operations.

Key areas of focus include:

• Lead process innovation and optimization initiatives across manufacturing operations
• Drive new tooling development and implementation
• Develop and improve manufacturing process flows
• Optimize production floor layout and workflow, including movement between manufacturing cells
• Partner closely with Industrial Engineering to improve efficiency, throughput, and scalability
• Serve as the subject matter expert for injection molding processes and scientific molding methodologies
• Provide hands‑on leadership and technical support on the manufacturing floor
• Perform Design of Experiments on new tooling programs to establish molding and manufacturing processes
• Create and maintain process and manufacturing‑related documentation
• Support Molding Technicians, Process Engineers, and Quality personnel on process and manufacturing‑related issues
• Lead continuous improvement efforts within the molding department
• Participate in new program development, quoting, and APQP project activity related to molding tooling
• Participate in internal and external audits related to the molding department
• Promote cleanliness and safety policies and procedures
• Assist in design and fabrication for new mold tooling
• Identify needed molding technologies, equipment, and sensors to advance capabilities

Who You Are

You are a hands‑on molding expert who can lead from the floor while helping improve process capability, efficiency, and technical execution.

You understand injection molding, scientific molding, process development, troubleshooting, and medical device manufacturing requirements. You are comfortable working across departments and providing technical direction to molding technicians, process engineers, die makers, and tooling personnel.

You would do well here if you are a driven self‑starter, strong problem solver, and team player who can help elevate molding operations through better processes, tools, and technical leadership.

Preferred Experience & Attributes

• Extensive injection molding experience
• Scientific molding expertise required
• Master Molder certification or equivalent expertise strongly preferred
• Medical device industry experience required
• Strong understanding of quality, regulatory, and manufacturing requirements for medical device production
• Deep understanding of process development, optimization, and troubleshooting
• Experience with APQP preferred
• BSME or plastics‑related degree required
• At least 5 years of experience with plastic process development of high‑tolerance plastic parts
• Extensive knowledge of engineering‑grade plastics as it relates to plastic processing
• Advanced mold tooling knowledge required
• Knowledge of Design of Experiments as it relates to plastic processing
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to multitask and set priorities with little supervision
• Ability to work effectively across departments
• Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Excel skills
• ISO/QS/TS knowledge preferred
• Spanish language proficiency is a plus

Why This Role Matters

This role matters because strong molding process leadership directly impacts quality, efficiency, throughput, scalability, and manufacturing performance. The Process Innovation Manager will help improve how work flows through the operation, support new tooling and process development, and provide hands‑on technical direction to key manufacturing teams. This is a strong opportunity for a molding expert who wants to make a visible impact in a medical device manufacturing environment.