Production Manager

American Plastics; Jefferson City (MO); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental

401k

Paid vacation

Job summary

American Plastics in Jefferson City, MO, is seeking a Production Manager to lead a team of supervisors, technicians, and staff on the shop floor, while driving lean initiatives and safe, efficient operations. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in production management, with plastics injection knowledge and hands-on floor presence.

You will coordinate daily schedules, manage tool changes, and partner with other departments to meet customer deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required.
• Minimum 5 years of production management experience in manufacturing.
• Experience with plastic injection molding preferred.
• Candidate must be on the floor and in office management roles.

Responsibilities

• Direct a team of production supervisors, staff, and support personnel.
• Lead daily plant activities, ensure safety, and drive a zero-injury culture.
• Develop and maintain production schedules and tool changeovers.
• Improve processes and reduce scrap through Lean initiatives.
• Plan weekly production, capacity, and equipment utilization.

Skills

Team leadership

Strong communication

On-floor leadership

Continuous improvement

Problem solving

Safety mindset

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business Management, or related field

Tools

AS400 experience

ERP systems

MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Job description

American Plastics, a private equity-backed leading injection molded plastics manufacturer specializing in Retail Storage, Janitorial, Food Service and Cleaning products is looking for a Production Manager for our Jefferson City, MO facility. The Production Manager is responsible for directing a team of production supervisors, production staff, and support staff, totaling approximately production personnel.

The Production Manager is responsible for all daily activities within the plant including leading a zero-injury work culture, production functions, driving continuous improvement, plant organization, housekeeping and other duties as required. The production Manager must have a strong understanding of the injection molding process and TPS systems. In addition, the production work order process and be able to generate and maintain effective daily and weekly schedules. This position reports to the Plant Manager.

• Implement Lean Manufacturing Standards and Improvement Opportunities
• Continuous Improvement and scrap analysis to include reduction.
• Practice proper PPE compliance and maintain a safe working record and environment.
• Perform mold changes and new mold startups.
• Meet or exceed standard production efficiencies on all production lines.
• Scheduling of weekly production and tooling changeovers
• Lead and develop process technicians, supervisors, and mold setters.
• Troubleshoot equipment/process problems.
• Issue work assignments and ensure orders are started, paused, and stopped properly.
• Implement and maintain 6S standards in support of ensuring a safe and clean work environment.
• Work with other department leaders to ensure a safe, inclusive environment for all employees.
• Daily scheduling of all manufacturing equipment, machine capacity and balancing the dates customers require their material to be shipped.
• Plans, develops, and implements organization policies and goals to insure alignment with facility and corporate goals, objectives, and initiatives.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as requested or required.

Requirements

• Education – Bachelor’s Degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business Management, or related field
• Minimum 5 years related experience; Plastic Injection knowledge is a MUST.
• Hybrid Candidate – Willing to roll up sleeves and be on the floor as well as office management.
• Production Management Experience – 5 years minimum
• Not a desk job – Looking for someone to be on the floor with a “roll up your sleeves and get the job done mindset.”
• Must be a team player with strong and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and written, and interact with people.
• Demonstrated proficiency with PC software (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.); ability to learn/use ERP system (AS400 experience is highly preferred).
• Minimum travel required.

If you are interested in joining the American Plastics team and want to work in a fast-paced, progressive environment, we want to hear from you. We offer a competitive salary & benefits package including medical/dental, 401k, and paid vacation.