Production Manager

American Plastics; Simpsonville (SC); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

American Plastics in South Carolina is seeking a Production Manager to lead a team of ~80 personnel, directing production, safety, and continuous improvement efforts. The role focuses on injection molding processes, TPS systems, and daily scheduling to meet customer dates.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, 5+ years of production management experience in plastic injection, and a hands-on, floor-based leadership style with strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business Management, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years related experience in plastic injection knowledge.
• Hybrid candidate—on-floor and office management.
• Production management experience—5 years minimum.
• Not a desk job—on the floor with a hands-on mindset.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with PC software (Excel, Word, Outlook); ERP experience preferred (AS400).
• Minimum travel required.

Responsibilities

• Implement Lean Manufacturing Standards and Improvement Opportunities
• Continuous Improvement and scrap analysis to include reduction.
• Practice PPE compliance and maintain a safe environment.
• Perform mold changes and new mold startups.
• Meet or exceed standard production efficiencies on all lines.
• Schedule weekly production and tooling changeovers.
• Lead and develop process technicians, supervisors, and mold setters.
• Troubleshoot equipment/process problems.
• Issue work assignments and manage start/stop of orders.
• Implement and maintain 6S standards for safety and cleanliness.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure a safe, inclusive environment.
• Daily scheduling of manufacturing equipment, capacity, and delivery dates.
• Plan and implement policies aligning with facility goals.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

TPS systems

Team leadership

Production scheduling

Communication skills

Education

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

Tools

AS400 ERP

Job description

American Plastics, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative plastic injection molded products for the household & garage storage and commercial cleaning end-markets. We are searching for a Production Manager for our South Carolina location.

The Production Manager is responsible for directing a team of production supervisors, production staff, and support staff, totaling approximately 80 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.

Job Responsibilities

• 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.

Familiarity And Knowledge Of The Following Machines

• Injection Molding Machines 500 – 2000 tons
• Toshiba
• UBE
• Milacron
• Whittmann Robotics and Automation in general

We offer a competitive salary, full benefit package including medical/dental, 401k, and paid vacation.