Production Manager – 2-Stage Blow PET Moulding

Centor; Millersburg (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company in Millersburg, Ohio, is seeking a Production Manager for 2-Stage Blow PET Moulding. Responsible for daily operations, ensuring safety and quality, and managing a team. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of specific blow molding experience and strong leadership skills. This role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including healthcare and PTO.

Benefits

Healthcare

401k match

Life insurance

PTO

Flexible spending accounts

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in PET blow molding, specifically 2-stage stretch blow molding.
• 2+ years in a production leadership role.
• Equivalent experience accepted for education.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of 2-stage blow molding operations.
• Schedule and coordinate production to meet customer demand.
• Ensure quality standards and compliance with regulations.

Skills

Understanding of PET resin behavior

Ability to read technical drawings

Hands-on mechanical aptitude

Organizational and leadership skills

Knowledge of lean manufacturing

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP/MES

Job description

Overview

Company: Centor is a Gerresheimer company. Centor/Gerresheimer is an innovative systems and solutions provider and a global partner for the pharma, biotech and cosmetic industries. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of pharmaceutical containment solutions, drug delivery systems and medical devices as well as solutions for the health industry. The product range includes digital solutions for therapy support, medication pumps, syringes, pens, auto-injectors and inhalers as well as vials, ampoules, tablet containers, infusion, dropper and syrup bottles and more. Centor/Gerresheimer ensures the safe delivery and reliable administration of drugs to the patient. With 35 production sites in 16 countries in Europe, America and Asia, Gerresheimer has a global presence and produces locally for regional markets. With around 12,000 employees, the company generated revenues of around €2bn in 2023. Gerresheimer AG is listed in the MDAX on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ISIN: DE000A0LD6E6).

Position Summary

The Production Manager for 2-Stage Blow PET Moulding oversees all production activities related to stretch blow molding operations for PET containers. This role is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the blow molding area, ensuring safety, quality, efficiency, and on-time delivery in line with customer and business expectations. The successful candidate is a hands-on, pragmatic leader who thrives in a high-volume manufacturing environment and is committed to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Operational Management: Lead and manage all aspects of 2-stage blow molding operations (preform handling, reheating, stretch blow molding, product ejection).
• Schedule and coordinate production to meet customer demand, quality standards, and cost targets.
• Ensure efficient use of materials, machines, and labor across shifts.
• Monitor cycle times, reject rates, and machine downtime to drive OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise and develop a team of machine operators, technicians, and shift leads.
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and performance.
• Provide training on best practices, troubleshooting, and machine optimization.

Maintenance & Technical Support

• Partner with maintenance and engineering to ensure machines are operating at peak condition.
• Support changeovers and mold setups, including adjustments of process parameters (heat settings, air pressure, stretch rod timing).
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for production issues and customer complaints.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to company and customer quality standards (visual, dimensional, and functional checks).
• Conduct audits and collaborate with the Quality team to maintain GMP, ISO, and/or other relevant certifications.
• Drive 5S and cleanroom practices where applicable.

Reporting & KPIs

• Track and report on key metrics including productivity, scrap rate, downtime, and safety incidents.
• Support cost control through material yield optimization and waste reduction.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong understanding of PET resin behavior, preform handling, and blow mold tooling.
• Ability to read technical drawings and production schedules.
• Hands-on mechanical aptitude; able to troubleshoot process and equipment issues.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to coach and motivate teams.
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing, 5S, Six Sigma is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and production reporting systems (ERP/MES).

Education And Experience

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience accepted.
• Minimum 5 years in PET blow molding, specifically 2-stage stretch blow molding (preferably with Sidel, Krones, Nissei, or similar equipment).
• 2+ years in a production leadership role.

Salary Range

• 85K-100K

What We Offer

• Total rewards package with compensation
• Healthcare
• Prescription drug coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Wellness
• Disability coverage
• 401k match
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• Life insurance
• PTO (Paid Time off)
• Holidays

Gerresheimer/Centor is an Equal Opportunity Employer and affords equal opportunity to all applicants and employees for all positions without regards to race, color, religion, sex national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.