Production Manager - Plastics

The Judge Group, INC.; Tamaqua (Schuylkill County); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Judge Group, INC. is seeking an experienced Production Manager in the Hazleton-Tamaqua, PA area to oversee daily manufacturing operations, optimize workflow efficiency, and uphold product quality.

The ideal candidate has hands-on plastics manufacturing leadership, with experience in molding and extrusion, and a safety- and people-focused leadership philosophy. Responsibilities include directing daily production, driving continuous improvement, ensuring OSHA safety compliance, and

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of progressive production leadership in plastics or high-volume consumer products
• Strong understanding of manufacturing metrics (OEE, cycle times, scrap rates)
• Leadership to motivate teams and drive continuous improvement
• High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred, but experience considered

Responsibilities

• Operations Management: lead daily shop-floor production activities to hit yield, throughput, and efficiency targets.
• Process Optimization: identify bottlenecks, minimize downtime, and implement Lean, 5S, and Six Sigma strategies.
• Quality & Compliance: oversee quality checks, ensure OSHA safety compliance, and maintain product specs.
• Team Leadership: manage shift supervisors and shop-floor personnel; schedule and train staff.
• Resource & Inventory Planning: coordinate with supply chain to monitor material usage and maintenance schedules.

Skills

OEE knowledge

Lean / Six Sigma

Team leadership

Safety mindset

Data-driven decisions

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Blow molding equipment

Extrusion equipment

Maintenance planning systems

Job description

Industry leading manufacturing company in the Hazleton-Tamaqua, PA area is seeking an experienced Production Manager to oversee daily manufacturing operations, optimize workflow efficiency, and maintain high standards of product quality. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in plastics manufacturing (e.g., blow molding, extrusion) with a safety and people focused leadership philosophy. While a formal degree is welcomed, hands-on experience and a proven track record of operational leadership are valued most.

Key Responsibilities

• Operations Management: Lead, direct, and evaluate daily shop-floor production activities to hit yield, throughput, and efficiency targets.

• Process Optimization: Identify bottlenecks, minimize downtime, and implement continuous improvement strategies (Lean, 5S, Six Sigma principles).

• Quality & Compliance: Oversee quality assurance checks, ensure adherence to safety regulations (OSHA), and maintain product specifications.

• Team Leadership: Manage shift supervisors and shop-floor personnel; foster a collaborative environment, manage scheduling, and lead staff training.

• Resource & Inventory Planning: Partner with supply chain and materials teams to monitor raw material usage, reduce waste, and coordinate equipment maintenance schedules.

Qualifications & Skills

• Industry Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of progressive production leadership in plastics (molding, extrusion, assembly) or high-volume consumer products.

• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of machinery, production metrics (OEE, cycle times, scrap rates), and plant safety standards.

• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to motivate teams, resolve workforce issues, and drive a culture of continuous improvement.

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field is a preferred plus, but equivalent professional experience is fully accepted.