Technical Manufacturing Leader: OEE & Continuous Improvement

Newell Brands; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Newell Brands in the United States seeks a Technical Manufacturing Leader to oversee all technical functions in the operation, emphasizing equipment reliability, process optimization, and TPM execution. The role partners with Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance to drive continuous improvement and standardized work across the facility.

The candidate will lead a team to sustain 5S/6S, develop process parameters, and support new equipment and launches.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of technical leadership experience in manufacturing.
• Experience applying Lean tools and techniques.
• Proficient in 5S, SMED, TPM, Visual Factory and Kaizen practices.
• Experience with OEE, process optimization, root-cause analysis, and equipment reliability.
• Demonstrated leadership in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and technical guidance to departmental supervisors, engineers, Plastics leads, technicians, and managers, including process support, facilities, mold/tool shop, and mold change functions.
• Develops the overall departmental strategy and drives the tactical execution of continuous improvement initiatives focused on mold, machine, process, and facility-related technical metrics.
• Assigns resources and deploys technical resources to resolve operational issues, equipment downtime, process challenges, and production constraints.
• Leads troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for recurring equipment and process issues and ensures corrective actions are implemented and sustained.
• Drives process optimization for Blow Molding and Thermoforming equipment to improve OEE, productivity, quality, scrap, downtime, and cycle time.
• Supports the development and standardization of process parameters, setup procedures, troubleshooting guides, and standard work to ensure consistent production performance.
• Supports all other departmental objectives through teamwork and collaboration.
• Works to continuously improve safety in the department and facility by addressing both physical safety issues and employee behaviors.
• Partners with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Operations, and other functions to support new equipment, tooling, molds, process improvements, and production launches.
• Maintains and improves housekeeping in all areas and ensures 5S/6S standards are established and sustained.
• Develops technical capabilities within the team through coaching, training, and knowledge sharing to build stronger problem-solving and equipment/process expertise.
• Tracks and communicates key technical performance metrics and develops action plans to address gaps and improve department performance.

Skills

Manufacturing processes

Continuous improvement

Leadership

Problem solving

Lean tools

OEE

Tools

5S

SMED

TPM

Visual Factory

Kaizen

Job description

Newell Brands in the United States seeks a Technical Manufacturing Leader to oversee all technical functions in the operation, emphasizing equipment reliability, process optimization, and TPM execution. The role partners with Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance to drive continuous improvement and standardized work across the facility.

The candidate will lead a team to sustain 5S/6S, develop process parameters, and support new equipment and launches.