Manufacturing Operations Manager - Plastic Molding

Cornerstone Management Solutions is recruiting an experienced Production / Operations Manager for an established custom plastic injection molding manufacturer located in the northwest Chicago suburbs.

This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for an individual who understands injection molding manufacturing operations and has a proven ability to lead production teams, improve manufacturing efficiency, and drive operational performance.

The ideal candidate will combine strong technical knowledge of injection molding with practical leadership skills and a continuous improvement mindset.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily manufacturing and production operations within a custom plastic injection molding environment.
• Lead, mentor, and develop production supervisors, process technicians, machine operators, and manufacturing personnel.
• Manage production schedules, labor utilization, equipment capacity, and workflow to meet customer delivery requirements.
• Drive improvements in cycle times, scrap reduction, machine downtime, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Monitor key performance indicators, including productivity, quality, labor efficiency, manufacturing costs, and on-time delivery.
• Work closely with production scheduling, quality, maintenance, and other departments to resolve manufacturing challenges.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity, reduce waste, and improve profitability.
• Support production changeovers, process optimization, and troubleshooting of injection molding equipment.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and accountable manufacturing environment.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency, workforce performance, and overall plant productivity.

Qualifications

Required:

• 5+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in plastic injection molding.
• Strong understanding of injection molding processes, machinery, and production operations.
• Demonstrated success managing manufacturing personnel and improving production performance.
• Experience with production scheduling, labor management, quality standards, and manufacturing KPIs.
• Ability to identify production inefficiencies and implement practical solutions.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Willingness to work on-site in the northwest Chicago suburbs.

Preferred:

• Experience with custom injection molding operations serving multiple OEM markets.
• Background in high-mix manufacturing environments.
• Experience managing multiple production shifts.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement practices.
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing reporting.
• Experience with process optimization, scrap reduction, and production cost control.
• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field. Equivalent manufacturing experience will be considered.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This position offers an experienced manufacturing leader the opportunity to take an active role in improving operational performance within an established plastics manufacturing business.

The successful candidate will have the ability to influence production processes, strengthen manufacturing teams, improve efficiency, and contribute directly to the organization's long-term success.

We are seeking a leader who is comfortable working on the manufacturing floor, solving problems, developing employees, and driving measurable improvements.