Operations Lead

Job Title: Operations Lead - Plastics, Rubber Molding, Die Converting

Location: Kansas City, KS ( Position is based on site at company's Kansas City, KS manufacturing facility)

Job Type: Full Time

Base Salary: $125000-$145000

Reports To: Director of Operations

Position Summary

The company is seeking a high-impact Operations Leader to scale and standardize a highperforming, multi-site operation. The Operations Leader will have experience leading manufacturing operations, ideally in multi-site manufacturing environments including plastics, rubber molding, and/or die converting.

Operating at the intersection of distribution, application engineering support, and manufacturing environments (plastics/rubber), this role will ensure the company continues to deliver tailored solutions, trusted service, and performance in the toughest applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all manufacturing functions including, warehousing, distribution, and logistics ensuring production schedules are met with efficiency, quality, and on-time delivery

• Drive manufacturing strategy aligned with the company's growth and acquisition objectives

• Lead integration efforts for newly acquired manufacturing companies, ensuring alignment of processes, systems, and performance standards

• Implement and sustain Lean, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives

• Optimize production flow, labor utilization, cost structure, and throughput

• Build and standardize scalable manufacturing processes across the organization

• Partner cross-functionally with supply chain, engineering, sales, and leadership teams

• Establish and drive KPI accountability across manufacturing operations

• Lead, develop, and strengthen manufacturing teams, building a high-performance culture

• Identify and implement automation and process improvements

• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience leading manufacturing operations, ideally in multi-site or growth-oriented environments

• Strong background in manufacturing environments including plastics, rubber molding, and/or die converting

• Demonstrated experience running production schedules and plant operations

• Deep experience in manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and supply chain logistics

• Hands-on experience with MRP systems (JobBOSS, BILL, or similar platforms required)

• Demonstrated success implementing Lean, Kaizen, and continuous improvement methodologies

• Six Sigma Black Belt required

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence, drive change, and enforce accountability

• Data-driven mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Track record of scaling operations and driving measurable cost savings and servicelevel improvements

• Experience integrating acquisitions and standardizing operations preferred

• Background in process automation and operational technology preferred

• Experience in high-mix, multi-industry manufacturing environments preferred

• Executive level communication and presentation skills

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field required.

• Ability to travel approximately 25% (depending on location and integration needs)

• Position is based on site at the company's Kansas City manufacturing facility