Molding Manager

The Injection Molding Manager is responsible for the total life cycle of the production assets. This role merges high-level technical expertise in injection molding processes with strategic maintenance leadership. The primary objective is to ensure 100% equipment readiness for daily schedule attainment while driving a culture of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) to eliminate unplanned downtime. Key Responsibilities Oversee the setup, optimization, and troubleshooting of high-tonnage injection molding machines (e.g., Engel, Arburg, and integrated robotics). Lead the "Scientific Molding" approach to establish robust process windows (Decoupled Molding) for complex interior/kinematic components. Collaborate with Engineering on Mold Flow Analysis and Tool Design to ensure "Right First Time" tooling. Maintenance & Asset Management Develop and execute a Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) strategy, transitioning the department from reactive "firefighting" to world-class predictive maintenance. Manage the CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) to track MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) and MTTR (Mean Time to Repair). Oversee the Tool Room operations, ensuring injection molds are cleaned, inspected, and staged according to the production schedule. Operational Excellence (OEE & Lean) Drive OEE improvements by identifying and eliminating the "Six Big Losses" in the molding process. Implement SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Die) techniques to reduce changeover times and increase facility flexibility. Manage the department budget, including spare parts inventory (MRO) and CAPEX projects for facility upgrades. Launch & Project Integration Act as the technical lead for the Moldtecs business integration, ensuring all transferred assets are commissioned, leveled, and safety validated. Coordinate with EHS to ensure all machine guarding and LOTO procedures are strictly enforced during maintenance activities. Required Qualifications Experience: 8-10 years of leadership in a high-volume Tier 1 Automotive molding environment. Technical Depth: Expert knowledge of hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic systems within injection molding cells. Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or Plastics Engineering, or 15+ years of equivalent hands-on journeyman experience. Launch Experience: Proven track record of managing "Greenfield" or "Brownfield" equipment installations and SOP milestones. Kinematic Knowledge: Experience with complex moving-part assemblies (interiors, consoles, or kinetic mechanisms). Leadership: Ability to mentor technicians and build a multi-skilled maintenance team (Mechanical/Electrical/PLC). Urgency: A "Plant-First" mindset with the ability to lead high-pressure troubleshooting during 24/7 operations. #J-18808-Ljbffr