Essentra is a global manufacturing company with 3,000 employees worldwide. We supply low-cost components used by manufacturing companies in their manufacturing process. Our primary target is B2B Manufacturers, or companies who build products used by other manufacturing companies.
We are currently hiring a Production Manager for the Dip Mold department at our Erie, PA plant. The Erie facility employs a wide variety of methods to manufacture these components such as injection molding, vinyl dip molding, die/flash cutting, laser engraving, and a variety of secondary assembly processes.
The Production Manager is responsible to direct and guide the dip molding department team members towards continuous improvement in quality and productivity.
Typical Accountabilities:
- Assist in the development of the annual departmental budget by evaluating current and projected operational needs, including labor, materials, and maintenance costs.
- Manage daily operations of dip molding lines while ensuring production quality and consistency. Oversee costs and expenses related to the budget for the Dip Mold department.
- Oversee approximately 15 employees on 3 shifts, including a Production Supervisor.
- Lead process optimization initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency by reducing cycle times, minimizing material waste and scrap, and maximizing throughput.
- Utilize data-driven analysis and continuous improvement methodologies to identify bottlenecks, implement best practices, and standardize procedures that improve overall yield and product quality while reducing production costs.
- Collaborate proactively with planning, scheduling, and supply chain teams to develop and execute detailed production plans that align with organizational output targets, customer delivery requirements, and resource availability.
- Assist in the development and implementation of comprehensive training programs to enhance technical proficiency, ensure adherence to safety and quality standards, and support employee growth.
- Support the Human Resources Manager in recruiting, interviewing, and selecting qualified candidates for dip molding operations, ensuring alignment with technical requirements and team dynamics.
- Collaborate with HR to manage employee relations issues, enforce company policies, and support retention and engagement initiatives.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations, deliver constructive feedback, and implement development plans to maximize team effectiveness, engagement, and retention.
- Lead the assessment and budgeting for capital expenditures related to new equipment purchases, retooling initiatives, and productivity or quality improvement projects.
- Manage weekly payroll for dip molding related employees and verify budget variances.
- Ensure full compliance with OSHA, EPA, and all applicable industry-specific health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Conduct regular audits and risk assessments to mitigate hazards, ensure regulatory adherence, and maintain a safe and compliant work environment.
Qualifications:
- Managerial experience in a manufacturing or similar setting.
- Maintenance experience with dip molding equipment is strongly preferred.
- High School diploma or equivalent; college degree is a plus but not required
- Experience in a leadership role in a plastic injection molding plant is strongly preferred.
- Experience managing and leading a team of employees to meet goals.
- Previous experience in ISO 14001 and 9001 environments
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
- Experience using an ERP system
- Strong knowledge of safety, quality, and production standards and metrics
- Good team player with strong collaboration skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Experience with budgeting
What We Offer:
This position offers a competitive base salary, bonus incentive, full benefits package, and generous paid time off.