Overview

Director, Manufacturing Operations Injection Molding fitchburg, MA 01420Director, Manufacturing Operations - Injection MoldingDirector, Manufacturing OperationsThermoplastic Injection Molding Fitchburg, MASalary Range: $120,000 - $150,000We are looking for a hands-on manufacturing leader with direct thermoplastic injection molding experience to lead our manufacturing operations in Fitchburg, MA.You do not need to be a current Director to be considered. This could be an excellent next step for a successful Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager, Molding Manager, Production Manager, or Senior Manufacturing Manager who is ready to take on broader leadership responsibility.We are looking for someone who understands injection molding from the floor up, enjoys developing people and solving problems, and wants to remain actively involved in day-to-day manufacturing.Our operations include thermoplastic injection molding, precision machining, plating, assembly, and secondary operations within an ISO 13485 and FDA-regulated manufacturing environment.Lead Manufacturing OperationsProvide hands-on leadership across injection molding, machining, plating, assembly, and secondary operations.Maintain a strong daily presence on the manufacturing floor and stay closely connected to production priorities and challenges.Ensure production schedules, quality requirements, and customer delivery commitments are achieved.Establish priorities and respond quickly to production interruptions, equipment issues, staffing needs, and manufacturing constraints.Partner across Production, Engineering, Quality, Tooling, and Maintenance to resolve issues and keep operations moving.Drive Injection Molding PerformanceWork directly with Process Technicians and technical teams to troubleshoot molding and manufacturing challenges.Understand and help address the interaction between machine, mold, material, process, and part quality.Drive improvements in process stability, scrap, downtime, cycle performance, capacity, and overall molding efficiency.Support new molds, materials, equipment, product launches, and production transfers.Develop the TeamLead, coach, and develop supervisors, technical personnel, team leads, and production employees.Set clear expectations and reinforce accountability throughout manufacturing.Assess staffing, training, and technical skill needs to build a strong and capable manufacturing team.Foster a culture focused on safety, quality, teamwork, urgency, accountability, and continuous improvement.Improve Operational PerformanceDrive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, labor efficiency, scrap, downtime, capacity, and manufacturing cost.Use manufacturing data and KPIs to identify opportunities, establish priorities, and measure results.Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for recurring manufacturing issues.Identify and implement practical improvements that increase efficiency, capacity, and profitability.Ensure manufacturing processes are capable, repeatable, controlled, and compliant with applicable quality requirements. QualificationsDirect thermoplastic injection molding experience is required.Progressive manufacturing leadership experience. Previous Director-level experience is not required.Strong understanding of injection molding processes, equipment, thermoplastic materials, tooling, troubleshooting, and production operations.Experience leading and developing manufacturing teams.A hands-on leadership style and willingness to work directly with employees and technical teams on the production floor.Strong understanding of production planning, capacity, labor utilization, quality, delivery, scrap, and downtime.Demonstrated success improving manufacturing performance.Strong problem-solving, communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.Medical device, ISO 13485, FDA-regulated, or other regulated manufacturing experience.Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement.Experience with machini