Job Title: Molding Manager
Location: Kansas City, MO 64106
Salary Range: $135,000 – $140,000
Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Site
Industry: Automotive – Plastic Injection Molding
Reports To: Plant Manager / Operations Manager
Company Overview:
Join a leading manufacturer in the automotive sector, known for delivering high-performance plastic components to top OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. With a commitment to innovation, quality, and operational excellence, our facility in Kansas City serves as a key hub in our national manufacturing footprint. We are looking for a strategic and hands-on Molding Manager to lead our injection molding department and drive performance across people, processes, and equipment.
Position Summary:
The Molding Manager is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operations within the injection molding department. This includes supervision of production teams, process optimization, scheduling, and equipment maintenance. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in plastic injection molding, a strong background in leadership, and experience in automotive manufacturing environments.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage production scheduling, staffing, and daily operations for the molding department
Lead and develop a team of supervisors, technicians, and operators
Monitor and optimize process parameters to ensure high-quality parts and minimal scrap
Coordinate preventive maintenance with tool room and maintenance teams to maximize machine uptime
Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001)
Support product launches, tooling changes, and process validations
Drive lean manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives
Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain
Track and report KPIs including cycle time, OEE, downtime, and scrap rate
Oversee documentation of setup sheets, work instructions, and training guides
Ensure alignment with customer-specific quality and delivery expectations
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Plastics Technology, Industrial Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
Minimum of 5 years in plastic injection molding, including 2+ years in a leadership or supervisory capacity
Strong understanding of thermoplastics, mold design, and injection molding principles
Familiar with APQP, PPAP, SPC, FMEA, and other automotive quality systems
Experience with injection molding machines (e.g., Engel, Arburg, KraussMaffei)
Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Ability to troubleshoot complex molding and tooling issues
Proficiency in lean tools and continuous improvement methods
Preferred Qualifications:
RJG or Scientific Molding Certification
Experience with automation, robotics, and mold monitoring systems
Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus
Benefits:
Competitive salary and annual performance bonus
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off and holidays
Professional development and training opportunities