JOB SUMMARY:
The Corporate Tooling Projects Manager will lead a team of Tooling Engineers at Plastikos and partner with Micro Mold and other external tooling suppliers to oversee the development and launch of new molds and associated projects.
ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS:
The following duties and responsibilities represent the primary functions of the role; however, this list is not exhaustive and may evolve to support operational execution and business needs.
Leadership & Execution
- Lead with an emphasis on safety, quality, productivity, timing, and budget allowances, while driving robust project plans, cross-functional alignment, and delivery per plan.
- Utilize formal project management methodologies and tools to ensure successful project execution.
- Direct and manage activities of Tooling Engineers and related external contractors to execute projects.
- Foster accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement within the tooling organization.
- Support employee development through coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
Technical & Operational Support
- Evaluate tooling concepts, manufacturing feasibility, and project requirements.
- Support implementation of best practices in tooling design, mold manufacturing, validation, and maintenance.
- Analyze equipment, tooling, workflows, and vendor capabilities to improve operational performance.
- Understand plant infrastructure, molding equipment, and supporting systems to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Support manufacturing operations by assisting with troubleshooting and long-term tooling performance initiatives.
Communication & Reporting
- Serve as the primary communication link between internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
- Lead regular project review meetings and communicate project status, risks, action items, and timelines.
- Escalate and resolve technical, schedule, quality, and budgetary issues as required.
- Maintain accurate project documentation and reporting.
Continuous Improvement
- Lead continuous improvement and productivity initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to improve tooling performance, project execution, quality, and cost efficiency.
- Support strategic initiatives that enhance operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
Additional Responsibilities
- Maintain flexibility in work schedule to support project requirements.
- Travel as needed to customer, supplier, and Company locations.
- Perform additional duties as specified by ownership or senior leadership.
Success Metrics (KPIs)
- Achievement of project milestones and launch timelines
- First-Pass Mold Validation Success
- Customer satisfaction and project execution effectiveness
- New-Project Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
- Continuous Improvement projects completed
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree preferred or equivalent experience in a technical or engineering field.
- Minimum of (5-10) years of engineering and manufacturing experience, including formalized project management experience. Knowledge of plant layouts and infrastructure equipment—proven experience managing multiple resources and complex projects.
- Previous experience with highly precise injection mold tooling used in medical, connector, and automotive markets—plastics manufacturing/engineering strongly preferred.
- Strong interpersonal skills required to communicate technical and financial information and to complete project assignments on time and within approved budgets.
- Knowledge and demonstrated use of project management processes, tools and techniques.
- Strong management, communication, and people skills to influence and manage multiple cross-functional resources, most of which do not report to the project engineer.
- Strong financial, statistical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Makes good decisions when problem-solving and independent judgment are required.
- Maintains and mentors a positive attitude and strong individual work ethic.
- Possesses a strong attention to detail and ability to think outside the box.
- Proficient computer skills (Microsoft Office, Windows, SolidWorks, IQMS, MiniTab).
- Regards safety as a priority.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Frequent exposure to a manufacturing environment, climate-controlled production areas.
- ISO 13485/ISO 9001-controlled quality and production processes; ISO 7 and ISO 8 cleanroom environments(training required).
- While performing duties, the associate may work near moving mechanical parts and be exposed to fumes or airborne particles and certain chemicals. Noise level is usually moderate.
- Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Primarily office-based with routine plant-floor presence; ability to wear PPE and enter cleanrooms as required.
- Prolonged periods at a computer and in meetings; ability to traverse the facility and observe operations.
- Occasional lifting up to 20 pounds; travel up to 5-10% for customers, suppliers, and sites.
