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Director Injection Molding Jobs in Prairie Grove, AR

Director Injection Molding information

See Prairie Grove, AR salary details

$45.9K

$129.3K

$195.6K

How much do director injection molding jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for director injection molding in Prairie Grove, AR is $129,253.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,800.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of injection molding do?

A Director of Injection Molding oversees the entire injection molding operation within a manufacturing company. Their responsibilities include managing production processes, ensuring product quality, optimizing efficiency, leading teams of engineers and technicians, and maintaining equipment. They also develop strategies to improve productivity, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. In addition, they collaborate with other departments such as design, quality, and supply chain to meet organizational goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of injection molding?

To excel as a Director of Injection Molding, you need deep expertise in plastics manufacturing, process optimization, and leadership, often backed by an engineering degree and significant industry experience. Familiarity with injection molding machinery, ERP systems, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma certifications are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and team management skills help drive operational excellence and foster a culture of continuous improvement. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring high-quality production, cost efficiency, and achieving business objectives in a competitive manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of injection molding, and how can they be addressed?

As a Director of Injection Molding, common challenges include managing production efficiency, maintaining high product quality, and minimizing downtime due to equipment issues. Balancing operational costs while meeting tight deadlines requires strong leadership and process optimization skills. Proactively addressing these challenges involves implementing continuous improvement programs, investing in staff training, and fostering close collaboration with engineering, maintenance, and quality assurance teams. This role often requires hands-on problem solving and the ability to adapt quickly to changing production demands.

What is the difference between Director Injection Molding vs Production Manager?

AspectDirector Injection MoldingProduction Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire injection molding operations, strategic planning, and process improvementsManages daily production activities, schedules, and team supervision
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, experience in molding processes, leadership skillsTechnical or engineering background, experience in manufacturing
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with plant visits, strategic meetingsFactory floor, overseeing production lines
Industry UsageCommon in large manufacturing firms, corporate hierarchyWidely used in manufacturing plants, production facilities

The main difference between a Director Injection Molding and a Production Manager lies in scope and focus. The Director typically handles strategic oversight and long-term planning, while the Production Manager focuses on daily operations and team management. Both roles require technical knowledge and experience in injection molding, but the Director's role is more senior and strategic.

What job categories do people searching Director Injection Molding jobs in Prairie Grove, AR look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Injection Molding jobs in Prairie Grove, AR are:

What cities near Prairie Grove, AR are hiring for Director Injection Molding jobs?

Cities near Prairie Grove, AR with the most Director Injection Molding job openings:

Production Operator I - Packaging, 3rd Shift (D1261)

Wellness Pet Company

Decatur, AR • On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

**This position is 3rd Shift: 10:00 PM - 6:30 AM**
Location: Decatur, AR - Manufacturing Plant
About the Wellness Pet Company
The Wellness Pet Company is on a mission to help the next generation of pet parents fulfill a shared life of wellbeing with their pets through a foundation of proven nutrition. We are committed to crafting high-quality pet food, dental chews, treats, and topper recipes that are made with the perfect balance of high-quality natural ingredients paired with the latest scientific research and technologies. As a community of people working together, Wellies are positively obsessed with how to deliver proven health outcomes that pet parents can see and pets can taste. Wellies bring their best to work every day, come ready to collaborate, embrace the hard things, and own their outcomes.
Who We're Looking For
Team Wellie is a group of people who are truly obsessed with all the best ways about winning for the consumer and the pets they love. And so, we are seeking an individual who:
  • Always starts with the consumer
  • Is dedicated to doing it right the first time
  • Brings their best every day
  • Has an "all-in" mindset
  • Embraces the hard things and does them right away
  • Owns their outcomes
  • Gives back to their community

What You'll Accomplish
The Production Operator position is involved in all aspects of the production of our premium pet food. They are responsible for setting-up, operating, and disassembling processing equipment in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). They will operate multiple types of processing equipment, including but not limited to extrusion, injection molding, dryers, cutting, and packaging machinery according to scheduled production needs. In addition, operators maintain their assigned production area, following safety procedures and cleanliness standards. The operator will also troubleshoot equipment issues and complete required food safety checks to ensure first-time right production.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
  • Sets-up, operates and disassembles processing equipment in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) according to production schedule.
  • Troubleshoots equipment as needed.
  • Monitors product, completing various checks to ensure product is running according to job specifications.
  • Reviews and follows production schedule throughout shift.
  • Adjusts equipment during product changeovers.
  • Checks and documents product according to SOPs to ensure the highest quality standards.
  • Cleans work area according to sanitation SOPs. Maintains cleanliness throughout work shift.
  • Monitors equipment and uses various tools to make adjustments, small repairs and perform basic maintenance as required.
  • Completes re-work as necessary.
  • Maintains records and logs within designated production system during entire production process
  • Performs and documents in-process quality checks on a periodic basis on representative samples to ensure that product is correctly produced/packaged.
  • Cleans, disassembles and reassembles line equipment to prepare machines for inspection and/or deep cleaning.
  • Changeover/sets up machine for run by loading product, components, printer material, etc.; adjusting settings; checking the line; and obtaining line clearance to prepare equipment for next run.
  • Actively follows safety procedures and policies in all job tasks.
  • Follows and holds others accountable for following all company GMPs.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Workplace Safety
  • Completes safety system documentation and verifies compliance to program standards. Reports deviations to Supervisor.
  • Participates in mandatory safety training and adheres to all safety policies/procedures.
  • Reports all safety issues, near misses, and injuries.

Quality & Food Safety
  • Completes quality & food safety system documentation and verifies compliance to program standards. Reports deviations to Supervisor.
  • Participates in mandatory food safety and quality training program requirements.
  • Preserves the integrity of the BRC system through adherence to the policies and procedures outlined.
  • Takes actions necessary to resolve food safety and quality system deficiencies.
  • Reports food safety and quality system failures and takes actions necessary to preserve the BRC system.

Career Growth Opportunities
At Wellness Pet, we want our Wellies to progress in their careers, gaining knowledge and skills that prepare them for the next level. There are four levels of Production Operators, so as you gain skills you can advance to earn higher pay and take on more responsibility.
Production Operator I:
  • Entry-level position requiring limited or no prior experience.
  • Responsible for performing basic production tasks under direct supervision.
  • Follows standard operating procedures and instructions closely.
  • Operates simple machinery or equipment and performs routine assembly tasks.
  • Assists with material handling, cleaning work areas, and basic quality control checks.
  • Focuses on learning and acquiring the necessary skills for production operations.

Production Operator II:
  • Mid-level position requiring some experience and demonstrated proficiency.
  • Performs more complex production tasks and operates intermediate-level machinery or equipment.
  • Follows established procedures but may have some autonomy and decision-making authority.
  • Conducts setup, calibration, and minor troubleshooting of equipment.
  • Assists in training and providing guidance to less experienced operators.
  • Contributes to process improvement initiatives and may participate in problem-solving activities.

Production Operator III:
  • Senior-level position requiring extensive experience and advanced technical skills.
  • Responsible for performing complex production tasks and operating advanced machinery or equipment.
  • Exhibits a high level of independence and may have authority over process adjustments and decisions.
  • Conducts detailed setup, troubleshooting, and maintenance of equipment.
  • Monitors production performance, quality control, and process optimization.
  • May assist in training, mentoring, or supervising junior operators.

Production Operator Lead:
  • Leadership position overseeing a team of production process.
  • Manages and coordinates the activities of the production team.
  • Provides guidance, training, and support to operators.
  • Monitors production schedules, assigns tasks, and ensures targets are met.
  • Acts as a liaison between management and the production team.
  • Collaborates with other departments to resolve issues and drive process improvements.
  • May be responsible for training programs and enforcing safety protocols.
  • Possesses strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Who We're Looking For
Team Wellie is a group of people who are truly obsessed in all the best ways about winning for the consumer and the pets they love. And so we are seeking an individual who:
  • Is consumer focused in all they do
  • Continually challenges themselves to go the extra mile to get the job done, and ensures it's done the right way as opposed to the easy way
  • Hold themselves and others accountable
  • Embraces continual development through the sharing of feedback and investment in learning opportunities.
  • Is a true collaborator, sharing resources, and engaging in healthy debate
  • Celebrates differences and strives to learn from others who are different from themselves
  • Gives back to their community and supports sustainable practices
  • Has the ability to lift 35 - 50 pounds
  • Has previous experience working with packaging systems and conveying equipment
  • Previously worked in production environment, preferably food or beverage manufacturing

Why Work for Wellness Pet
We care about the wellbeing of our people, their families, and their pets. We treat every Wellie to a comprehensive benefits package full of extras to support their health, pets, passions, and professional Development. More information about our benefits can be found on our website.
The Wellness Pet Company is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or veteran status.
Ready to leash up and take a walk with us? Apply at https://www.wellnesspet.com/careers/
The Wellness Pet Company is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or Veteran status.
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