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Plastics Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Howmet

Manufacturing Operations Manager

Fullerton, CA

$105K - $165K/yr

As a Manufacturing Operations Manager, you'll be part of our Industrial team working as an onsite employee at our Fullerton, CA location.' Key Responsibilities : ' Run a safe, injury/accident-free ...

3M

Manufacturing Operations Manager

Knoxville, IA · On-site

$221K - $270K/yr

Job Title Manufacturing Operations Manager Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life ...

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How much do plastics manufacturing operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for plastics manufacturing operations manager in the United States is $102,298.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $128,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Plastics Manufacturing Operations Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Plastics Manufacturing Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, minimizing production downtime, and managing supply chain disruptions. Addressing these issues typically involves implementing lean manufacturing practices, investing in preventive maintenance, and fostering strong communication between production, quality control, and procurement teams. Continuous improvement initiatives and regular staff training can also help streamline operations and adapt to evolving industry standards.

What does a Plastics Manufacturing Operations Manager do?

A Plastics Manufacturing Operations Manager oversees the daily operations of a plastics production facility. This role involves managing staff, optimizing production processes, ensuring quality control, and maintaining safety standards. The manager is also responsible for coordinating schedules, managing budgets, and implementing strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs. They work closely with other departments to ensure that products meet customer specifications and comply with industry regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Plastics Manufacturing Operations Manager, and why are they important?

A Plastics Manufacturing Operations Manager should possess strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality control, and leadership, typically supported by a degree in engineering or industrial management and relevant experience. Familiarity with ERP systems, lean manufacturing methodologies, and industry-specific certifications like Six Sigma are commonly required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and team management skills help drive operational efficiency and foster a positive work environment. These skills are vital to ensure safe, cost-effective production while maintaining high product quality and motivating teams to achieve organizational goals.
Infographic showing various Plastics Manufacturing Operations Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,298 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Manufacturing Operations Manager

Raya Workforce

Louisville, KY • On-site

$120K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Manufacturing Operations Manager

Location: Louisville, KY
Job Type: Full Time | Onsite
Industry: Food & Specialty Process Manufacturing
Compensation: Competitive + Annual Bonus

Position Purpose

The Process Operations Manager will take full operational ownership of a high-volume plant that manufactures value-added specialty oils for the food and consumer goods industry. This position ensures that production outputs, safety results, product quality, and customer standards are continuously achieved without interruption.

This is a mission-critical leadership role directly impacting:

  • Production reliability

  • Customer delivery performance

  • Cost per pound and profitability

  • Plant safety and compliance culture

  • Long-term operational improvement and modernization

The right leader will drive both daily operational execution and transformational improvements across personnel, technology, and processes.

Core ResponsibilitiesA – Production & Manufacturing Performance

  • Lead daily operations in refining, bleaching, hydrogenation, interesterification, and deodorization units

  • Maintain accurate production scheduling aligned with supply chain requirements

  • Oversee equipment changeovers, batch consistency, raw material handling, and finished goods quality

  • Monitor KPIs such as OEE, downtime, waste %, efficiency, and throughput

  • Ensure customer specs, product integrity, and regulatory guidelines are met at all stages

B – Leadership & People Capability

  • Manage supervisors and production teams across multiple shifts

  • Conduct onboarding, cross-training, upskilling, and ongoing development programs

  • Build a culture of accountability, communication transparency, and high engagement

  • Participate in talent planning including hiring, succession, and career development

C – Safety, Environment & Compliance

  • Champion a zero-incident environment through proactive safety policies

  • Maintain compliance with:

    • OSHA

    • Food safety regulations

    • Environmental controls and standards

  • Facilitate audits, hazard reviews, root-cause investigations, and compliance reports

D – Quality Assurance & Customer Support

  • Ensure strict adherence to SOPs, GMPs, and customer-driven quality requirements

  • Work closely with technical and customer service teams to resolve product issues efficiently

  • Support customer satisfaction by maintaining reliable and responsive operations

E – Continuous Improvement & Optimization

  • Lead Lean/CI, Six Sigma, and TPM initiatives across production lines

  • Reduce rework, scrap, and unplanned downtime through predictive and preventive tactics

  • Collaborate with engineering teams on capital improvement and technology upgrades

  • Identify & implement initiatives that reduce operational cost per pound

F – 5S & TPM Sustainability

  • Maintain 5S compliance with structured audits and corrective actions

  • Empower operators in autonomous maintenance and reliability ownership

  • Track KPIs related to:

    • Audit performance

    • Preventive maintenance completion

    • Root cause elimination for recurring failures

Required Qualifications
CategoryRequirementsEducationBachelor’s in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Operations Management, or similarExperience10+ years in industrial process operations; 5+ years people leadershipTechnicalStrong knowledge of refining or chemical/food/batch processingToolsHands-on CI systems like Lean/TPM/Six Sigma (preferred certification not required)ComplianceUnderstanding of OSHA/Environmental regulationsSoft SkillsStrong communicator, team motivator, and data-driven decision maker
Preferred Candidate Attributes

  • Able to lead through influence and energize cross-functional teams

  • Excels in fast-paced environments where priorities shift based on customer needs

  • Track record of measurable operational improvement

  • Passion for modernizing legacy systems and developing technical talent

Benefits and Total Rewards

  • Competitive salary + 10% Target Bonus

  • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage from Day 1

  • HSA with employer contribution ($1,000–$1,500 annually)

  • 401(k) match — 100% of first 3%, 50% of next 3%

  • Life & Disability Insurance provided

  • Supplemental options:

    • Pet Insurance

    • Identity Theft

    • Legal Assistance

  • Paid training & certification reimbursement

  • Paid community involvement & recognition events

  • Discounts: Travel, entertainment, and lifestyle perks

Why This Role Matters

This position directly influences:
✔ Plant growth strategy
✔ Long-term operational reliability
✔ Customer trust and market competitiveness
✔ Sustainability and better-for-the-planet product innovation

You will help supply essential ingredients used in:

  • Chocolate & confectionery products

  • Bakery and dairy items

  • Plant-based foods

  • Specialized nutrition & personal care products

This leader will play a key role in serving global brands and improving the quality of products used by millions every day.