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Plastics Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Operations Manager Location: Phoenix, AZ Our client, a leading global company specializing in ... The company focuses on designing and manufacturing high-quality packaging using advanced plastic ...

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Job Summary We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Operations Manager to lead the warehouse operations for the largest custom shoe company in the industry. This pivotal role involves overseeing all ...

The Manufacturing Operations Manager is a key operational leader for the Charlotte site and an active member of the Site Leadership Team (SLT), partnering closely with the General Manager, R&D, ...

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Plastics Manufacturing Operations Manager information

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$41.5K

$102.3K

$149K

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

Manufacturing Operations Manager

3M

Knoxville, IA • On-site

$221K - $270K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


3M rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 232 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 516 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job Description:
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, so it's equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a wide variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.
This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.
The Impact You'll Make in this Role
As a Manufacturing Operations Manager, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by:
  • Working with plant team to set short- and long-term strategic plans and operating plans for departments. Ensuring alignment of plant goals, metrics and targets to Business Group and Enterprise Operations targets.
  • Providing direction to supervisors, production support and logistics groups.
  • Assuring compliance to EHS standards, policies and procedures and driving an engaged 0 incident mindset.
  • Driving sustainable improvements in plant COGS performance through application of Continuous Improvement/Lean on yield & productivity improvements.
  • Developing or directing the development of standard operating, quality and administrative procedures for operations departments.

Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher from (completed and verified prior to start)
  • Five (5) years of experience in a manufacturing environment in a private, public, government or military environment
  • Three (3) years of experience in a leadership and/or supervisory role in a private, public, government or military environment

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:
  • Understanding and experience leading Shingo principles and/or principle-based leadership
  • Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
  • Certified Lean leader with experience implementing Lean manufacturing principles
  • Demonstrated ability to lead attainment of aggressive objectives for EHS, Quality, Service, Cost, & Engagement
  • Experience supporting multiple divisions and commodity groups
  • Diverse Manufacturing Experience (Technologies, markets Served, Divisions, etc)

Work location:
  • Knoxville, IA Plant

Travel: May include up to 10% domestic
Relocation Assistance: May be authorized
Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).
Supporting Your Well-being
3M offers many programs to help you live your best life - both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.
Chat with Max
For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting assistant on 3M.com/careers.
Applicable to US Applicants Only:The expected compensation range for this position is $221,591 - $270,834, which includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience. In addition, this position may be eligible for a range of benefits (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences and Retirement Benefits, etc.). Additional information is available at: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/.
All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.
Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.
Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.
Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.
Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/
3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.
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Please click on the following links and select the country where you are applying for employment to review the applicable Terms of Use (link here) and Privacy Policy (link here). Before submitting your application, you will be asked to confirm your agreement with the terms.

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