Plastics Operations Manager

Lead a Growing Plastics Manufacturing Operation and Drive Operational Excellence!
At Klein Tools, we're looking for an experienced Plastics Operations Manager to lead a critical manufacturing operation and help drive the future of our plastics business. This is a high-impact leadership role overseeing a multi-shift, 24/7 manufacturing environment with approximately 100 employees, and responsibility for safety, quality, delivery, reliability, and profitability.
If you're a strategic manufacturing leader with plastics experience who thrives on building high-performing teams, improving processes, and delivering results, we'd like to hear from you!
Why Klein Tools?

Opportunity to lead a growing plastics manufacturing operation
Make a direct impact on safety, quality, productivity, and profitability
Partner with Engineering and Product Development on new product launches
Influence plant strategy and continuous improvement initiatives
Develop and mentor future manufacturing leaders
Join a company with a reputation for quality, innovation, and operational excellence

What You'll Do
As the Plastics Operations Manager, you'll provide leadership across multiple departments while driving operational performance, employee engagement, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
✅ Champion a culture of Zero Injuries and ensure all safety standards and loss prevention initiatives are consistently met.
✅ Lead plastics manufacturing operations to ensure products meet or exceed Klein Tools' quality expectations while minimizing scrap and rework.
✅ Drive production efficiency by identifying and eliminating bottlenecks, improving throughput, and achieving fill-rate and customer service objectives.
✅ Oversee equipment maintenance and asset reliability programs to maximize uptime, efficiency, and equipment life.
✅ Develop and implement strategies that support long-term operational excellence and sustainable growth.
✅ Foster a highly engaged workforce through leadership, coaching, employee development, and a safe, organized work environment.
✅ Build and maintain succession plans for salaried leaders and key hourly team members to ensure organizational continuity.
✅ Partner with supervisors to develop annual budgets, labor standards, staffing plans, and cost-control initiatives.
✅ Collaborate with Product Development and Engineering teams to successfully launch new products and support business growth.
✅ Lead hiring, employee development, performance management, succession planning, and other workforce initiatives in partnership with Human Resources.
✅ Drive a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence throughout the organization.

What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Operations, Engineering, Business, Manufacturing, or a related field
5+ years of leadership experience in plastics manufacturing operations
3+ years of plastics manufacturing experience
3+ years of supervisory or management experience
Experience leading multi-shift manufacturing teams
Strong understanding of manufacturing metrics, production planning, quality systems, and continuous improvement
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in a related field
Greenfield startup or facility expansion experience
Experience leading large-scale plastics manufacturing operations
Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence experience

Leadership Attributes

Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop teams
Strong financial and business acumen
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Effective conflict resolution and negotiation abilities
Strong organizational and decision-making capabilities
Results-driven mindset with a focus on safety, quality, service, and profitability