Title
Plastics Manufacturing Manager
Department
Plastics
Reports to
Director of Operations
SEE YOUR CAREER THROUGH A NEW LENS WITH RPO!
RPO is a global leader in precision optics, optical components, and optical assemblies. We specialize in a full spectrum of products & services including - Design and Engineering, Systems Integration, Lens Assembly, Visible and Infrared Components, Glass and Plastic Molded Aspheres, and Thin Film Coating. As one of the fastest growing companies in Rochester, RPO offers exciting career paths and work on market-leading programs. See below one of many career opportunities to join the RPO team!
Job Summary:
RPO is seeking a driven, hands-on Plastics Manufacturing Manager to lead and optimize our advanced plastics injection molding group. Our environment demands a trusted expert, a compassionate problem solver and a roll-up-your-sleeves leader. The ideal candidate brings exceptional operational experience, technical insight and an empowering leadership style that can guide and evolve a dynamic team through complex challenges toward excellence. This is a foundational leadership role - someone who can walk in, assess the landscape with discernment, and immediately begin implementing calculated changes to align performance with potential. You'll be the go-to authority, the team mentor, and the strong presence our production floor deserves.
You will:
Oversee daily production activities within the clean room-based plastic injection molding department, ensuring operations meet stringent safety, efficiency, and quality standards required by regulated environments.
Participate in the design, layout and processes of a new cleanroom facility
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, cost reductions and waste minimization.
Build and implement standardized work instructions and preventative maintenance protocols.
Monitor and enforce compliance with ISO and clean room regulatory standards.
Oversee equipment selection, procurement, installation and qualification.
Provide expert-level support in troubleshooting, process optimization, and root cause analysis for molding and clean room issues.
Collaborate with engineering and quality teams on mold design changes, material evaluations, and validation activities.
Own the molding process parameters - responsible for consistent part quality and machine uptime.
Use data driven insights to identify and resolve production bottlenecks.
Inspire and develop production staff through coaching, training, and collaborative goal-setting.
Champion a culture of accountability. Safety and professionalism.
Resolve personnel issuers constructively while fostering growth and mutual respect.
Lead by example: visible, accessible, and always willing to step in and help when needed.
Manage department production capacity and layout, evaluate staffing levels and coordinate adjustments hiring or transfers with manager accordingly.
Review and approve timesheets and time off requests by required deadlines, adjust where necessary.
Maintain regular communication with Director of Operations providing team status, concerns or achievements both verbally and through status boards, IOI's or reports at the established frequency.
Provide clear and prompt feedback to Sales / Engineering on quotes for new and recurring jobs, detailing all needs and requirements.
Actively participate in week-to-week and month-to-month scheduling, working closely with Planning.
Ensure that data entry is occurring daily at a minimum, and that all required information is being accurately entered by the staff in your area of responsibility.
Implement strategies that promote urgency and focus among production operators, resulting in improved cycle times and throughput.
Take ownership of product quality throughout the production process, fostering accountability across teams to meet internal and external requirements.
You have:
7+ years of experience in Plastic Injection Molding operations, with 3+ years in clean room operations.
Minimum 5 years' experience in a manufacturing leadership role.
Deep understanding of mold design, machine specs, thermoplastics, tooling.
Bachelor's degree in manufacturing, engineering or related discipline preferred.
Solid knowledge of all aspects, concepts and tools related to the department and the required disciplines.
Proficiency with interpreting blueprints or drawings for both mechanical and optical standards.
The capability of developing and understanding capacity modeling from available data.
Proficiency with Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Epicor or equivalent MRP/ERP.
Excellent problem solving and communication skills both written and verbal.
Ability to work in a challenging, fast-paced and high-stress environment.
Good mental dexterity and decision making.
Analytical troubleshooting / problem solving.
You Are:
Results-Oriented: Motivated, hard-working and ready to level-up;
Curious: You never stop learning and have an insatiable desire to gain new skills and knowledge;
Process Oriented: Well organized, demonstrating attention to detail;
Analytical: Possess a "If there's a problem, I'll find a solution" attitude;
Accountable: Demanding the highest quality from yourself and team members;
Detail-Oriented: Have excellent time management and organizational skills;
A Team Player: Reliable, collaborative, flexible with a positive 'get things done' attitude;
A U.S. Person: Compliant with ITAR, EAR and other laws and regulations as defined: "U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents ("Green Card" holders), persons granted refugee status or asylum status in the United States, or temporary residents granted amnesty."
You Will Enjoy:
Growth: The opportunity to learn and advance your career;
Wealth: Competitive compensation package linked to your experience and performance, a 401(k) with company match;
Wellness: Health, dental, vision & life insurance;
Balance: 11 paid holidays, generous paid vacation and sick -time;
Culture: an energetic, caring, fun, value-driven team.
Work Environment & Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand: use hands to fingers, handle or feel: and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch: and talk and hear.
The job may involve prolong periods of sitting/standing.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. May involve prolonged periods of magnified inspection (eye strain)
Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp.
The employee is frequently required to use the computer.
May involve the use of oils and solvents.
Subject to some soilage and irritation from cleaning solutions. (Lab Coats provided)
Generally works in a clean environment and works to maintain the environment as such.
Safety Glasses are required
May require area specific safety training
This position works in a manufacturing environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
The employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne paper particles.
May work at different workstations as production needs require, or shifts from one station to another, during the production process.
Disclaimer:
This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Rochester Precision Optics is committed to leveraging the talent of a diverse workforce to create great opportunities for our business and our people.
EOE/AA/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
