Injection Molding Manager

Role details

Why This Role Is Different

Molding Managers don't leave Spartek. Our leadership team believes a manager who feels supported builds a floor that runs the same way, and turnover on our team backs that up. If you're tired of being handed a broken process and blamed when it doesn't improve overnight, this is a different kind of shop.

• A leadership team that is genuinely invested in your success, not just your output
• Room to actually run your operation, not manage around someone looking over your shoulder
• A true transition period: the outgoing Molding Manager will remain full-time through December 2026 and is willing to stay on two days a week after that if needed, so you're not thrown in cold
• Real career stability with an ownership group that reinvests in its people and its equipment rather than selling the business

About Spartek

Spartek is a family-owned manufacturer based in Sparta, Wisconsin, that started as a vacuum metallizer in 1950 and grew into a full-service injection molding and coatings partner for some of the most demanding industries out there, from cosmetics and spirits packaging to construction components. We compete on precision and reliability, and we do it with a team that has been together for a long time.

Everything we do runs through seven core values, values that spell out our name:

• Solution Focused, we put our energy toward real solutions
• Partnership, we value long-term relationships with our customers and our employees
• Authentic, we are reliable and fair in everything we do
• Responsiveness, we react quickly and positively
• Team, together everyone achieves more
• Evolving, we look for ways to improve our processes every day
• Kinetic, we move forward with force

These aren't a poster on the wall. They're how decisions get made here, including how we treat the people running our presses.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Injection Molding Manager to lead our molding operations, drive production excellence, and build a high performing team. This role blends hands-on technical expertise with real leadership. The right person is proactive, quality-focused, and cares about building a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement, because that culture is exactly what makes Spartek work.

The molding department runs 24 hours a day, five days a week, with a team of 20 across 11 molding presses ranging from 28 to 1500 tons. This is a hands-on operation where your technical judgment matters every single day.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Oversee daily injection molding operations to ensure consistent, high quality output
• Set up, troubleshoot, and optimize injection molding machines, tooling, molds, and auxiliary equipment
• Implement and maintain process parameters, ensuring repeatable and stable production
• Lead root cause analysis for defects, scrap, downtime, and cycle variations
• Ensure timely mold changes, maintenance, and repair coordination
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams on new mold trials, validation, and production launches
• Monitor machine performance, process capability, and production analytics

People & Team Leadership

• Supervise, mentor, and develop molding technicians, operators, and shift leads
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, and safety
• Create and manage staffing schedules, training plans, and performance evaluations
• Provide hands-on coaching to improve technical competency and problem-solving skills
• Drive cross-functional communication between production, quality, and maintenance teams

Operational & Continuous Improvement

• Lead initiatives targeting waste reduction, cycle time optimization, and overall equipment efficiency (OEE)
• Ensure compliance with quality systems and safety regulations
• Maintain accurate documentation, production reports, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Implement Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and process improvement methodologies
• Support cost reduction efforts without compromising quality or safety

Qualifications

Injection molding experience is required for this role. No exceptions.

• 5+ years of experience in injection molding operations; 2+ years in a leadership or supervisory role
• Strong knowledge of mold setup, process troubleshooting, thermoplastics, and scientific molding principles
• Experience with automation, robots, and auxiliary systems (dryers, chillers, conveyors, etc.)
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop manufacturing teams
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Familiarity with Lean/CI tools, SPC, and structured problem solving
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to coach and influence at all levels

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Master Molder certification
• Experience with ERP/MES production systems
• Background in high volume industries

What You'll Get

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Life and disability insurance
• A leadership team that is genuinely invested in keeping good people, not just filling seats

Why Join Spartek?

You'll step into a company with over 70 years of manufacturing history, a leadership team committed to innovation and growth, and a floor culture that keeps people around for years, not months. If you want to run a molding operation instead of just surviving it, we want to talk to you.