Dart Container - Mason, MI
posted about 2 months ago
Full-time - Senior
Mason, MI
10,001+ employees
Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing
About the position
The Director of Engineering - Plastics will lead a team of approximately 35 engineers and technologists, focusing on enhancing the portfolio of plastic products such as cups and lids. This role involves strategic planning, cost management, and fostering a culture of safety and compliance while driving innovation and efficiency in manufacturing processes.
Responsibilities
- Foster a culture of safety and compliance by implementing and maintaining robust practices and processes.
- Utilize tools such as FMEA, PSM, and others to mitigate risks and ensure regulatory adherence.
- Develop and mentor a high-performing team of manufacturing engineers.
- Anticipate and plan for succession to ensure continuity of leadership.
- Create a positive work environment that fosters motivation, engagement, and accountability.
- Evaluate organizational structure and make adjustments to meet evolving business needs.
- Develop long-term technical plans aligned with the company's strategic goals.
- Propose and implement innovative solutions to complex manufacturing challenges.
- Optimize manufacturing footprint, labor utilization, operating margins, and ROI.
- Deploy resources to address technical issues in plants.
- Build strong relationships with suppliers and vendors to streamline the equipment procurement process.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (business, R&D, supply chain) to drive mutually beneficial decisions.
- Forecast, plan, and approve capital expenditures (CapEx) and operational costs (OpEx).
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, quality, service, efficiency, and employee engagement.
- Implement value-add and value engineering strategies to optimize productivity.
- Stay abreast of technology trends and market demands to identify opportunities for innovation.
- Establish standardized practices and procedures for engineering activities and ensure team compliance.
- Leverage data-driven insights to inform decision-making and accountability.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree (or higher) in engineering, polymer/materials science, or related field.
- At least 8 years of progressive technical and people management experience, preferably in thermoforming and the CPG industry.
- Proven ability to develop, coach, and mentor talent.
- Excellent communication skills to persuade and influence stakeholders.
- Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships and foster collaboration.
- Effective presentation skills, including the ability to explain technical topics to non-technical audiences.
- Proven track record of driving results and accountability in matrix organizations.
- Ability to generate innovative ideas and solutions.
- Strategic mindset to understand the big picture and how different components of customer requirements and plant capability interact.
- Willingness to make decisions with limited information.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver results with a sense of urgency.
- Proven problem-solving skills.
- Advanced knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and manufacturing techniques.
- Experience with the design, engineering, and installation of production lines for plastics (PP, PET, PS, PLA, etc.).
- Strong business acumen, including planning, resource allocation, cost analysis, and people management.
- Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions.
- Experience working in a plant, lab, and/or office environment.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- 401(k) with company matching contributions
- Paid vacation
- Paid holidays
- Short-term disability
- Tuition assistance
- Product discounts
