Scope of Position

The Extrusion Manager is responsible for the full leadership and operational performance of the Extrusion Department within a high-volume, 24/7 blown film manufacturing environment. This role oversees all aspects of safety, quality, production output, workforce performance, and continuous improvement. The Extrusion Manager ensures the safe, efficient, and consistent production of high-quality film products while developing personnel, optimizing materials usage, driving technical solutions, and partnering cross-functionally across the organization.

This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for a technically strong, process-driven manager with deep experience in blown film extrusion and high-speed manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee all extrusion department operations to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant production of blown film products.
• Maintain department performance at or above company standards for safety, quality, waste reduction, and productivity.
• Consistently achieve production goals across all shifts in a 24/7 operation.
• Lead daily shift alignment and communication to ensure smooth handovers and consistent execution.

People Management

• Provide strong leadership through daily coaching, training, performance feedback, and mentoring of shift leads and production staff.
• Conduct performance reviews and implement development plans to strengthen team capability and accountability.
• Build a high-performing, safety-driven culture across all extrusion teams.

Production & Process Management

• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues to maintain optimal uptime and product quality.
• Manage material usage, including forecasting, planning, and leveraging off-set materials.
• Monitor and improve key production metrics such as:
• Scrap rate
• Labor cost
• Changeover times
• Machine efficiency
• Output accuracy

Cost & Resource Management

• Control and optimize department operating costs while maintaining required production levels.
• Ensure efficient use of raw materials through active monitoring and process adjustments.
• Partner closely with corporate materials management and supply chain teams to ensure proper material processing and inventory control.

Technical & Customer Interaction

• Serve as the primary technical authority for extrusion equipment, process challenges, and optimization opportunities.
• Maintain strong relationships with equipment suppliers, raw material vendors, and internal customers.
• Support continuous improvement and equipment reliability initiatives to drive long-term plant performance.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Chemical Engineering preferred (or equivalent manufacturing experience).
• Proven experience in blown film extrusion operations—preferably within a high-volume packaging or plastics manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to world-class safety practices.
• Strong background in managing multi-shift manufacturing teams in fast-paced environments.
• Successful track record of achieving production targets and improving operational performance.
• Excellent mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot extrusion processes, equipment issues, and material variability.
• Prior experience mentoring, coaching, and developing shift leads and production employees.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on, solutions-oriented leadership style.