Plastics Manager Trainee

Brief Description Job Summary: The Plastics Manager Trainee position is designed to prepare high-potential candidates for future leadership roles within our plastics manufacturing operations. This hands-on training role will provide comprehensive exposure to all facets of plant operations, including safety, quality, production, inventory management, and team leadership. Under the direct mentorship of experienced plant managers, the Trainee will learn the core competencies necessary to successfully lead teams and manage operational processes in a 24/7 manufacturing environment

Essential Responsibilities

• Participate in a structured, rotational training program across key areas of plant operations including production, safety, logistics, and quality control.
• Assist in monitoring daily manufacturing operations to ensure compliance with company standards and production goals.
• Learn to analyze plant performance data, identify improvement opportunities, and participate in continuous improvement projects.
• Shadow experienced supervisors and managers to learn effective team leadership, problem-solving, and conflict resolution techniques.
• Support the development and implementation of operational procedures that promote efficiency, safety, and product quality.
• Gain experience in inventory control, scheduling, resource allocation, and process documentation.
• Participate in training programs on Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, safety compliance, and leadership development.
• Assist with coordination and follow-up on maintenance, downtime tracking, and equipment performance monitoring.
• Attend regular team meetings and provide support for plant initiatives, audits, and performance reviews.

Requirements Required Skills & Abilities:

• Strong interest in leadership and operations management within a plastics or industrial manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Willingness to work various shifts to gain comprehensive exposure to a 24/7 production schedule.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with ERP systems is a plus.
• Self-motivated with a desire to learn, grow, and eventually move into a leadership role.
• Must be able to travel up to 10–15% as part of training and development.
• Previous experience with ISO 9000 Quality Systems or similar is a plus
• Green Belt or Black Belt certification not required but will be a big plus
• Previous experience in Injection Molding, Blow Molding, or Extrusion is a plus.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Manufacturing Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 1 - 3 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting preferred (internships, co-ops, or full-time roles).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 50%.
• Work is performed in a standard office environment. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Regularly required to talk and hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• May occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, and extreme noise when visiting plant locations.
• Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug test and a financial and motor vehicle background check.

The base salary range for this position is $65,000 - $75,000/year.