Forming Process Engineering Manager

Role Description:

The Forming Process Engineering Manager will be responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining strategies that enhance operational performance within the forming department. This role will drive improvements in job change efficiency through Single-Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) methodology, optimize equipment reliability through structured variable maintenance programs, and ensure adherence to company standards by conducting audits of best practices and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This role partners with cross-functional teams to deliver measurable improvements in productivity, equipment effectiveness, and process compliance.

Responsibilities:

• Lead initiatives to reduce job changeover times by applying SMED principles and best practices
• Standardize changeover procedures and deliver training programs to ensure consistent application
• Monitor and report performance metrics to ensure sustained improvements
• Collaborate with Forming teams and Engineering teams to implement condition-based and variable maintenance strategies
• Analyze downtime trends and drive root cause corrective actions to improve machine reliability
• Recommend capital or process improvements that enhance equipment efficiency and reduce unplanned outages
• Conduct regular audits of SOPs, safety protocols, and best practice adherence
• Ensure audit findings are addressed with timely and sustainable corrective actions
• Partner with Quality and Operations leadership to maintain alignment with corporate standards and compliance requirements
• Champion Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and other structured problem-solving methodologies to support forming operations
• Facilitate Kaizen events and cross-functional workshops to identify and implement process improvements
• Provide coaching and development opportunities to operations and maintenance personnel, building organizational capability in continuous improvement
  
  

Minimum Skills / Qualifications:

• Ten (10) years of experience in a manufacturing environment
• Two (2) years in a process improvement, machine repair, and/or forming production leadership role
• Demonstrated expertise in SMED, Lean, TPM, and/or Six Sigma methodologies
• Extensive knowledge of forming equipment and processes, preventative maintenance, and reliability engineering principles
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to influence at multiple organizational levels
• Proven track record of delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, uptime, and compliance
• Ability to travel up to 50%
  
  

Preferred Skills / Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related discipline
  
  

Benefits Offered:

• Medical, prescription, dental and vision plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match and an employer retirement contribution
• Paid holidays, floating days and vacation
• Short- and Long-Term Disability (STD/LTD)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Professional and personal development opportunities through Employee Resource Groups
• Benefits available from day 1 of employment
• Flexible and hybrid working hours
  
  

Please note the compensation and benefits information above is accurate as of the date of this posting. Ardagh reserves the right to modify this information at any time in accordance with applicable law.

About Ardagh Group

Ardagh Glass Packaging is a global leader in glass packaging solutions, producing packaging for the world’s leading brands. We trace our roots all the way back to the Irish Glass Bottle Company, founded in 1932. Since then, we have grown rapidly to a team of more than 20,000 people with revenues of over $9 billion.

Today we have a presence across Europe, Africa, and North America.

• Did you know that Ardagh produce many of the beverage cans and bottles you drink your favorite beverages from?
• Did you know we produce metal and glass packaging which are permanent materials, meaning they can be infinitely recycled without any loss of quality?
• Did you know we produce more than 160 million containers per day?
  
  

Ardagh is passionate about sustainability and have a reputation for innovation. We push the boundaries of what’s possible, pioneering new production methods, new design techniques and new ways to recycle and save energy. Our aim is to reduce any negative environmental impact while remaining economically sustainable and socially responsible. We believe that the success of our business depends on the success of our people. We strive to create working environments where our employees feel valued, can work to their full potential, and where their achievements are celebrated. Here at Ardagh, we offer exciting and rewarding opportunities for talented and creative people. If you have ambition and want to make an impact with your career, come and join our team, you’ll enjoy the journey!

Benefits Offered

• Medical, prescription, dental and vision plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match and an employer retirement contribution
• Paid holidays, floating days and vacation
• Short- and Long-Term Disability (STD/LTD)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Professional and personal development opportunities through Employee Resource Groups
• Benefits available from day 1 of employment
• Flexible and hybrid working hours
  
  

Ardagh Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local law.

Ardagh Group complies with federal, state, and local disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Contact Clare McHugh (clare.mchugh@ardaghgroup.com) if a reasonable accommodation is needed.