Molding Supervisor

The Company

Founded in 1946, HI-LEX is a leading supplier of window regulators, door modules, power lift gate systems, and mechanical control cables primarily serving the automotive industry, but also the power sports, marine, construction equipment, and medical device sectors. Headquartered in Takarazuka, Japan (near Osaka), and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), HI-LEX employs more than 12,000 associates across its global footprint. 

In the Americas region, HI-LEX has grown steadily in the region, and now has ten (10) manufacturing facilities across the the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. In the U.S., HI-LEX operates under three divisions: HI-LEX America in Battle Creek, Michigan; HI-LEX Controls in Hudson, Litchfield, and Hazel Park, Michigan; and Daedong HI-LEX of America in Cusseta, Alabama. The company’s automotive center is in Rochester Hills, Michigan which consists of Finance, Sales, Engineering, Testing, Program Management, Human Resources, Purchasing and IT.

Position Summary

Supervises the molding department to ensure quality components are produced for all customers (external and internal). Meets all key metrics including safety, quality, and productivity. Establishes methods and practices to assure process control and quality of components. Supervises all continuous improvement projects within the department. Fills in for Molding Manager as needed.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Supervises the molding department  to ensure that key metrics meet targets. Including safety, quality, on-time delivery, and production efficiency.
• Supervise the molding department to ensure quality and productivity standards are maintained through continuous improvement programs, proper countermeasure implementation and training.
• Provides input to both manufacturing engineering and product engineering for new and existing processes
• Designs, develops, and implements process improvements as required to produce quality products while meeting standard productivity.
• Trains and educates new associates on plastic molding process and equipment
• Monitors cleanliness and safety of the worksite.
• Performs product problem solving and corrective actions.
• Performs machine process adjustments and changeovers when necessary.
• Implements productivity improvements through capacity checks, 4S, and cycle time optimization projects
• Completes required forms and paperwork, prepares reports as required
• Promotes an associate relations environment that is consistent with long-term management objectives
• Work with all support departments to ensure that manufacturing support is provided in such a manner that key metrics meet targets.
• Follows all safety rules and keeps the work area in a clean and orderly condition. 
• Performs other duties as necessary.

Education 

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2 year associate degree in plastics engineering, industrial technology, or related field is preferred
• 3-5 years of manufacturing supervisory experience
• Extensive knowledge of engineered resins, as well as function and operation of injection molding machines and peripheral equipment.

Functional Experience

• Use hand tools, crane, grinders, calipers, and gages
• Use of a Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) and a hand or powered pallet jack
• Use of a computer and typical office software
• Ability to use handheld scanner
• Working knowledge of manufacturing equipment in assigned area

Physical Requirements

• Office environment with noise from computer peripherals such as printers and disk drives.Use of a video display terminal (VDT) for periods in excess of 30 minutes at a time.
• Works in a factory environment with noise from the manufacturing environment. 
• Exposure to moving equipment, parts and electrical shock.  
• Possible serious injury due to carelessness around equipment.
• May spend time in travel between customers using an automobile in high traffic areas.  
• Exposure to automobile accidents causing bodily damage.
• Sometimes lifts, carries or moves objects – weighing up to 50 pounds.