What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Manager position at IP Corporation?
South Bend, Indiana
What is Molding Products:
Molding Products, a division of IP Corporation, is a leading manufacturer of sheet molding compound (SMC) materials used in automotive, electrical, and industrial applications. As part of the IP Corporation family—alongside Interplastic, North American Composites, and HK Research—we are committed to delivering top-tier composite solutions with consistency, innovation, and customer focus.
What is a Production Manager:
We are seeking a results-driven Production Manager to lead day-to-day operations at our South Bend, IN facility. This individual will be responsible for ensuring production targets are met safely, efficiently, and with the highest quality standards. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, operational excellence, and a continuous improvement mindset to our plant floor.
What you’ll do as a Production Manager:
The annual salary range below is a general guideline. Multiple factors are taken into consideration to arrive at the final hourly rate/annual salary to be offered to the selected candidate. Factors include but are not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the role, the selected candidate’s work experience, education and training, the work location as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Transparency Range
$117,682.00—$147,610.00 USD
What is Molding Products:
Molding Products, a division of IP Corporation, is a leading manufacturer of sheet molding compound (SMC) materials used in automotive, electrical, and industrial applications. As part of the IP Corporation family—alongside Interplastic, North American Composites, and HK Research—we are committed to delivering top-tier composite solutions with consistency, innovation, and customer focus.
What is a Production Manager:
We are seeking a results-driven Production Manager to lead day-to-day operations at our South Bend, IN facility. This individual will be responsible for ensuring production targets are met safely, efficiently, and with the highest quality standards. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, operational excellence, and a continuous improvement mindset to our plant floor.
What you’ll do as a Production Manager:
- Lead and manage all aspects of production operations, including scheduling, staffing, safety, quality, and performance metrics
- Maintain and promote a world-class safety program, with a strong focus on continuously improving the site's safety culture.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Safety, Maintenance, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to ensure production goals and customer expectations are consistently met.
- Coach team members on safety protocols, performance data, quality standards, and productivity goals to drive accountability and improvement.
- Offer leadership, guidance, and ongoing training to both direct and indirect production staff, fostering a high-performing and engaged team environment.
- Monitor production data and implement strategies to improve throughput, reduce downtime, and optimize material usage
- Drive a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement using Lean and Six Sigma principles
- Report on KPIs and provide regular updates to Plant Manager and senior leadership
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience) Preferred but not required
- 5 years of experience in a manufacturing or production leadership role, preferably in the composites, chemical, or industrial materials industry
- A passion for continuous learning and growth—you’re always looking for ways to improve and enjoy helping others do the same.
- Strong organizational skills and sound decision-making, especially when it comes to driving change and making meaningful improvements.
- Six Sigma Green Belt certification (or similar) is a plus but not required—if you're experienced in process improvement, we’d love to hear about it.
- Hands-on experience with lean manufacturing practices such as 5S, poka-yoke, or kaizen events is a strong advantage.
- Familiarity with ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 standards, you’ve worked in environments where quality and environmental standards matter.
- A natural leader with experience building strong teams and motivating others to perform at their best.
- Experience using MRP (Material Requirements Planning) systems is helpful, especially if you’ve used them to streamline operations.
- You’re a self-starter who takes ownership of your work, meets deadlines, and thrives with minimal supervision.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project—you’re comfortable using digital tools to stay organized and communicate clearly.
- Positive, challenging and supportive work environment.
- Competitive benefits, including dental, vision, generous PTO, 401(k)with company match and more.
- Freedom to innovate and make a difference in a vibrant, values-driven company that cares about its people.
The annual salary range below is a general guideline. Multiple factors are taken into consideration to arrive at the final hourly rate/annual salary to be offered to the selected candidate. Factors include but are not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the role, the selected candidate’s work experience, education and training, the work location as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Transparency Range
$117,682.00—$147,610.00 USD
Salary : $117,682 - $147,610