Forming Process Engineering Manager

Ardagh Group • Indianapolis, IN

69d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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%

Nice To Haves

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

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

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Machinery Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees