Operations Engineering Manager

Flex•Buffalo Grove, IL

1d•$146,700 - $201,700

About The Position

Flex is seeking an experienced, results-driven Operations Manager to oversee operations at a plastic injection molding facility producing medical device components. The role manages the overall production function and collaborates with program management, quality assurance, engineering, maintenance, and supply chain to ensure compliance with ISO 13485, FDA regulations, and internal quality standards. The position calls for strong leadership, manufacturing expertise, continuous improvement, and regulatory compliance. The manager is responsible for production performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost; operational planning and budgets; production schedules, capacity, and resource allocation; team staffing and development; customer relationships; and continuous improvement. The role also works with engineering on design for manufacturability, mold validation, and new product introduction, and coordinates equipment readiness, preventive maintenance, and material availability. The role is based in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, chemicals, and temperature variations, and requires walking, standing, and moving throughout the plant for extended periods. The stated base pay range is $146,700 to $201,700 annually. Applications are accepted beginning October 27, 2026, through December 4, 2026, or until the position is filled.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
At least 7 years of experience in a manufacturing leadership role, including at least 5 years in plastic injection molding.
Strong knowledge of medical device manufacturing standards and regulations, including ISO 13485 and FDA 21 CFR Part 820.
Demonstrated experience with Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma methodologies.
Strong leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
Detailed expertise in a complex functional or technical area, or broad knowledge across multiple areas, with understanding of the function’s strategic impact across sites.
Advanced people and/or process management skills and customer relationship skills, both external and internal.
Knowledge of multiple functional technologies, processes, industries, or functions and understanding of their interdependencies at the site.
Ability to use office tools including telephones, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, chemicals, and temperature variations.
Ability to walk, stand, and move throughout the plant for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Six Sigma certification at Green Belt level or higher, PMP certification, or Lean certification.
Experience with Class I, II, or III medical device manufacturing.
Scientific injection molding process knowledge.
Working knowledge of molds and tool maintenance.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily injection molding production operations to meet or exceed safety, quality, delivery, and cost goals.
Ensure compliance with regulatory and quality system requirements, including ISO 13485 and FDA cGMP.
Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and best practices.
Collaborate with management, production, and commercial teams to evaluate manufacturing feasibility and compile quotes for new and existing products.
Forecast department operating costs and direct preparation of budget requests.
Partner with the team and management to develop the function’s strategic plan and Annual Operating Plan.
Review and establish material, equipment, and manpower resource requirements.
Prioritize production schedules based on product introduction, equipment efficiency, and material supply to meet customer requirements.
Coordinate production activities with functional groups such as planning and distribution.
Select and develop personnel to ensure efficient production operations.
Control manufacturing operations and ensure production quality and cost targets are met.
Develop customer relationships and serve as a partner of choice.
Plan, organize, and lead production ramps to meet increases in customer demand.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, 5S, KAIZEN, and other methodologies.
Explore technology trends and market demand to plan projects.
Collaborate with Engineering on design for manufacturability, mold validation, and new product introduction.
Manage staffing, training, performance reviews, and team-member development.
Monitor KPIs and use data to improve efficiency, reduce scrap, and reduce downtime.
Oversee plant scheduling, capacity planning, and resource allocation.
Ensure preventive maintenance and readiness of molding equipment and tooling.
Coordinate with supply chain and procurement teams to ensure material availability and optimize inventory.