Mold Manager

Job Summary

The Mold Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the mold shop, ensuring optimal performance through effective supervision, technical leadership, and strategic planning. This role provides guidance to the Mold Shop Supervisor and Project Leaders, supports new product development, and ensures the design, modification, and maintenance of molds meet high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. The incumbent collaborates with internal teams and external suppliers to drive innovation, manage procurement projects, and implement best practices in mold design and lean manufacturing. Additionally, the role includes budget management, staff development, and continuous improvement initiatives to support organizational goals and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the mold shop, including preventive maintenance, repairs, modifications, and ensuring safety, cleanliness, and compliance with company policies
• Supervise the Mold Shop Supervisor and Project Leaders, providing guidance and performance support
• Provide technical support in the design and modification of tooling and products, including the creation and implementation of CNC manufacturing process plans and ECR processes
• Provide daily technical support for mold shop activities and new product development initiatives
• Review and approve mold design drawings and concepts to ensure manufacturability, maintainability, and performance
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams on detailed design specifications, material selection, and adherence to IPEX, Canadian, and U.S. standards
• Support mold procurement projects from inception to completion, including overseeing build timelines, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), and mold trials
• Drive innovation in mold design to improve cycle times, reduce maintenance needs, and enhance part quality and consistency
• Support mold inspection and qualification processes through testing, analysis, and documentation
• Support the preparation and management of Approval for Expenditure (AFEs) for mold replacement and new tooling projects, ensuring alignment with business goals
• Support the Project Leader team through stage gate process, ensuring timely execution and cross-functional alignment
• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for mold-related issues to ensure continuous improvement
• Implement best practices in mold maintenance, design, and lean manufacturing, and support cost reduction and efficiency initiatives
• Develop and manage the mold shop budget, oversee the RFQ process, and participate in hiring and performance evaluations as required

Qualifications

• Completion of college and/or university in mechanical engineering or equivalent experience required
• At least 10 years’ experience in leadership positions in manufacturing with proven ability to deliver desired results
• Technical understanding of production planning techniques, basic understanding of quality management standards, lean manufacturing, and safety requirements/laws (ISO 9001, Six Sigma, 5S, etc.)
• Intermediate knowledge of AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, MasterCAM, and Microsoft Office programs
• Working knowledge of CNC programming and machining
• Advanced knowledge of machine shop, machining practices, injection moulding, moulds, and mould design
• Comprehensive knowledge of mechanical and/or project management principles, methods, and practices
• Excellent grasp of GD&T principles, symmetries, and mathematical skills
• Prior experience with ISO 9001 an asset
• Experience in 2D and 3D model design using CAD/CAM software

Key Relationships

• Frequent internal collaboration with the Mold Shop Supervisor and Project Leaders to provide technical guidance, support performance, and ensure alignment on daily operations, project execution, and new product development initiatives
• Regular contact with Plant Manager for budgetary and mold concerns
• Ongoing communication with suppliers and external vendors to manage mold procurement, FAT, trials, and ensure compliance with quality and material standards
• Frequent coordination with Quality Assurance to support mold qualification, testing, and continuous improvement efforts
• Frequent communication with Maintenance for repairs required on machines
• Occasional communication with other IPEX plants regarding molds

Working Conditions

• Employee may be exposed to a minimal level of hazards in the work environment, such as chemicals, commercial products, exposure to potential toxins, moving machinery, repetitive motion, excessive noise, powered industrial vehicles (fork/reach/bucket lift/other)
• May on occasion be exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels
• Employee will be required to wear protective eyewear, hearing protection, safety shoes, and/or other PPE
• Employee may experience progressive degrees of changing factors in the work process

IPEX is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and, upon request, will work with qualified job applicants to provide suitable accommodation in a manner that takes into account the applicant’s accessibility needs due to disability. Accommodation requests are available to candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process for IPEX jobs. To request an accommodation, please contact HR at HR@ipexna.com

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