Polymer Extrusion Production Leader

Be the catalyst for safer, smarter, faster manufacturing

We’re a privately held innovator that grew from a 1924 Rhode Island tire store into a global custom compounder. Today, we operate nine U.S. facilities with additional operations in Belgium, Singapore, Germany, and China—still led by our founder’s family and grounded in long-term relationships.

Your mission

• Champion Safety, Quality, Productivity, Cost, and Morale across your area while upholding our Core Values.
• Ensure consistent process execution and implement new standards that raise quality and reduce variation.
• Coordinate with Maintenance and support groups to sustain uptime above target.
• Build capability through on-time training and robust cross-training to standard work.

What success looks like

• Visible leadership: on the floor 40–50% of the shift coaching, recognizing wins, auditing adherence, and correcting gaps.
• Flawless handoffs: clear, comprehensive end-of-shift turnovers between leaders and teams.
• Zero compromise on safety: immediate action on suspected alcohol, smoking, or substance use; verify team members are fit for duty.
• PPE and safe practices modeled every day: always LOTO; steel-toe shoes; eye and hearing protection; no earbuds or phones on the floor; long sleeves; dust masks when appropriate; daily pre-shift stretching.
• 5S routines embedded and continuously improved.
• Deep process knowledge so you can support operators and Crew Leads effectively.
• ISO 9001 conformance: SOPs maintained and followed, paperwork complete, process conditions in control, scanning and labeling done right.
• Crew Lead development focused on Safety, Quality, Productivity, Cost, and morale.
• Open-door culture with non-retaliation at its core.
• Responsive communication via meetings, email, and phone; accessible by company cell.
• Active participation in leadership and management training.
• Consistent use of integrated systems and tools across the department.
• Planned coverage with trained backups for Leads and operators.
• Other duties as assigned.

Core values you live by

Accountability, Integrity, Respect, Safety, Sustainability, Innovation & Partnership.

Qualifications

Skills

• Empathetic leadership and the ability to drive change; excellent communicator with all levels.
• Proactive, systems-level thinker with strong analytical and detail skills.
• Required: hands-on Lean Manufacturing experience.
• Capable of synthesizing data from multiple inputs to resolve issues.
• Knack for moving teams from reactive to proactive while handling daily disruptions.
• Strong prioritization when equipment challenges affect the schedule.
• Comfortable using computers and operational systems.

Experience

• 4–6 years in a production environment; prior Lead or higher leadership experience preferred.

Education

• GED or higher.
• Mechanical/technical or business knowledge typically gained through up to 18 months of post–high school education or training.

Rewards and benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision with low deductibles; ~80% company-paid.
• Eligibility kicks in within 30 days of hire.
• Company-paid wellness: smoking cessation, mental health, weight loss.
• No-cost on-site clinic for employees and spouses, including prescriptions, wellness visits, and immunizations.
• Up to 7% employer 401(k) contribution and complimentary financial planning.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• 13 paid holidays and annual merit increases.
• Weekly onsite food trucks.
• Recognition points redeemable for great products—awarded for perfect attendance, service milestones, and more.
• Discounts at gyms, restaurants, theme parks, travel, automotive, and more.
• Frequent appreciation events with meals, giveaways, and contests.
• Free income tax filing support for eligible associates.
• Community service opportunities, Family Day celebration, and service recognition.

Proficiencies

• Leadership / People Management
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Supervisory Experience
• Lean Manufacturing Principles
• Operational Metrics & KPI Management
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)