Operations Manager - Perm Mold

This is primarily a 1st shift position, but you may need to come in on off shifts from time to time.

The Position:

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all permanent mold operations within the manufacturing facility. This role ensures production targets are met while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, cost efficiency, and continuous improvement. The manager leads production teams, coordinates with engineering and maintenance, and drives operational excellence in die casting processes.

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Production Management

• Plan, organize, and supervise daily die casting operations.
• Ensure production schedules are achieved according to customer requirements.
• Monitor machine performance, downtime, and productivity metrics.
• Optimize cycle times and improve overall equipment effectiveness

1. Process Control & Improvement

• Oversee die setup, changeovers, and troubleshooting.
• Ensure proper process parameters are maintained (temperature, pressure, shot speed, etc.).
• Reduce scrap, rework, and casting defects.

1. Quality Assurance

• Ensure products meet customer and internal quality standards.
• Collaborate with Quality team on root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Review defect trends and implement preventive measures.

1. Maintenance & Equipment Management

• Work with maintenance team to minimize downtime.
• Recommend capital investments and equipment upgrades.

1. Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise supervisors, technicians, and operators.
• Conduct training on safety, quality, and process improvements.
• Perform performance evaluations and workforce planning.
• Promote a culture of accountability and teamwork.

1. Safety & Compliance

• Enforce all plant safety policies.
• Conduct safety audits and ensure safe die handling and molten metal procedures.
• Maintain compliance with environmental regulations.

1. Cost & Budget Control

• Manage departmental budget and control production costs.
• Monitor material usage, labor efficiency, and energy consumption.
• Support cost reduction initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (preferred).
• 5-10+ years of experience in die casting operations.
• 3+ years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of die casting processes.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement tools.
• Strong problem-solving and leadership skills.

• Understanding of die design and tooling.
• Knowledge of casting defect analysis.
• ERP/MRP system experience.
• MS Office proficiency.
• Data-driven decision-making skills.

The Company: Le Sueur Incorporated (LSI), is a portfolio of Delos Capital, and a leading supplier of complex aluminum castings, machined casting, and plastic injection molded components. Craft Pattern & Mold, based in Montrose, MN, is a rapid prototyping and complex metal and plastic components manufacturer. Craft has over 30 years of industry experience and has established itself, along with its skilled employees, as a leader in delivering high quality parts to customers.