Production Manager
About KI Industries Inc. KI Industries, founded in 1964, specializes in the design and manufacture of decorative plastic and die cast components for the automotive and appliance industry. Our attention to aesthetics and technical expertise creates components that our customers know will provide their end consumers with a high-quality interface experience. Those elements, in combination with our outstanding customer service and passion for delivering high quality product, make KI a trusted leader in the decorative parts industry. KI Industries is headquartered in Berkeley, Illinois, USA; we also have a regional office and production facilities in Asia and two manufacturing facilities in Querétaro, Mexico. Our wide global footprint provides extensive opportunity for growth and expansion. Across all our locations KI strives to find talented individuals who are highly motivated to work in a fast paced yet rewarding work environment. We seek creative, hard-working, and innovative personnel who will believe in the KI brand and the service & products we provide. For further information, please visit our website at www.kiindustries.com or call 1-708-375-5100.
About the Job As a Molding & paint Production Manager at KI Industries Inc., you will play a crucial role in leading manufacturing operations in our Querétaro facility, directly impacting company growth and operational excellence. You will have the chance to implement cutting-edge Lean Manufacturing methodologies, optimize production processes for high-end decorative automotive components, and lead cross-functional teams in a dynamic international environment. This position offers a unique opportunity for professional growth and development within our rapidly evolving manufacturing operations, with direct involvement in new product launches and continuous improvement initiatives.
Responsibilities
Production Management: Ensure daily compliance with production schedules for injection molding and painting departments while meeting quality, cost, and delivery targets. Analyze production metrics to identify improvement opportunities and implement corrective actions.
Process Optimization: Lead continuous improvement initiatives for injection molding, painting (water-based and solvent-based), tampography, and laser engraving processes. Develop and implement strategies to reduce scrap, improve cycle times, and enhance overall efficiency.
Team Leadership: Direct, mentor, and develop a team of coordinators and supervisors. Evaluate performance, implement training programs, and foster a culture of accountability and excellence within the production departments.
Quality Assurance: Ensure strict adherence to IATF 16949, ISO 14001, and VDA quality standards. Implement and maintain quality control systems to meet or exceed customer specifications for decorative plastic components.
Strategic Planning: Collaborate with senior management to develop production strategies, roadmaps, and budget management. Lead implementation of new technologies and processes to support company growth and product diversification.
Safety and Environmental Management: Promote and maintain a strong safety culture. Ensure proper handling of hazardous materials including paints, solvents, and chemicals while complying with environmental regulations and company policies.
Qualifications
Manufacturing Experience: Minimum 5 years in a similar position within the automotive industry, with specific expertise in plastic injection molding and industrial painting processes. Demonstrated experience with decorative finishes, tampography, and laser engraving is essential for managing our specialized production lines.
Technical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of plastic injection molding parameters, paint application systems (both water-based and solvent-based), decorating techniques, and quality control methods for decorative components. Ability to troubleshoot complex manufacturing issues and implement effective solutions.
Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop manufacturing teams in a fast-paced environment. Experience in change management and implementing cultural transformations within production departments.
Continuous Improvement Expertise: Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing methodologies, Six Sigma, and other improvement tools. Experience implementing 5S, Kaizen, and PDCA cycles to enhance operational performance.
Analytical Capabilities: Strong data analysis skills with the ability to interpret production metrics, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions. Experience with ERP systems (IQMS preferred) and production control platforms.
Communication Proficiency: Excellent communication skills in both Spanish and English (minimum 80% proficiency) to effectively interact with corporate leadership, customers, and cross-functional teams.
Education
Required Education: Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electromechanical Engineering, or related technical field. This educational background provides the essential technical foundation needed to understand and optimize our complex manufacturing processes.
Preferred Certifications: Green Belt or Black Belt Six Sigma certification, Lean Manufacturing certification, and training in automotive quality standards (Core Tools, IATF 16949, VDA 6.3). These specialized credentials demonstrate the advanced knowledge required to elevate our production capabilities and maintain industry-leading quality standards.