Job Description

IPEX is one of the North American leading providers of advanced plastic piping systems. Our mission is to shape a better tomorrow by connecting people with water and energy.

We currently have an exciting opportunity as a Pilot Facility Operations Manager. This role is based in our State-of-the-Art R&D Centre in Mississauga and reports to the Director of R&D.

Do not miss the opportunity to join a diverse group of people-centric professionals, thought leaders and rapid thinkers, entrepreneurs in spirit and status quo-fighters!

Job Summary

The R&D Pilot Facility is a state of art Research and Development Centre, housing IPEX's scientists, engineers, and technicians. One of its mandates is the facilitation and acceleration of the development of new and proprietary pipe and fittings compounds from lab scale to production ready, as well as creating an environment for innovative new product solutions for our customers.

The R&D Pilot Facility Operations Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Pilot Facility under R&D oversight. They will work closely with the Director of R&D, R&D Managers, and Innovation Managers to facilitate new polymer and product development and business support goals and objectives are met. Working closely with IPEX's talented R&D scientists and engineers, you will assist in creating and fostering an environment of innovation, collaboration, information sharing and teamwork, working towards achieving common objectives. They ensure that the facility and staff support new product development for the R&D and Innovation Group and assist in the development of proprietary polymer compounds via extrusion and injection molding trials in a timely manner. They manage workload and set priorities for the Pilot Facility Team, ensure employee health and safety, and develop operational efficiencies to achieve operational goals. Assume direct responsibility over Product Development pre-launch and launch activities as well as support R&D new product development goals and objectives.

Principal Responsibilities

• Responsible for the day-to-day operation of the R&D Pilot Production Facility.
• Manage staff activities, oversee, and review injection molding and extrusion trial schedules and product quality. Collaborate with all stakeholders to meet trial and / or pre-production trials and schedules. When necessary manage initial product launch production, shipping, and coordination with internal stakeholders.
• Ensure safe working environment for all employees by providing training when required and maintaining facility compliance with Corporate Health and Safety and Environmental policies and procedures Protect employees and the organization against risk, including machine safety.
• Develop short and long-term plans for efficient use of materials, machines, and employees. Deploy resources to achieve optimal labour and machine productivity levels and ensure resource flexibility with varying stakeholder and operational requirements. Elaborate and recommend projects aiming at cost reduction and efficient process control.
• Ensure follow-up of process non-conformity, complaints, and corrective actions to maintain the company's quality standards
• Attend and facilitate various meetings pertaining to new product development. Implement actions by applying solutions and/or amending future work and plans.
• Perform necessary administrative functions related to the position, including annual budgeting, capital expenditure evaluations and documentation of internal management systems.
• Recruit, train and supervise all direct reports. Evaluate their performance while motivating them to achieve personal and professional goals, including cross training. Plan for succession and analysis strengths and development are as needed and supported by action plan.
• Report to executive management through monthly reports, operations meetings, and verbal follow-up. Ensure objectives are met and results are shared.
• Manage plant processing, tool room and other support functions to ensure that daily process start-ups meet timelines and quality as set by daily schedule.
• Manage and develop process flow, preventative maintenance regimen, report system and data management for pilot facility Team
• Maintain quality standards by complying with the Approved Compounds/Components List, Quality Control Manual, and ISO procedures
• Active involvement with new product and polymer material development projects
• Encourage continuous improvement of documentation and analysis of data to minimize failures in production
• Prepare and/or update standard operating procedures and work instructions for new procedures and equipment as required, and ensure training is available

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Completion of college and/or university in engineering or manufacturing or equivalent experience required
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in injection molding and/or extrusion and/or PVC manufacturing environment
• Mold Making Certification an asset
• Experience in strategic planning, resource allocation, employee relations, leadership techniques and coordination of people and resources
• Prior experience with ISO 9001 an asset
• Proven track record of improving performance in a leadership role
• Experience and/or familiarity with Lean projects
• Certified black belt in Six Sigma an asset

Benefits

IPEX is 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 considers 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