Manufacturing Engineering Leader

at  Agapyo

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

At Agapyo, our vision is clear: to lead the charge towards a more sustainable future by developing and supplying cutting-edge materials that replace traditional petroleum-based thermoplastics. We are dedicated to innovation, quality, and sustainability and are driven by a commitment to environmental responsibility.
Our foundation rests upon a culture that we believe will not only foster success but also create an environment where each team member can thrive. We are building a team where collaboration, innovation, trust, urgency, mutual respect, and transparency are not just words on paper but the pillars that guide our every action.
With our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement, we are seeking a dynamic Manufacturing Engineering Leader to join our team and drive operational efficiency, excellence, and growth.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

As the Manufacturing Engineering Leader, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing all aspects of scaling our manufacturing engineering processes and support early-stage operations within a dynamic startup environment. You will be responsible for designing and optimizing processes for scale up, managing budgets, driving productivity, building a team, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. You will work closely with the R&D Team who has been and will continue to develop the composition & process technology. This role requires a hands-on approach, strong leadership skills and a sense of urgency to design and optimize our production process, meet early-stage production targets and exceed customer expectations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in plastic manufacturing, with a preference towards cellulose acetate.
• Proven track record of leadership in a manufacturing environment, with experience managing teams and driving results.
• Hands-on approach with a sense of urgency to meet deadlines and achieve goals.
• Experience managing budgets and capital spending, with a focus on cost reduction and efficiency improvement.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies is desirable.

1. Manufacturing Engineering leadership (Primary Role):

• Develop, lead, and manage the manufacturing engineering scale up team to optimize production processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs at the pilot production and mass production stages.
• Working with the R&D team, lead the design and implementation of a pilot production line
• Implement lean manufacturing principles to streamline operations and maximize throughput.
• Develop and implement engineering solutions to enhance product quality, consistency, and reliability.

1. Operations Management (Supporting Role):

• Develop and oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring safety, quality and efficiency are maintained at all times during the early stages of the company.
• Develop and implement production schedules, ensuring on-time delivery of products to customers during the early stages of the company.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track performance and identify areas for improvement.

1. Budget and Capital Spending:

• Develop and manage budget for manufacturing operations, including labor, materials, and overhead costs.
• Evaluate capital expenditure proposals and lead projects to improve equipment reliability, capacity, and efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve profitability while maintaining high-quality standards.

1. Continuous Improvement:

• Drive a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization, encouraging collaboration and innovation.
• Implement process improvements and technological advancements to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for production issues to prevent recurrence.

1. Communication and Leadership:

• Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams, including production, R&D, quality, and management.
• Provide leadership mentorship and guidance to team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Develop strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and stakeholders to support business objectives.