Job Description
Lamination Manager -- Role Description (Manufacturing)Role summary The Lamination Manager leads day-to-day lamination operations to produce laminated products that meet quality, safety, delivery, and cost targets.This role manages people, process control, equipment uptime, raw materials, and continuous improvement across the lamination line(s).Key responsibilities Operations & Production Plan and execute daily/weekly production schedules to meet output, lead time, and on-time delivery goals.Monitor line performance (OEE/uptime, speed, yield, scrap) and remove constraints to hit targets.Coordinate with planning, printing/coating/converting, packaging, and logistics to ensure smooth flow and WIP control.Process & Technical Management Own lamination process parameters (temperature, pressure, tension, nip settings, cure time, mix ratios, coat weight, line speed) and ensure consistent setups.Approve and standardize machine settings, work instructions, and start-up/changeover procedures.Lead troubleshooting of defects (tunneling, delamination, wrinkles, bubbles, curl, blocking, poor bond, haze, odor, gel spots) using root cause tools.Quality Assurance Ensure compliance with quality standards/specs (bond strength, appearance, gauge/coat weight, cure, COA requirements).Work closely with QA/QC on inspections, sampling plans, hold/release decisions, and corrective actions.Drive reduction of customer complaints and internal nonconformances; lead CAPA investigations.Safety, Compliance & Housekeeping Enforce EHS requirements and safe work practices (LOTO, machine guarding, chemical handling, ventilation, PPE, spill response).Ensure compliance for adhesives/solvents (SDS, storage, labeling) and applicable regulatory/customer requirements.Maintain 5S and good manufacturing practices (GMP) where applicable (e.g., food/pharma packaging).People Leadership Lead, coach, and develop supervisors/leads/operators; ensure adequate staffing and training/qualification.Set performance expectations, conduct shift handovers, manage attendance, and support discipline fairly.Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and teamwork.Maintenance & Reliability Partner with maintenance to plan preventive maintenance, manage downtime, and improve reliability.Ensure critical spare parts are identified and stocked appropriately.Support equipment upgrades, commissioning, and acceptance runs.Materials & Cost Control Manage adhesive/film consumption, waste, and inventory accuracy; investigate variances.Improve changeover time, reduce scrap, optimize run sizes, and support cost-saving initiatives.Coordinate trials for new materials, suppliers, or product structures.Continuous Improvement Lead Lean/Six Sigma-style projects (scrap reduction, OEE improvement, setup reduction, process capability).Track and report KPIs; run tier meetings and action follow-up.Typical KPIs Safety:TRIR/near misses, audits closed on time Delivery:schedule attainment, on-time completion Quality:scrap %, rework %, customer complaints, bond failures, FPY Productivity:OEE, uptime/downtime, changeover time, throughput Cost:material usage variance, waste, labor efficiency Required skills & qualifications (common) 5-10years in manufacturing/production; 2-5years leading teams (varies by plant size).Strong knowledge of lamination processes (solvent-based, solventless, water-based, thermal/heat lamination--depending on industry).Ability to read/interpret specifications, job travelers, and basic process data (SPC preferred).Practical troubleshooting and root-cause analysis (5 Whys, fishbone, Pareto).Working knowledge of safety and chemical handling requirements.Proficiency with ERP/MES, spreadsheets, and production reporting.Working conditions Shop-floor role in a fast-paced environment; may include shift coverage, weekends, and on-call support for breakdowns.Exposure to heat, moving machinery, noise, and (depending on process) chemicals/solvents.Reporting & interfaces Typically reports to:Operations Manager / Plant Manager Works closely with:Management Team Pay:$24.55 - $29.56 per hour Expected hours:40.0 per week Benefits:Paid time off Experience:Lamination:3 years (Required) Infusion:3 years (Required) Tooling Gel coat:3 years (Preferred) Language:English (Required) Spanish (Required) Work Location:In person.