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# VP of Tooling and Molding – Jacksonville, FL | Plastics Industry


 
VP of Tooling and Molding – Jacksonville, FL | Plastics Industry
We are looking for an experienced Vice President of Tooling and Molding to join a leading company in the plastics industry in Jacksonville, FL. This is an incredible opportunity for a senior leader to oversee and enhance the tooling and molding operations, ensuring the company stays at the forefront of innovation and operational excellence. If you are passionate about advancing manufacturing technologies and driving quality improvements in a fast-evolving sector, this role offers a significant impact on both the business and the industry.
Shape the Future of Tooling and Molding Operations
As the VP of Tooling and Molding, you will be responsible for leading all aspects of tooling and molding processes, including strategy development, operations management, and team leadership. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in manufacturing, an in-depth understanding of tooling and molding technologies, and the ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement. This is your chance to shape the future of a dynamic plastics company, improving processes, enhancing production efficiency, and driving high-quality product outcomes.
Key Responsibilities of the VP of Tooling and Molding – Jacksonville, FL | Plastics Industry
Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive tooling and molding strategy that aligns with the company’s overall vision. Ensure that innovations in technology, equipment, and processes are implemented to maintain a competitive edge in the plastics industry.
Operational Excellence: Lead the optimization of tooling and molding processes, ensuring efficient operations across all stages of production. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, reduce lead times, and minimize costs while maintaining high standards.
Tooling & Molding Process Management: Oversee the design, development, and maintenance of molds and tooling to ensure that products meet specifications and quality standards. Manage the tool lifecycle, including repairs, upgrades, and new tool creation, to support production needs.
Revenue Growth & Cost Efficiency: Identify opportunities for operational cost savings and revenue growth within the tooling and molding processes. Develop strategies to optimize resources, reduce waste, and improve yield, ultimately contributing to profitability and operational sustainability.
Team Leadership & Talent Development: Build and lead a high-performance team, fostering a culture of collaboration, safety, and innovation. Mentor and develop talent within the tooling and molding department, ensuring alignment with company objectives and personal growth opportunities.
Collaboration with Cross-functional Teams: Work closely with engineering, production, quality assurance, and other key departments to ensure seamless integration of tooling and molding processes across the organization. Drive communication and collaboration to solve complex production challenges.
Technological Innovation: Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in the tooling and molding sector. Evaluate and implement cutting-edge solutions that enhance production capabilities, reduce cycle times, and improve overall product quality.
Supplier & Vendor Management: Establish and maintain strong relationships with tooling suppliers and external vendors. Negotiate contracts, manage supply chain relationships, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality materials and equipment to meet production deadlines.
Quality Control & Continuous Improvement: Ensure all tooling and molding processes adhere to stringent quality control standards. Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process reliability, reduce defects, and meet customer specifications.
Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure that tooling and molding operations comply with all industry regulations, safety standards, and environmental guidelines. Proactively manage risks related to manufacturing processes and maintain a safe working environment.
What the Client is Looking for in You
As the VP of Tooling and Molding in Jacksonville, FL, the client is seeking a visionary leader with extensive experience in tooling and molding operations within the plastics industry. You should have a proven track record of driving operational excellence, fostering innovation, and leading manufacturing teams to success in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
Proven Leadership in Tooling and Molding
The ideal candidate should have substantial experience in leading tooling and molding functions within a manufacturing environment. You must demonstrate the ability to manage and optimize the entire tooling lifecycle, including design, development, maintenance, and improvement. A deep understanding of molding technologies and manufacturing processes, coupled with a proven ability to drive results, is essential.
Strategic Vision for Manufacturing Growth
The client is looking for a leader who can think strategically and develop long-term plans that align with the company’s vision for growth. You should have experience in identifying new market opportunities and implementing innovative solutions to enhance tooling and molding capabilities. Your ability to anticipate industry trends and adapt to changing demands will be critical in ensuring sustained success and market competitiveness.
Strong Technical and Operational Expertise
A deep technical background in tooling and molding is a must. The ideal candidate should possess a solid understanding of manufacturing technologies, tooling design, material selection, and process optimization. You will be expected to drive continuous improvement initiatives, increase operational efficiency, and reduce costs while maintaining high standards of product quality and production reliability.
Leadership & Team Development
As VP of Tooling and Molding, your leadership will play a pivotal role in building a high-performance team. You should be capable of attracting, developing, and retaining top talent within the tooling and molding department. Your ability to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability is crucial to achieving operational excellence and ensuring team engagement and growth.
Supplier and Vendor Management Expertise
Experience in managing relationships with suppliers and vendors is key. The ideal candidate should be able to establish strong partnerships, negotiate effectively, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality materials and equipment to meet production demands. Strong contract management skills and the ability to maintain cost-effective supplier relationships will be highly valued.
Commitment to Quality and Regulatory Compliance
The client is looking for someone who is committed to ensuring product quality and regulatory compliance. You should have a keen eye for quality control, risk management, and adherence to safety and industry standards. Your ability to navigate complex regulatory requirements while maintaining operational efficiency will be essential for success in this role.
Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement
A passion for continuous improvement is vital. You must demonstrate the ability to identify and implement process improvements that reduce lead times, improve product consistency, and optimize production costs. Your leadership in driving operational excellence will directly contribute to the company’s profitability and long-term success.
FAQs About the Role – VP of Tooling and Molding – Jacksonville, FL | Plastics Industry
1. What are the key responsibilities of the VP of Tooling and Molding in this role?
As the VP of Tooling and Molding, you will be responsible for overseeing the entire tooling and molding operation, including the design, development, and maintenance of molds and tooling. You will lead efforts to optimize manufacturing processes, reduce costs, and improve product quality. Additionally, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and manage relationships with suppliers and vendors. Ensuring compliance with industry regulations and maintaining operational excellence will also be key aspects of this role.
2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in tooling and molding operations within a manufacturing environment, particularly in the plastics industry. Strong technical expertise in tooling design, molding processes, and production optimization is essential. Experience in leading teams, managing budgets, and driving continuous improvement initiatives is also required. A degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related field is preferred, along with relevant leadership experience. A background in managing supplier relationships and ensuring product quality and regulatory compliance is highly valued.
3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
The client is looking for a leader with strong problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive operational excellence. You should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams. The ability to inspire and develop talent, foster a culture of innovation, and lead by example in optimizing manufacturing processes is critical. A commitment to continuous improvement, quality control, and regulatory compliance is also essential.
4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
As the VP of Tooling and Molding, you will face challenges related to maintaining cost efficiency, ensuring high-quality standards, and managing complex tooling and molding processes. You will also need to address supply chain issues, manage vendor relationships, and stay ahead of technological advancements in the plastics industry. Additionally, maintaining compliance with industry regulations and navigating the evolving demands of the market will require agility and innovative problem-solving.
5. What is the expected impact of the VP of Tooling and Molding on the company’s success?
The VP of Tooling and Molding will play a crucial role in improving production efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring product quality. Your leadership in optimizing the tooling and molding processes will directly contribute to the company’s ability to meet market demand, increase profitability, and maintain a competitive edge. Your strategic insights and technical expertise will help the company achieve long-term growth and maintain a strong position in the plastics industry.
6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?
The company promotes a collaborative, high-performance culture that emphasizes innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Employees are encouraged to think creatively, solve complex problems, and drive results. The work environment is fast-paced, with a strong focus on operational excellence and quality. As a leader, you will have the opportunity to shape and nurture a culture of accountability, innovation, and safety while ensuring alignment with the company’s business objectives.
What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?
As the VP of Tooling and Molding in Jacksonville, FL, within the plastics industry, you can expect a highly competitive and rewarding compensation package that reflects your leadership role and expertise. The remuneration for this position typically includes the following elements:
1. Base Salary
The base salary for the VP of Tooling and Molding position will vary depending on the size of the company, industry standing, and your level of experience. For a mid-to-large-sized company in the plastics manufacturing sector, the annual base salary typically ranges from $150,000 to $250,000, with larger organizations potentially offering higher compensation.
2. Performance-Based Bonuses
In addition to the base salary, a significant portion of your compensation may be tied to performance-based bonuses. These bonuses are often linked to operational efficiency, cost savings, product quality improvements, and meeting production targets. Bonuses can range from 20% to 50% of the base salary, depending on company performance and your individual contributions.
3. Equity & Stock Options
For senior executives, the company may offer equity-based incentives such as stock options or performance shares, aligning your compensation with the long-term success of the organization. The value of equity grants will vary depending on the company’s market position and valuation, and they provide a potential for long-term financial growth.
4. Profit-Sharing & Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
Some companies provide long-term incentive plans (LTIPs) or profit-sharing programs, offering additional compensation based on the company’s sustained success. These programs typically reward leaders for achieving long-term strategic goals, with additional incentives offered for multi-year growth and profitability targets.
5. Executive Benefits & Perks
As a senior leader, you will also enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) or pension plans with company contributions
Executive retirement plans
Company-provided vehicle or transportation allowances
Wellness programs for executive health and wellbeing
Expense accounts for travel, business development, and networking

6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance
For top-tier candidates, the company may offer signing bonuses or relocation assistance to attract highly qualified executives. Signing bonuses can range from $20,000 to $100,000, while relocation packages may cover moving expenses, temporary housing, and travel costs.
Total Compensation Potential
When factoring in base salary, performance bonuses, equity, and other benefits, total compensation for the VP of Tooling and Molding can range from $200,000 to $400,000 annually, with the potential for higher earnings in large organizations or those with a strong performance-based incentive structure. Total compensation packages may be even more lucrative if the company is in a high-growth phase or publicly traded.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced and results-driven leader with a proven track record in the tooling and molding sector, we invite you to apply for the VP of Tooling and Molding role in Jacksonville, FL. This is a unique opportunity to drive operational excellence, optimize tooling processes, and lead a high-performing team in a rapidly evolving industry.
To apply, please submit your updated resume and a cover letter highlighting your experience in tooling and molding operations, production optimization, supplier relationship management, and leadership in the plastics manufacturing industry. We encourage you to demonstrate your expertise in driving cost reductions, improving product quality, and implementing innovative solutions in tooling and molding processes.
This role offers the chance to make a significant impact on the company’s growth, operational efficiency, and market leadership. If you are ready to take on a strategic leadership position and elevate your career, apply now to become the VP of Tooling and Molding in Jacksonville, FL.
For more information or to explore similar opportunities, please visit our Executive Careers Page.
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VP of Tooling and Molding | Tooling and Molding Jobs | Plastics Manufacturing | Production Optimization | Operational Excellence | Cost Reduction Strategies | Supplier Management | Leadership in Manufacturing | Jacksonville, FL