Our company culture is built upon YKK’s philosophy called the CYCLE OF GOODNESS™.  We believe that providing value and being fair to our customers and our employees is what makes us a successful company in return.  Guided by our core values and fundamental behaviors, we strive to foster a caring company, committed employees and challenging work that benefits our employees, customers, and communities. We offer competitive compensation packages, training and advancement opportunities. YKK AP America provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package designed to provide the security they need to enjoy life at home and at work.  By providing a high level of benefit coverage at a reasonable cost to the employee, we hope to foster a long and productive employment relationship.

Summary:

The Melt/Cast Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all production activities within the Melt/Cast operation to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing outcomes. This role drives operational excellence through effective planning, team leadership, cost management, and continuous improvement, while ensuring alignment with company standards, safety expectations, and delivery commitments.

This leader is expected to maintain a strong presence on the production floor, actively monitoring workflow, addressing issues in real time, and fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.  Other duties may be assigned. 

 Production & Operational Leadership

• Direct and coordinate daily Melt/Cast production activities to meet output, quality, and delivery targets.
• Review production schedules, orders, and specifications to plan operations, establish priorities, and allocate resources effectively.
• Ensure alignment between production plans and actual execution, adjusting in real time to meet business needs.

Scheduling & Execution

• Develop and manage operational schedules to optimize throughput, minimize downtime, and meet customer demand.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities (maintenance, quality, and operations) to ensure seamless production flow.

Performance Management & Problem Solving

• Analyze production and operational reports to identify trends, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
• Lead resolution of operational, manufacturing, and equipment-related issues to minimize cost and prevent delays.
• Ensure timely escalation and resolution of critical production challenges.

Equipment & Process Optimization

• Ensure equipment operates safely and efficiently to maximize utilization and performance.
• Partner with maintenance to drive preventive and corrective maintenance strategies.

Standards, Safety & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs), including adherence to 5S and safety programs.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Promote a strong safety culture through leadership visibility, accountability, and continuous reinforcement.

Floor Presence & Leadership Engagement

• Maintain consistent presence on the production floor to monitor operations, reinforce expectations, and support teams.
• Lead by example in driving engagement, accountability, and adherence to standards.

Cost Management & Data Analysis

• Manage departmental budget and drive cost reduction initiatives.
• Develop and execute cost-down strategies while maintaining quality and efficiency.
• Compile, analyze, and utilize production data to support decision-making and performance improvements.

 Leadership & Supervisory Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of production employees and supervisors.
• Execute all people management responsibilities including hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and corrective action.
• Set clear expectations and hold team members accountable for results, safety, and behaviors.
• Address employee concerns, resolve conflicts, and foster a positive and productive work environment.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in Melt/Cast or similar manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 2 years of leadership/management experience in a production setting.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Key Competencies

• Strong operational leadership and decision-making skills
• High level of safety awareness and accountability
• Quality-focused with a commitment to excellence
• Ability to analyze data and drive continuous improvement
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Effective communication and team leadership abilities

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds using proper lifting techniques
• Frequent standing, walking, and movement throughout the production floor
• Occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling
• Vision abilities include close, distance, and peripheral vision, and focus adjustment

Work Environment

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to:
• Moving mechanical parts
• Loud noise levels
• Elevated work areas
• Heat, humidity, fumes, airborne particles, and chemicals
• Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

Travel

• Approximately 5% travel as needed