About Cretex Medical

Cretex Medical is a leading contract manufacturer of precision components and assemblies for the medical device industry.  Our customers view us as a trusted partner in the areas of injection molding, laser processing, metal stamping and device assembly.  Learn more at www.cretexmedical.com.

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Senior Operations Manager to play a critical role in driving operational excellence, productivity, and scalability in support of our long-term business goals within our plastic injection business unit either supporting our General Molding or Assembly/Implant operations. This position will lead efforts to streamline processes, enhance team performance, and ensure compliance within a highly regulated manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate must have expertise in plastics manufacturing and/or assembly operations along with demonstrated experience in team leadership, cross-functional collaboration, risk mitigation, and cost optimization, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Define and implement systems to optimize production and business processes.

• Set and communicate long-term goals, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy and objectives.

• Manage budgets, financial forecasts, and cost-reduction strategies.

• Monitor and enhance operational KPIs to sustain and improve performance.

• Lead customer-focused initiatives to ensure on-time delivery and exceptional service.

• Partner closely with Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to support business growth.

• Drive efficiencies using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and 5S methodologies.

• Ensure compliance with quality, ISO, and regulatory requirements in medical device manufacturing.

• Integrate new technologies and systems to advance operational capabilities.

• Mentor and develop mid-level managers, supervisors, and front-line leads.

• Foster a culture of accountability, professional growth, and continuous learning.

• Identify and implement automation and digital transformation initiatives.

• Troubleshoot and solve complex operational challenges.

• Maintain a strong understanding of customer needs and core markets served.

• Associate’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in a manufacturing leadership role.
• 5+ years of experience in a plastics manufacturing or injection molding operation role and/or 5+ year of experience in a technical role within the medical device manufacturing industry.  Experience must include:
  • For General Molding hands-on understanding of injection molding processes, materials, equipment, tooling.
  • Strong background in production planning, capacity management, cost optimization.
  • Experience in supporting IQ, OQ, PQ validation activities.
  • For Assembly Operations: experience in medical device assembly, automation, and manual assembly processes.
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop employees while fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

• Demonstrated success driving long-term operational change, performance improvements, and cost optimization.

• Extensive experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, and other process optimization initiatives.

• Strong leadership agility with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive collaboration across production, quality, and engineering.

• Experience working in regulated manufacturing environments (medical device, aerospace or automotive), with knowledge of FDA, ISO regulation.

• Demonstrated leadership agility with potential for future director-level growth.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to lead and engage teams at all levels.

• Ability to work on-site in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of mold design, maintenance, and troubleshooting principles.
• Familiarity with auxiliary equipment (dryers, loaders, robots, chillers, thermolators, etc.)
• MBA or advanced degree in a related field

• Lean Certification.

• Ongoing professional development through associations, organizations, or industry groups.

What is it like to work at Cretex Medical?

We recognize the contribution of every individual and promote growth, safety and security for all our employees. Cretex Medical values performance and pays competitive wages along with a rich benefit package. We offer a positive work environment with a focus on continuous improvement.

Here are some of things that employees have said about working for Cretex Medical:

•  “The culture at Cretex is collaborative. Everyone here is willing to help you whether it is a director, a machinist, or your boss. Everyone is always willing to help you figure out a project and get it done right.”
• “I would tell potential interns that Cretex is a great company to work for. It has set a high bar for corporate culture as well as the quality of work you can do. I would definitely recommend it.”
• “I learned that I really like the medical device industry. The importance and the gravity of what we do here is felt by the employees. You can have that passion in your work because you know what you are striving for is to save lives.”

We encourage you to explore the many opportunities Cretex Medical can offer you as a valued member of our team.

This pay range reflects the base hourly rate or annual salary for positions within this job grade, based on our market-based pay structures. Actual compensation will depend on factors such as skills, relevant experience, education, internal equity, business needs, and local market conditions. While the full hiring range is shared for transparency, offers are rarely made at the minimum or maximum of the range.

This is a bonus eligible role.

All Employees:

Our 401k retirement savings plan with a company match contribution; onsite health clinics, discretionary holiday bonus program (based on years of service), Cretex University, 24/7 employee assistance program with access to five confidential visits with a licensed counselor at no cost, wellness program with incentives, an employee death benefit, and employee sick and safe leave are available to all Cretex employees. 

20+hours:

Cretex’s medical benefit package includes: comprehensive medical insurance with access to virtual providers; dental insurance (Little Partners Dental benefit covers services 100 percent for children 12 and younger when seen by a Health Partners in network provider); vision insurance; a pre-tax health savings account, healthcare and dependent care pre-tax reimbursement accounts; paid holidays, paid time off; and our discretionary profit sharing program are available to employees working 20+ hours/week. 

30+ hours:

Parental Leave, accident and critical illness benefits, optional employee, spouse, and child life; short and long term disability; company provided life insurance; and tuition assistance programs are available to employees working 30+ hours per week. 

(Some benefits are subject to eligibility criteria.)

Applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, family status, status with regard to public assistance, or any other protected status as required by law.  

Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment and eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.