Overview
Production Manager Jobs in Birkirkara, Malta at Methode Electronics
Title: Production Manager
Company: Methode Electronics
Location: Birkirkara, Malta
Methode Electronics Malta Ltd. is a subsidiary of Methode Electronics Inc., an international word-class engineering-based manufacturing company that specializes in custom-engineered solutions. It is a leading manufacturer of highly technological electronic devices and components serving a wide range of industries such as the automotive, railway and transportation, military, and aerospace, medical, communications, consumer and commercial white goods, alternative and renewable energy, and the heavy industry.
Job Summary:
The APU Manager – Injection Moulding is responsible for the end-to-end performance of an Autonomous Production Unit specializing in plastic injection moulding processes. This role ensures achievement of safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale objectives, with a strong emphasis on robust injection moulding process control, tooling performance, and polymer processing excellence.
The role integrates production, quality, maintenance, tooling, and continuous improvement activities, ensuring stable and capable injection moulding operations that meet automotive customer requirements and drive customer satisfaction.
Responsibilities:
Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with EHS regulations, plant safety rules, and customer-specific requirements
- Promote a zero-accident culture through risk assessments, audits, and safety initiatives
Production & Delivery
- Lead daily operations of injection moulding lines, ensuring adherence to production schedules and takt time
- Ensure process stability across all moulding machines (cycle time, cavity balance, process parameters)
- Optimize machine utilization and productivity in high-volume automotive production
- Monitor and improve key KPIs: OEE, scrap rate, cycle time, downtime, and on-time delivery
- Ensure proper line clearance, material handling, and traceability in moulding operations
Quality Management
- Ensure product conformity to specifications and customer requirements
- Lead problem-solving activities using problem solving techniques, QRQC
- Drive zero-defect mindset and reduce internal and external PPM
- Manage audits (internal, customer, certification) within the APU
Cost & Performance Management
- Control APU operating costs (labour, scrap, rework)
- Drive cost reduction initiatives and productivity improvements
- Track and report KPI performance
People Leadership & Development
- Lead, coach, and develop APU team leaders, GAP leaders
- Ensure adequate staffing, skills matrix coverage, and training plans
- Promote engagement, teamwork, and accountability through standard work and initiatives
- Conduct performance reviews and support talent development
Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing
- Deploy and sustain Lean Manufacturing tools (5S, Kaizen, SMED, Standard Work, Kanban)
- Lead continuous improvement projects to improve efficiency and quality
- Support digitalization and automation initiatives where applicable
- Create environment where people are willing to share 10 ideas implemented per person per year
Maintenance & Equipment
- Collaborate with Maintenance to ensure high equipment availability
- Support TPM activities and preventive maintenance plans
- Participate in equipment commissioning and industrialization of new products
Customer & Cross-Functional Interface
- Act as primary APU contact for internal stakeholders and customers when required
- Support customer launches, change management, and escalation processes
- Coordinate with Quality, Engineering, Logistics, Supply Chain, Program Management and HR
Requirements:
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent
- Additional business or technical specialization in plastics/injection moulding is an advantage
Experience
- Minimum 6–8 years experience in automotive manufacturing with strong focus on injection moulding
- Proven experience in production management or APU leadership (min 3 years)
- Strong knowledge of IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership skills
- Solid understanding of Lean Manufacturing and CI methodologies
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Strongly driven by data and measurable results. Ability to work in a high-paced, customer-driven environment
- Strong communication skills and cross-functional mindset
- Energy, courage, perseverance
