Blending Manager

Job ID: 527856

Exempt

Oldcastle, a CRH company, is reinventing what's possible in building solutions. We are the leading provider of innovative outdoor living products and utility infrastructure solutions for the water, energy, and communications markets throughout North America. We're a trusted and strategic partner to engineers, contractors, distributors, specifiers, retailers, and homeowners alike as the manufacturer of precast concrete, polymer concrete, and plastic infrastructure products. Our portfolio of brands includes Oldcastle APG, Oldcastle Infrastructure, Belgard® hardscape, Echelon® Masonry, RDI® railing, Catalyst™ Fence Solutions, Sakrete® packaged concrete, Amerimix® mortar, Pebble Technology International® pool finishes, and Techniseal® sands and sealant technologies.

Job Description Summary

National Pipe & Plastics, one of the largest PVC pipe producers in North America, is currently seeking a Blending Manager. In this job, you will manage a team responsible for operating the blending tanks that mix materials for production. You will be responsible for ensuring the efficient operation of the blending equipment, maintaining product quality, and leading a team of blending operators. Your primary goal will be to ensure that the blending process meets production targets while adhering to safety, quality, and efficiency standards.

Your department will use forklifts, pumps, filters, and scales throughout the blending process. Scales and other measurement tools are used to verify the age and weight of materials before they are added, which contributes to the quality of our products. After blending, your team will take samples to our quality control testers for approval, accurately complete labels and information sheets, and make sure the products are safely stored.

Job Location

This role will be based in our plant in Endicott, NY.

Responsibilities

• Manage Blending Operations: Oversee and coordinate the activities of the blending operators to ensure smooth and efficient operation of the blending process. Assign tasks, monitor progress, and provide guidance as needed. Monitor the blending system to assure all chemicals are correctly weighted and properly flowing through the blending system.
• Equipment Management: Ensure that the blending equipment is properly set up, maintained, and operated according to standard operating procedures (SOPs). Troubleshoot equipment issues and coordinate repairs or maintenance with the maintenance team. Maintain housekeeping according to 5S standards.
• Inventories: Conduct monthly inventory, document, and report all chemicals, ink, regrind, silos, and railcars, to inventory manager. Provide purchasing correct information for any material needs. Follow correct procedures for rail connect/disconnect, and transfer lines between rail compartments.
• Communications: Provide and facilitate effective communication and information flow between the blending and other departments.
• Quality Control: Regular engagement with Quality Control in the implementation and enforcement of quality control procedures to ensure that blended PVC materials meet the required specifications and standards. Conduct regular inspections and tests to verify product quality and address any non-conformities.
• External Audits: Preparation of necessary documents for external audits and managing auditor questions and concerns regarding blended materials.
• Production Planning: Collaborate with production planners to develop blending schedules and prioritize orders based on customer demands. Optimize production efficiency by minimizing downtime and changeovers. Preparation of daily blending plan based on extruder run rates. Collaborate with production and other departments in problem solving to help identify any process issues related to compound materials.
• Safety and Compliance: Promote a culture of safety and ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations and company policies. Conduct regular safety inspections, provide training on safe work practices, and address any safety concerns promptly.
• Training and Development: Provide training and guidance to blending operators, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively. Identify training needs and organize relevant training programs.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of production activities, blending formulas, equipment maintenance, and quality control results. Generate reports on production metrics, efficiency, and quality performance.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process optimization and cost reduction. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement process improvements, evaluate new technologies, and optimize material utilization.

• High school diploma or equivalent. Additional technical or vocational training in chemical engineering, plastics processing or related field is preferred.
• Proven experience in PVC extrusion blending or a similar role within the plastics industry.
• Strong knowledge of PVC extrusion processes, blending equipment, and material properties.
• Familiarity with safety regulations and quality control standards in the manufacturing industry.
• Leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to motivate and guide a team.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Proficient computer skills for data entry, documentation, and reporting.
• Forklift certification a plus.

• Base salary range of $75,000 - 80,000 per year
• Bonus target 10%
• 401(k) plan / group retirement savings program
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits
• Life insurance
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays

• Highly competitive base pay
• Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs
• Group retirement savings program
• Health and wellness programs
• An inclusive culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion