Manager, Model Making

Job ID: 9040 

Alternate Locations:  

Newell Brands is a leading consumer products company with a portfolio of iconic brands like Graco®, Coleman®, Oster®, Rubbermaid®, Sharpie® and Yankee Candle® - and 24,000 talented teammates around the world. Our culture is built on values in action: Integrity, Teamwork, Passion for Winning, Ownership, and Leadership. We work together to win, grow, and make a real impact—supported by a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative environment where you can be your best, every day.

Job Overview:

The Manager, Model Making position is responsible for leading, planning, coordinating, and supervising Model Shop personnel as well as all and model shop activities, to include scheduling work for model makers, providing technical assistance, and developing/implementing department procedures. Ensures timely, accurate, and quality work is delivered to all model shop customers.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage and develop model makers, to include planning, assigning, directing and inspecting work; training and development; evaluating performance; approving time & attendance and vacation requests; and providing feedback and recognition.
• Be a catalyst for new developing technology in the prototyping space, digital, AI, and beyond
• Lead adoption of emerging prototyping, visualization, AI and digital fabrication technologies.
• Optimize shop workflows, scheduling, equipment use & prototype throughput using digital tools and data.
• Supervise model shop activities. Submit and implement recommendations for continuous improvement related to increased productivity, efficiencies, process and procedures, methods, cost savings, etc.
• Plan and implement processes that fulfill the mission and the goals of the department efficiently and effectively.
• Raise the impact of Newell model making internally and externally.
• Provide technical support to model makers and internal clients to achieve highest quality results.
• Produces varying levels of models from volumetric studies to high definition appearance models.
• Works from CAD files and CMF specifications to fabricate precision Rapid Prototypes and machined parts.
• Designs, plans, and executes the sequences of necessary operations to build or fabricate models.
• Provides input to designers on part configuration with alternative solutions for better model making
• Coordinate resources to ensure that all customer expectations of timing, quality and cost on work requested is met or exceeded. This includes, but is not limited to:

          -Ordering supplies and managing inventory to support model shop operation

          -Managing the work order database and assigning work to support development schedules.

          -Identifying, developing, qualifying and quoting external supplier(s) to handle excess work

          -Planning, specifying, locating and acquiring necessary equipment

          -Improvising machines, tooling and fixtures to perform unusual operations.

• Provides proper care and maintenance of tools, equipment, and facilities including general housekeeping.
• Collect, track, and report the cost (time) for work orders related to capital projects.
• Schedule maintenance and repair activities on shop equipment.
• Ensure that safe work practices are followed in the Model Shop. Plan and direct activity to maintain compliance with company safety and environmental policies and procedures, to include all federal, state and local laws and regulations.
• Assist model makers in prototyping activities as needed to meet demand. This may involve periodically performing bench and machine operations to layout; and/or machining, fabricating and assembling components to construct prototypes of newly designed products; etc.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other model shops and prototype shops within Newell, sharing best practices and leveraging capabilities.
• Foster a spirit of teamwork and unity among team members.
• Be a key resource for team member’s professional development
• Attend further training and participate in user groups to stay current on the latest technology related to existing machines and future opportunities.
• Responsible for prompt submission of expense reports and adherence to purchasing policies.
• Manages Model Shop budget, tracking materials spend and machine leasing costs

Qualifications: 

• High school diploma or GED. Associate’s degree, Journeyman’s status, Tool & Die certificate or Machine Tool equivalent.  Industrial Design degree (or equivalent) highly desirable
• 5 years+ experience model making
• Mechanically inclined with strong aesthetic sensitivity.
• Demonstrated ability to work in team environments.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to coach and inspire team members to perform at high levels.
• Effective communication (both verbally and in writing), interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to keep the shop supplied and react quickly to requests.
• Experience with emerging prototyping, visualization, additive manufacturing, AI or digital fabrication tools is a plus
• Ability to connect hands-on model making expertise with new technologies and advanced shop practices.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple priorities simultaneously and meet critical deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong initiative and the ability to be self-directed in completing tasks.
• Ability to occasionally travel as necessary to domestic or international locations.
• Experience with Rapid Prototyping processes, machines and software.
• Demonstrated ability to represent the company professionally to both customers and suppliers.
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible and adaptive to internal processes and change, delays or unexpected events
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
• Strong knowledge of/experience with machining practices and techniques
• Proficient on all standard/nonstandard shop tools and equipment.
• Expert on Rapid Prototyping machines and their software.
• Strong knowledge of/experience with material fabricating techniques and equipment.
• Requires extensive and practical knowledge of different materials and their workability, such as metal tubing, plastics, urethanes and their uses.
• Experience with finishing, assembly, priming and painting is required.
• Ability and willingness to commit to continuous learning and to keep up with changing technologies in the field of model/mold making.
• Knowledge and use of relevant PC software applications and skills to use them effectively.
• MS Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Solidworks/Creo/Rhino CAD packages.

Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Graco, Coleman, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Yankee Candle, Paper Mate, FoodSaver, Dymo, EXPO, Elmer’s, Oster, NUK, Spontex and Campingaz. We are focused on delighting consumers by lighting up everyday moments. Newell Brands and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers and comply with applicable employment laws. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled are encouraged to apply.