Resumes will only be accepted for the position(s) listed below. Unsolicited resumes will not be accepted or reviewed, and will not be considered in the application process. To apply for one of the positions listed below you may...

(1) E-Mail your resume and desired position to Ken Livingston by clicking on his name on the left and embedding or attaching your resume to the message. Resumes sent to any address other than Mr. Livingston will not be considered.

(2) FAX your resume to Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company, ATTN: Ken Livingston PHR, Regional HR Manager, (815) 371-1458. Please reference the title of the position you are interested in.

(3) MAIL your resume to Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company,
ATTN: Ken Livingston, P.O. Box 128, Hickory, NC 28603.

Please reference the title of the position you are interested in.

National Product Manager - Healthcare Components

Based out of Hickory, NC, the purpose of this position is to serve customers and develop products and markets by assessing customer needs, establishing and implementing tactical market plans, developing and/or finding sources for required products, and establishing longer-term strategic plans.

 The National Product Manager - Healthcare will provide leadership and direction in the areas of sales, marketing and product development as it relates to the industry sector and business units involved. Work with all levels of support personnel to achieve strategic goals.  Nationally service existing accounts and establish new accounts utilizing national distribution opportunities within the organization.   Products would involve foam, fiber, and metal used in different healthcare applications.

 Requirements:

Minimum of 5 years successful track record working within the healthcare components industry.  Sales experience, involving medical components (bedding, seating, fixtures, etc.) is necessary in order to be considered qualified for this position.

Highly self motivated

4 year college degree (business preferred)

Excellent written and verbal skills

Willing to travel 50% of the time

Ability to lead teams and drive results

Company vehicle included with full benefit package.

posted 5/12/2011

Plant Engineer

Hickory Springs has an immediate opening for a PLANT ENGINEER located at HS Fibers in Claremont, NC. The ideal candidate will have extensive garnett, gas fired oven, and fiber blending experience.   Must be able to read and understand blueprints, schematics and standard metric measurements. Various types of machines, tools, and equipment will be used in this position. Experience in preventive maintenance programs and fabrication is also required. (Please make sure that a submitted resume indicates prior employment where both were involved)

 The successful candidate will have a demonstrated history of “hands on” manufacturing engineering experience, excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to manage multiple projects.  Candidate must be a self-starter who can identify and implement opportunities to improve productivity and lower product cost. Education requirement will be a Bachelors Degree in Engineering or 3-5 years of technical experience in a related field (mechanics or industrial).

posted 1/17/2012

Design Project Engineer

Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company is seeking a Design Project Engineer located at the Innovation Center in Conover, NC.  Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field and three to five years of experience.

The Design Project Engineer will conduct managerial and technical expertise that will be responsible for leading in the design and redesign of our product line from concept to production implementation. This position significantly impacts Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company’s ability to be competitive in the areas of sales, quality, delivery, cost and growth while ensuring safe and environmentally friendly work settings.           

A successful candidate will lead in the research of new products and parts while analyzing alternative designs to determine which meets product specifications; analyzing operations characteristics and defining each phase (nature, objectives, scope) of design(s) with definition and review of requirements necessary to support recommendation of implementation. The candidate will develop engineering variations for available components, select appropriate tests, and interpret the test results to determine reliability and suitability of existing proposed products/components.

The qualified candidate will coordinate with sales/manufacturing/engineering to define the scope of work for the assigned design(s) including a list of assumptions made and the basis for / source of each assumption.  Evaluate viability of project(s) using capital expenditure spreadsheets and other Company methods.  Develop timelines and cost analysis(s) for the project. 

posted 1/19/2012

General Maintenance

Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company located in Fort Smith, Arkansas has  immediate openings for two General Maintenance Personnel in our Ft. Smith Arkansas Metal Plant.

 The successful candidate will possess the following skills:

ü      5 years of previous Industrial Maintenance Experience

ü       Knowledge of Robotic welding is a plus 

ü       Applicant will need to have some programming skills

ü      Welding and Fabrication skills

ü      General electrical troubleshooting skills

The qualified applicant will be a self–motivated individual with excellent communication skills, problem-solving skills and have an ability to successfully work in a team environment.

posted 2/20/2012

Management Trainee

Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company, located in Ft. Smith, Arkansas has an immediate opportunity for a highly motivated individual to join our team as a Management Trainee.  In order to be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

·    A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university

·    Demonstrated leadership experience (prior work experience, civic organization participation, school organizations, etc.)

     Live within 100 miles of Ft. Smith, Arkansas (Zip Code 72901)

posted 3/26/2012

Corporate Director of Safety

Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company is currently seeking a Corporate Director of Safety.  This position will be based out the Corporate Office in Hickory, NC.  With safety compliance for over 50 facilities nationwide, the Corporate Director of Safety will have responsibilities covering multi-state, and Federal, compliance issues. 

The Corporate Director of Safety is responsible for all aspects of safety for the company including investigations, training, planning, and ensuring compliance with Federal and State OSHA and DOT regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review accident reports and follow-up on investigations.

• Determine and implement short and long term systemic corrective actions in response to an accident or incident.

• Design and implement quality safety programs to all employees throughout the organization.

• Monitor and review all OSHA 300 Logs and Workers Compensation records.

• Act as liaison to employees, managers, with State and Federal OSHA

• Partner with management to reduce workers comp and motor vehicle accidents.

• Report, review, analyze and implement corrective action based on accident trends.

• Review and development of MSDS, Hazcom, emergency action plans, and other required OSHA programs.

• Perform visual inspection of facilities for safety hazards and risk potential.

• Direct, manage and mentor activities of those responsible for safety at operating locations.

• Creation of internal safety policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Occupational Health & Safety or related field

• A minimum of 5 years of directly relevant prior work experience in a manufacturing environment required

• CSP (Certified Safety Professional) preferred

• Knowledge of OSHA/DOT and other applicable regulations required

• Active member of ASSE preferred

• Ability to work with all levels of management.

• Expertise in safety program implementation.

• Experience in managing state & federal agency relationships.

• Detail oriented.

• Excellent organizational skills with proficiency in meeting deadlines.

• Strong Knowledge of MS-Office.

• Excellent communication & presentation skills (both verbal & written) a must.

• Excellent problem solving skills.

• Must be self-motivated and proactive to manage multiple tasks and projects, adapting quickly to change

 posted 3/27/2012

Sales Representative

Hickory Springs of California, Inc. a division of Hickory Springs Mfg. Co. has a current and immediate need for Sales Representative.  Based in the Commerce, CA facility, this position will report directly to the Area Sales Manager. A successful candidate should have experience dealing with customers in retail, commercial, or industrial sales and must be able to maintain and develop friendly and open customer relationships.  6 months in manufacturing related sales preferred but not required.  Account maintenance and management, or other related sales experience including special emphasis in foam products, is also preferred.  Proficiency with MS Office Suite i.e. Word, Excel, Power Point is required, as well as the ability to accurately prepare and manage quotes.  Knowledge of web marketing and website design is desirable.  A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Communications, or Engineering is required. Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.

posted 4/3/2012

Production Manager

Hickory Springs of California, Inc. a division of Hickory Springs Mfg. Co. has a current and immediate need for a Production Manager.  Based in the Commerce, CA facility, this position will report directly to the Managing Director. A successful candidate should have experience planning, directing, and coordinating the operations of manufacturing location(s), including:

•  Responsible for managing the utilization of equipment, facilities, and personnel to obtain maximum efficiency and meet performance objectives.

• Analyze technology, resource needs, and market demand, to plan and assess the feasibility of projects, including creation of documented ROI’s for capital investment justification.

 In order to be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of increasingly responsible experience in all aspects of manufacturing facility management.

• Experience in Lean Manufacturing (Green or Black Belt certification required)

• Proficiency with MS Office

• Education and/or experience equivalent to a Bachelors degree required.  (Bachelor’s degree preferred)

• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred

posted 4/3/2012

Human Resources Assistant

Hickory Springs has an immediate opening for a HR Assistant in our Micaville Plant, located in Micaville, NC.

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 2-3 yrs. experience in Human Resources, preferably in a manufacturing environment
• Good oral and written communication skills, organizational skills and must maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Computer literate with strong skills in Word and Excel

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for staffing of plant hourly employees

• Responsible for the integrity of the payroll systems with timely and accurate employee updates
• Act as Safety Coordinator & conduct safety/HR training for the plant
• Assist with scheduling of appointments at Medical Clinic(s)
• Assist employees with understanding Company benefits
• Coordinate hourly progress reviews with management on a monthly basis
• Coordinate and assist employees with leaves of absence request procedures
• Responsible for the maintenance of confidential employee files

posted 4/16/2012

Sales Trainee

Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company is seeking a entry-level Sales Trainee for the Wire Technology Operations located in Conover, NC.  Position requires a four-year degree in a business discipline or a minimum of 4 years of sales (non-retail) experience.

 The Sales Trainee is responsible for selling Company products to a specific account base while maintaining customer satisfaction with the manufacturing sections as a liaison for sales. Other related responsibilities include maintaining a broad knowledge of the products manufactured by organizational operations as well as customer products and processes in order to contribute to the customer’s product development needs.

 A successful candidate must establish contact to develop relationships with prospects, quoting orders, develop samples and coordinating pricing communications. Strong computer skills are required with focal points in Microsoft Office, Excel spreadsheet building, Word capabilities and ability to prepare PowerPoint presentations.

posted 4/17/2012 

Outside Sales Representative

Hickory Springs in Fort Smith, Arkansas is seeking an Outside Salesperson for metal fabrication, metal stampings and mechanical tubing products. The successful candidate will plan and direct their sales activities to obtain maximum sales volume for the company in new and existing customers through diversified product lines related to metal fabrication, metal stampings and mechanical tubing.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Business Administration.  
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in manufacturing related sales and territory development, account maintenance and management, or other related management experience including special emphasis in metal stamping, fabrication and welded assembly.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides advise and recommendations to the sales manager and staff regarding decisions, policies, and operations which affect customers, pricing, shipping dates, quality, raw material selections, samples, discounts, packaging, deliveries, inventories, credit, tooling administrations and other matters directly affecting sales and customers.
• Serves as a liaison to facilitate the communication of information between (a) customers and the plant, (b) sales and production and (c) sales and customer service. 
• Works closely with the sales manager, plant manager, and other staff members on product improvement, product development and the introduction of the products to the marketplace.
• Oversees and provides assistance to all advertising and promotion programs for products manufactured by Hickory Springs Mid-West Region. Product responsibility metal components, fabrication and stamping of metal parts and mechanical size tubing.
• Analyzes sales statistics to determine sales potential and inventory requirements. Prepares annual sales forecasts. Participates in marketing surveys, trade shows and other potential opportunities for sales of Hickory Springs’ products. Prepares sales cost estimates as needed.
• Resolves customer complaints and recommends remedial actions for review and approval of warranties, credits, and discounts.
• Utilizes an overall knowledge of Hickory Springs Products and in cooperation with others, works to increase market share and profitability of assigned products. Prepares and makes quotes to customers when practical.
• Maintains adequate records of customer contacts, pricing, credit information, orders, and other administrative detail, as required.
• Frequent travel (50%) is to be expected.
• A valid driver’s license is required to operate a Company vehicle.

posted 4/20/2012

Regional Sales Manager - Midwest

Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company has an immediate opening for a Regional Sales Manager.  This position will be based in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

 Hickory Springs sells a diversified line of polyurethane foam to the Furniture, Bedding, Packaging and other industries. 

 Qualifications will include:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or other related field
• Prefer experience in polyurethane foam along with related areas such as furniture, bedding or packaging
• 10 + years sales experience preferred (to include management of other sales representatives)
• A self-motivated individual who is detail-oriented with excellent communication and problem-solving skills

 Hickory Springs offers an excellent benefit package with a substantial base salary plus incentives for growth. 

posted 4/20/2012

Manufacturing Engineer

Hickory Springs has an opening for a Manufacturing Engineer (Advance Planning) at our Spring Plant, located in Hickory, NC.  This position will lead in the technical support of new products, machines, tooling and gages for manufacturing. The position will also provide support for APQP activities for launches and PPAPs.  Familiarity with design and manufacture of wire products and basic understanding of engineering and manufacturing, measurement methods, TSI6949/ISO9001 quality management system, and experience with Cad or similar CAD software is desired.  

Qualified candidates will be required to have 4 year degree in an engineering discipline, or  a minimum of five years of experience in manufacturing engineering.  The qualified applicant will be a self–motivated individual with excellent communication skills, problem-solving skills, have an ability to successfully motivate others and have excellent oral and written communication skills. 

posted 5/14/2011

Applicants with special needs may request assistance with applying by contacting Mr. Livingston at (828) 328-2201, or at the email address listed above.

Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.