From Managers to Moms: Women are Manufacturing’s Largest Untapped Talent Pool

“The nomination made me realize that I was an important part of the team and that I had made some significant contributions,” Troutt said.

Changing the Conversation

While increasing flexibility, representation, and recognition, perceptions of the industry also need to be addressed for younger generations of workers, including women. That’s where plant manager Crisp comes in, and she’s determined to make an impact.

As one of only four female plant managers at Sealed Air, which operates 106 manufacturing facilities worldwide, Crisp has worked for the company her entire career. Starting as an intern, Crisp soon earned a full-time position and then held various jobs throughout the company’s supply chain organization before becoming the manager for Sealed Air’s two manufacturing plants in North Carolina. The two facilities make protective packaging materials such as BUBBLE WRAP^® brand bubble cushioning, SEALED AIR^® brand Korrvu^® retention and suspension packaging, and BUBBLE WRAP^® brand cushioned paper mailers.

While she maintains there are no typical days in her role as plant manager, Crisp spends much of her time analyzing the performance of operations, understanding obstacles facing her teams, and identifying resources and solutions to solve those problems.

When she first transitioned into a management role, Crisp struggled with accepting that she could only accomplish so much each day. “If I promised I was going to do something, I wanted to deliver,” she said. “However, as responsibilities are added, time management is key, but so is making time for oneself.”

Crisp makes sure to share this this view with others. She said she often sees her managers and operators struggling with the same issue and wants them to celebrate their small wins, while doing everything within their control to plan and communicate. “That's how we achieve success as an organization and as a team,” she said.

While it's a balancing act taking care of two kids, maintaining a home, and running two manufacturing plants that operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Crisp has learned to schedule time for “making the transition from manager to mom,” she said.

In 2018, Crisp was honored with a STEP Ahead Award, which allowed her to expand her reach by connecting with other women in the industry and hearing their challenges and learning from their experiences. Since then, Crisp has used those connections and her passion for her community to impact the next generation.

“Pre-COVID, we would do tours of the facilities and expose local middle school, high school, and community college students to the protective packaging business and the kinds of job opportunities Sealed Air offers here,” Crisp said.

Similarly, Troutt is sharing her knowledge with women at Sealed Air about different career paths in manufacturing. After transitioning into her current role, Troutt recommended as her replacement a woman she had mentored for 10 years who began her career in the customer service department.

“It just takes the right people educating others about all the opportunities within manufacturing and serving as a mentor when needed,” Troutt said.

Moving Forward

From creating diversity programs and offering flexible work options, to mentoring and recognizing women, there are myriad ways the manufacturing industry can address the challenges facing women today and tap into its largest talent pool.

Society is becoming more gender inclusive, but “we have a long way to go” in the manufacturing industry Jorgenson said. Manufacturers need to consider what they are doing actively and continuously to engage women, she suggested. “I think time will tell. I'm very hopeful.”