Paper Machine Assistant Superintendent

Our Cypress Bend team is a close-knit group of approximately 275 skilled employees who take pride in producing bleached paperboard and bleached Kraft pulp, used in folding cartons, commercial print paperboard, carded packaging, and cup stock. Located in the historic Mississippi River Delta, the facility offers a slower pace with outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and biking. Many employees commute from nearby towns such as McGehee, Monticello, Dumas, Dermott, and Lake Village, known for affordable living, strong local pride, and family-friendly schools. The team supports local cultural and arts initiatives, including contributions to the WWII Japanese Internment Museum and SEArk Concert Association.

About the role

The Assistant Superintendent will proactively coordinate and lead manufacturing operations on the paper machine to ensure department objectives for Safety, Quality, Production, and more are met. This role acts as a technical resource for the operations team and leads project and process improvement efforts in the paper mill.

Responsibilities

• Operations
  • Sets objectives and goals aligned with the site Integrated Business Plan (IBP).
  • Coaches the business unit on standards (Safety, Environmental, Quality, Cost, Production).
  • Develops required standards and facilitates loss elimination using problem-solving tools.
  • Ensures problems are solved (root cause) and tasks are implemented sustainably.
  • Accountable for the business unit operational budget.
  • Defines and executes improvements to support midterm plans.
• Safety
  • Responsible for day-to-day area safety and assists with all safety efforts.
  • Reviews safety incidents, investigates root causes, and ensures timely follow-up.
  • Supports the behavioral safety program and ensures safe work practices are followed.
  • Leads safety initiatives and provides safety training.
  • Works to eliminate employee interactions with equipment and addresses safety concerns urgently.
  • Ensures environmental compliance.
• Leadership
  • Mentors shift supervisors to ensure quality leadership of hourly personnel.
  • Provides leadership coverage during the Superintendent’s absence.
  • Conducts investigations of safety incidents with shift supervisors and hourly personnel.
  • Develops team in production, safety, quality, and plant efficiency.
  • Ensures employee compliance with schedules, policies, and procedures.
  • Assists in developing job-specific training programs, Qual-cards, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Participates in the grievance process (where applicable).
  • Supports the capital budget process.
  • Fosters an environment of trust, open communication, creative thinking, and teamwork.
  • Communicates site IBP and cascades objectives and priorities into the business unit.
  • Responsible for the performance management process.
  • Coaches and develops team members to sustain a leadership pipeline.
  • Motivates and maintains morale to achieve expected goals.
  • Collaborates with other internal and external site areas.
• Quality
  • Maintains and improves quality standards for all products produced.
  • Leads quality initiatives and supports changes to ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Follows up on rejected/obsolete products to ensure timely disposition.

Key Competencies & Attributes

• Systematically evaluates business opportunities for positive results.
• Prioritizes critical activities and adjusts as needed.
• Allocates time effectively for self and others; avoids scheduling conflicts.
• Delegates decision-making authority based on abilities, availability, and development needs.
• Considers impact, priorities, and values when delegating.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; B.S. in Chemical Engineering or Pulp and Paper Science preferred.
• 3+ years in an operations leadership role in a Paper or Consumer Packaged Goods processing facility.
• Strong coaching and mentoring skills with experience leading change.
• Excellent communication skills, comfortable presenting to senior-level audiences.
• Advanced systems aptitude and proficiency in Windows-based Excel.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills; ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel; ability to learn production-related programs.
• Self-directed, energetic, and able to lead and motivate others.
• Knowledge of industry, machinery, equipment, and processes.
• Ability to work in a high-speed manufacturing environment with sustained exposure to high-frequency noises, standing/walking on concrete surfaces, dirt, odor, and temperature extremes.
• Required use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the mill environment.
• Climbing stairs, ladders, and scaffolding.
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals used in the manufacturing process.

Benefits

This position is eligible for our Incentive Plan. Compensation ranges are estimates based on market data, with actual offers accounting for internal equity and candidate qualifications. Benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, generally begin after 30 days. Paid time off includes vacation days, personal days, and company holidays.

Clearwater Paper does not offer sponsorship for employment-based visa status for this position. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.