Paper Mill Department Manager

About the role

The Department Manager, Paper Mill, supports the efforts of all Paper Machine, Roll Line, Finishing and Shipping departments to produce quality products in a safe, productive environment, and in a correct and cost-efficient manner. You will identify opportunities and organize efforts to improve the paper machine overall performance by gathering information from Operators, Foremen, Engineers, Operation Supervisors, Product Development, Supervisors, and the Superintendent.

Responsibilities

• Proactively drive safety improvement and processes for the areas of responsibility, including concern reporting, job hazard assessments, audits, and incident investigations. Ensure adherence to FM Global requirements and compliance with Smurfit WestRock policies and standards, including winder safety.
• Review production and quality results daily and assist Paper Machine and Finishing and Shipping teams with problem-solving efforts.
• Assist Supervisors and the Superintendent in managing production resources and interface with other departments to maintain efficient Paper Mill operations.
• Identify performance gaps early using leading industry standards and work with teams to get back on track.
• Conduct frequent inspections and audits of equipment, processes, and procedures in the field.
• Participate in department production meetings, reporting on safety, quality, productivity, environmental concerns, and improvement initiatives.
• Work with Superintendents and Supervisors to develop annual goals with emphasis on safety, environment, quality, production, and cost, and provide performance feedback to the workforce.
• Support the continuing personal and professional development of department members and lead the overall hourly training program.
• Ensure proper company/union relations per the current labor contract. Participate in problem discussions and resolution, and conduct grievance hearings at the second step.
• Administer the capital budget for the Paper Mill department. Work with department supervisors and engineering to establish priorities, assist on capital improvement projects, and participate in the review of engineering designs and drawings.
• Lead improvement projects in safety, quality, productivity, and cost for the department. Participate as the department representative on mill-wide teams as needed.
• Assume Paper Mill Superintendent responsibilities in their absence.
• Optimize various systems, policies, and procedures that apply to all Paper Machines and Finishing & Shipping.
• Support the development of the operating financial plan for the department and conduct monthly variance analysis.
• Support SOP and GOP development for the department to maintain ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 compliance.
• Take call duty for the Paper Machine as scheduled and when needed.

Requirements

• Must have a college degree or at least ten years of supervisory experience in a papermaking-related position.
• Significant experience with paper machine operations.
• General understanding of mill-wide operations and interdependency.
• Understanding of Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to clearly define objectives and involve others in achieving those objectives.
• Ability to organize and facilitate improvement teams.
• Dedication to continuous improvement in the paper mill department, with special emphasis on safety, quality, environment, production, and cost.
• Understanding of financial aspects of paper machine operations and various cost drivers.

Benefits

• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.
• Attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.
• Benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k with match, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, and employee referral bonus.
• Career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety, and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of daily work.