Production General Foreman - Paper Machine

About the Role

The incumbent provides effective direction and supervision of Paper Machine Areas to meet throughput expectations. Responsibilities include Wet End and Dry End staff and operations, RPM support, environmental compliance, capital planning, risk mitigation (including fire protection), purchasing/procurement, and area infrastructure and utilities.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and optimize Wet End and Dry End operations, including staff management and process control.
• Support plant capital planning and risk mitigation, including fire protection.
• Oversee environmental compliance and area infrastructure/utilities.
• Utilize DCS and Ignition systems to evaluate and optimize process systems.
• Develop and maintain operator training materials and programs for continuous skills development.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations (OSHA, Factory Mutual, Company Safety Programs) and maintain safety incident records in CORE.
• Coordinate safety model programs (e.g., training) plant-wide.
• Administer the RPM Model and reliability activities, including defining work order schedules and implementing corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate records for equipment maintenance, process efficiency, permits, and material requisitions.
• Develop and coordinate departmental programs to maximize profit through improved productivity and cost control.
• Read and interpret P&IDs, electrical one-lines, mass and energy balances, and support SCADA/DCS operations during process upsets.
• Foster high morale, productivity, and employee retention through effective leadership and conflict management.
• Implement manufacturing initiatives such as Lean Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma, 5S, Visual Work Management, and Operator Basic Care.
• Manage Paper Machine equipment and process controls, including optimization, maintenance, inspections, and reliability of components like headboxes, vacuum systems, press dewatering, dryers, reels, winders, and finished roll handling.
• Ensure areas are staffed with trained personnel and personally involved in technician training.
• Act as a Model Program Administrator for safety inspections and training in compliance with regulations and company programs.
• Recommend and implement technological improvements to enhance mill operations.
• Supervise troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and routine repairs/overhauls.
• Coordinate vendor services and capital projects under the Production Manager’s direction.
• Make recommendations on discipline, performance assessments, terminations, promotions, and transfers.

Requirements

• Ability to perform the job safely and maintain safe working conditions.
• Experience with operator/supervisor development, training, and training material implementation.
• Proficiency in DCS and Ignition systems for process optimization.
• Ability to build relationships across manufacturing, engineering, tech services, research, sales, and customers to determine product specifications and reliability.
• Highly developed technical skills to implement advancements in automation and technology.
• Competencies in communication, decision-making, problem-solving, leadership, conflict management, and resource management.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma, 5S, Visual Work Management, and Operator Basic Care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering preferred.
• 5+ years of papermill operations experience preferred.
• 5+ years of supervisory or management experience preferred.
• SCADA (DCS, Ignition) and higher-level computer skills (Foxboro, ABB, Rockwell).
• Experience with USG Safety Model Program, OSHA, FM Global, and environmental compliance preferred.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance options (employees pay ~25% of premiums; coverage begins on day one).
• 401(k) Investment Plan with company match.
• Pension plan.
• Optional programs: life insurance, accident insurance, legal insurance, pet insurance.
• Quarterly (hourly) / Annual (salary) bonus potential based on safety, quality, and productivity metrics.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.

Rate of pay is adjusted based on qualifications and experience.