Production Manager, Material Prep

About Us

Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. We aim to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all stakeholders. Our segments—Filtration and Life Sciences, Food and Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials—along with the Performance Materials Cluster, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. In 2025, our net sales amounted to EUR 2.9 billion, and we employ approximately 7,000 people.

We strive to attract, retain, and energize passionate individuals by investing in professional development and personal growth. Our values include Accountability, Growth Mindset, One Team, Care, and fostering a fair and inclusive work environment for everyone, everywhere. We meet the highest standards of corporate citizenship by protecting the health and safety of our team, safeguarding the environment, and creating a positive impact in the communities where we operate.

About the Role

Reporting to the Operations Manager, Paper Mill, the Production Manager, Material Prep will oversee the operation of the Material Prep area and associated process line equipment. This role focuses on process improvement, cost reduction, process quality, and equipment reliability, while coordinating all product development trials on the process line. The candidate will also lead safety initiatives within the Manufacturing department.

Responsibilities

• Follow Ahlstrom manufacturing and hygiene processes, procedures, and policies to meet safety, quality, and regulatory compliance requirements for each grade of paper.
• Lead quality improvements and implement permanent solutions.
• Assess process effectiveness and identify potential process improvements.
• Provide technical support to key customers.
• Perform additional assignments as directed by management.

This is not an exhaustive list of duties or functions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Paper Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in the paper or related industry, with preference for papermaking and process management skills; customer technical service experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software; willingness and ability to learn new systems (e.g., Lean Six Sigma, structured problem solving, Statistical Process Control, JD Edwards).
• Knowledge of PI Historian and Proficy database is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, particularly in customer interactions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with teamwork abilities.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Regular attendance is required; ability to work additional hours, weekends, or outside regular office hours as needed.

Work Environment

• Ability to work in a normal office environment, including sitting or standing for long periods, operating standard office equipment, carrying documents/files, and reaching or bending.
• May require safely walking through the manufacturing plant while wearing required personal protective gear (e.g., hearing and foot protection).