Senior Product Quality Manager
About the role
Where you will work: Augusta houses Clearwater Paper’s largest paperboard facility and is home to more than 600 team members. Together, our team makes paperboard used in products across the United States, including food packaging, plates, cups and more. With nearly 65 years of operation, the mill spans 3,000 acres and runs two paper machines that collectively produce up to 1,940 tons per day. Augusta is known worldwide for hosting The Masters golf tournament, but the city offers so much more. Located on the Savannah River on Georgia's eastern border, Augusta blends outdoor recreation with a vibrant arts and cultural scene.
Responsibilities
Lead and continuously improve the quality systems, processes, and culture within the Augusta integrated pulp and paper mill that produces Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS) paper and board.
Ensure that all products meet internal standards, customer specifications, and applicable regulatory and certification requirements while supporting operational excellence, cost control, and customer satisfaction.
Partner closely with Operations, Engineering, EHS, Supply Chain, Customer Service, and Sales to embed quality into pulp production, bleaching, papermaking, coating, calendaring, and finishing operations.
Develop, implement, and maintain the mill Quality and Food Safety Management Systems, aligning with: ISO 9001, FSC®, PEFC™, or other fiber certification programs, FSSC 22000 Food Safety standard, Product regulatory compliance (FDA, BfR, EU and other domestic and international standards).
Oversee quality control throughout the integrated process: Pulping, bleaching, and chemical quality, Wet-end chemistry and furnish control, Paper machine operations (basis weight, caliper, moisture, formation), Coating, surface properties, and print performance, Finishing, sheeting, and roll quality.
Support new product development, grade development, and customer trials. Participate in Management of Change (MOC) for raw materials, chemicals, equipment, and process changes. Validate product quality, specifications, and risk assessments prior to commercialization.
Own the customer complaint process from intake through root cause analysis and corrective action. Interface directly with customers, sales, and technical service on quality-related issues. Lead root cause investigations using structured problem-solving tools (e.g., 5-Why, Fishbone, DMAIC).
Recruit, develop, and coach quality professionals and laboratory personnel. Provide quality training for operations, maintenance, and technical staff. Work closely with EHS to ensure product quality controls support safe and compliant operations.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Pulp & Paper Science, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline. Advanced degree preferred but not required.
Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in quality, technical, or manufacturing roles within pulp and paper or a highly regulated continuous process industry. Demonstrated experience in an integrated pulp and paper mill environment strongly preferred.
Prior people leadership experience required. Strong understanding of: Pulping and bleaching processes, Papermaking and coating operations, Paper and paperboard testing methods (TAPPI/ISO), Statistical process control and data analysis, Working knowledge of fiber certification and food-contact packaging requirements, Ability to interpret customer specifications and translate them into operational controls.
Benefits
Details on benefits are provided in the 'Total Rewards' section. Compensation ranges are estimates based on market data. Actual offers account for internal equity and the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and more, generally begin after 30 days. Our paid time off includes vacation days, personal days, and company holidays.
Schedule
The schedule details are provided in the 'Total Rewards' section. Travel: ~10% Total Rewards Details We prioritize an exceptional workplace experience, offering a comprehensive total reward package. Compensation ranges are estimates based on market data. Actual offers account for internal equity and the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and more, generally begin after 30 days. Our paid time off includes vacation days, personal days, and company holidays. For more on our compensation philosophy, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at Talent.Acquisition@clearwaterpaper.com.