Sr. Manager of Operations

Lead all aspects of the West Monroe, LA production facility, which employs approximately 100 team members supporting the paper industry through mechanical services and the production of covers for paper machine rolls.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear direction aligned with site strategy, goals, and commitments, emphasizing safety, quality, and financial performance.
• Foster a high-performance, professional, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.
• Drive employee engagement through transparent communication on business objectives, performance status, and individual impact.
• Recognize and reward excellent performance while maintaining accountability for results.
• Maintain and execute succession plans, including development actions for high-potential employees and corrective actions for performance gaps.
• Initiate the development of documented solutions to address gaps in safety, quality, or financial performance.
• Ensure consistent achievement of safety, quality, production, and efficiency targets.
• Identify and optimize critical aspects of the operation through timely, data-driven decision-making.
• Lead the development of documented solutions addressing gaps in safety, quality, or financial performance.
• Ensure standardized systems and continuous improvement practices (Lean, OE) are embedded across the operation.
• Manage site financial performance in close collaboration with site controlling.
• Partner with sales and product management to understand and meet customer expectations for delivery and quality.
• Lead improvement projects at the site, including capital projects.
• Communicate regularly with employees and the leadership team regarding business results, performance levels, and operational priorities.
• Promote clarity of expectations, alignment to goals, and understanding of performance drivers; hold the team accountable for results.
• Create an environment where employees are rewarded for excellent performance and corrective actions are developed for performance deficiencies.
• Demonstrate familiarity with skills-based pay systems.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience, including at least 1 year in operations management.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical or business discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge and experience with operational excellence, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement practices.
• Familiarity with AI and low-code technologies; experience with tools such as MS Copilot, Power Apps, or MS Forms preferred.
• Proficiency with MRP/ERP systems and data analytics tools, including JD Edwards, Power BI, and Pyramid BI.
• Ability to extract, analyze, and interpret data to support decision-making.
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop employees at all levels.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and project management capabilities.
• Strong communication and service-focused support to foster positive customer relationships.
• High attention to detail and excellent people-management abilities.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Able to talk and hear in an industrial environment with moderate noise levels.
• Able to stand, walk, and sit frequently; occasional reaching, lifting, stooping, and crouching.
• Visual requirements include close, distance, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to work full-time onsite at the West Monroe, LA facility.
• Ability to travel occasionally domestically and internationally.