Technical & Operational Excellence Lead-Containerboard

Summary Description

The Technical & Operational Excellence Lead – Containerboard is a customer-facing strategic and highly technical role responsible for driving performance, quality, and innovation across Billerud North America’s containerboard product line. This individual will work closely with box plants, internal stakeholders, and existing and prospective customers to ensure optimal product performance and support business growth.

Key Accountabilities

• Serve as the SME for corrugated packaging, providing deep technical knowledge and strategic guidance to internal teams and customers.
• Lead operational excellence initiatives at customer box plants to improve product performance, quality, and efficiency.
• Cookordination and oversight of product trials, ensuring alignment with business development goals and customer expectations.
• Act as the primary technical liaison between box plants, sales, and Billerud’s manufacturing, product development, and marketing teams.
• Analyze performance data and customer feedback to identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and recommend improvements.
• Support the commercial sales team with technical insights that enhance customer relationships and drive business growth.
• Support the commercial sales team with technical support on joint sales calls to existing and prospective customers.
• Monitor competitive activity and industry trends to inform product positioning and innovation strategies.
• Deliver training and technical education to customers and internal teams on corrugated manufacturing, converting, and performance attributes.
• Develop and implement technical standards and best practices for containerboard use across customer operations.
• Collaborate with product development teams to influence future containerboard innovations based on field insights and customer needs.
• Champion best practices in box plant corrugating, converting, and operations support processes.
• Promote continuous improvement through data-driven analysis and cross-functional collaboration.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing across mills and customer sites to elevate technical capabilities and product consistency.
• Support sustainability and regulatory compliance initiatives through technical leadership.

Qualifications

• Required Experience and Education: Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Paper Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience. Minimum 15+ years of experience in the containerboard or corrugated packaging industry, with a strong background in technical service, operations, or quality.
• Proven track record of leading technical initiatives and delivering measurable improvements in product performance and customer satisfaction.
• Strong understanding of box plant operations and end-use requirements.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites and manufacturing locations as needed.

Required Skills

• Experience in Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Established relationships within the corrugated packaging industry.
• Experience as a technical trainer or operational coach.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively interact with all levels of the customer, from floor operators to general managers.

Benefits

• Impactful Work – Contribute to meaningful sustainability initiatives
• Career Growth – Access development programs and internal advancement opportunities.
• Education Support – Tuition reimbursement + certificate programs through partner schools.
• Competitive Compensation – Performance based bonus eligibility (role dependent).
• Comprehensive Benefits – Multiple medical plans with virtual care options
• Generous 401(k) offerings
• HSA contribution match + additional preventive exam contribution
• Dental & vision coverage
• Company paid disability insurance