Area Manufacturing Manager - Electrical Controls

PCA • Lake Forest, IL

23h

About The Position

As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company. Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping our customers — large and small — package, transport and display products of all kinds. Our white paper business delivers Paper With Purpose by providing the highest level of customer service and operational excellence. We have approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States that strive to meet the local needs of our customers. Our mission is to serve the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.

People • Customers • Trust
The Area Manufacturing Manager (AMM) is a key technical leader responsible for driving operational excellence and innovation across PCA mills. This role applies advanced manufacturing expertise to optimize performance, improve efficiency, and maintain consistent quality. Acting as a strategic partner, the AMM collaborates with mill teams and corporate resources to implement technologies, share best practices, and foster continuous improvement.
Relocation not required – candidates must have access to reliable air transportation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent military experience/training.
• 10+ years in Controls, Manufacturing, or Field Technical Support.
• 5+ years of papermill experience required.
• Expertise in VFDs (AC, DC, Servo), preferably Rockwell.
• Strong knowledge of converting machine controls and PLC projects.
• Ability to travel up to 80% within the U.S.; must reside in the lower 48 states.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and planning skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word).
• Strong knowledge of NEC, NFPA-70E, and electrical safety standards.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced knowledge of process controls and PLC systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
• Experience with PLC hardware/software design and operator interfaces (FactoryTalk View, PanelView).
• Proven project management skills for installations and rebuilds.
• Hands-on troubleshooting of AC/DC motors, drives, and servo systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to multiple manufacturing sites.
• Apply engineering techniques and best practices to improve processes.
• Lead and manage capital projects, including installation and construction.
• Deliver technical training on new technologies and systems.
• Support business and plant capital planning.
• Develop detailed plans, specifications, and actionable recommendations.
• Drive technology adoption and process optimization.
• Serve as subject matter expert in: Process Controls: Allen-Bradley (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, MicroLogix, PLC5), Siemens PLC.
• Variable Frequency Drives: AC, DC, Servo (ABB/Rockwell/Siemens).
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Bonus: Annual – Based upon individual contribution and overall, Company performance.
• Paid Vacation: Three (3) weeks per calendar year. Pro-rata Vacation during the initial year of hire based upon start date within the calendar year.
• Paid Holidays.
• Within the first 30 days of employment, an employee (and their dependents) is eligible to enroll in certain benefit coverages -- medical, dental, and vision – and are automatically enrolled in life, AD&D, and disability coverages.
• Upon hire, an employee is automatically enrolled in the 401k plan. The plan offers both pre-tax and Roth contribution options along with employer provided matching contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees