Area Operations Manager - Utilities

Sappi • Skowhegan, ME

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Sappi is seeking an experienced Area Operations Manager to support our Utilities Department in Somerset, Maine. This leadership role is responsible for driving safe, reliable, and efficient utility operations while supporting production goals, maintenance coordination, employee development, and continuous improvement initiatives within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience preferred
• 3–5 years of leadership experience in manufacturing, utilities, power generation, pulp & paper, or related industrial environments
• Strong leadership, communication, and employee development skills
• Experience leading teams in a heavy industrial or manufacturing environment preferred
• Demonstrated ability to drive operational performance, continuous improvement, and safety initiatives
• Maine Stationary Steam Engineer License required or ability to obtain

Responsibilities

• Lead and promote a strong safety culture through employee engagement, coaching, observations, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop and implement operational plans to meet production, reliability, and performance targets
• Coordinate maintenance activities and support outage/shutdown planning to ensure operational efficiency
• Monitor operational performance and develop action plans to address gaps and improve results
• Support budgeting, cost tracking, and resource planning activities
• Lead continuous improvement efforts including Lean Six Sigma initiatives and capital improvement projects
• Supervise and develop salaried staff through coaching, performance feedback, and career development support
• Partner cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams to support mill objectives
• Provide leadership support and operational coverage as needed

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level