Board Solutions Subject Matter Expert (SME)

International Paper • Bogalusa, LA

3d • Remote

About The Position

The Board Solutions Group works closely with Packaging Solutions of North America (PSNA) to support tactical and strategic initiatives to improve results and drive business strategy to achieve or exceed their targeted performance levels. This involves the use of expertise and leadership gained through years of experience to deliver improvement within the manufacturing system. Board  Solutions SME’s work together within all of the PSNA facilities to improve paper machine performance, reduce variability, improve quality and lower manufacturing costs.

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) position is accountable for delivering results on a wide range of assignments, short and long-term, across our mill system.  The SME must work well with varied teams and be able to quickly engage employees from all levels of the organization from executive to the shop floor, and influence vendors and contractors. 

The Subject Matter Expert position functions as an internal consultant, and is expected to lead the development of projects and produce improvement in the area of expertise anywhere in the company.  The duties range widely between safety leadership, troubleshooting, optimization, teaching, deliberate improvement projects, capital projects, process audits, strategic studies, and mentoring.

SME key attributes include:

Operates with minimal supervision, independently prioritizing work aligned to business and enterprise needs

Leads complex, multi-mill technical initiatives delivering measurable improvements in safety, reliability, quality, cost, and capability

Influences outcomes across organizational boundaries, including mill leadership, vendors, and contractors

Balances strategic thinking with hands-on technical execution

Requirements

• Minimum 15 years of paper machine process experience with at least 5 years in paper manufacturing
• Ability to travel up to ~80%
• Recognized expert in papermaking process with concentration in wet end applications including headboxes, forming, and press sections
• Ability to independently scope and deliver complex technical work
• Demonstrated leadership focused on accountability and results
• Enterprise-level influence and credibility with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate to groups and individuals at all levels
• Strong analytical troubleshooting skills and the ability to use organized data based approaches to resolve issues
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering, Paper Science, or Related Business Field is preferred, industry experience will be considered

Responsibilities

• Safety leadership in mill, pilot, laboratory, and office environments
• Diagnosing and resolving high-impact papermaking process
• Recognized resource for technical troubleshooting, non-capital, and capital solutions for wet end of the paper machine including headboxes, forming sections, press sections, and associated auxiliary equipment.
• Executing pilot and paper machine trials
• Developing and implementing capital and process improvement projects
• Conducting process audits and strategic technical studies
• Building durable on-site technical capability through the ability to interface, technically develop, and mentor others at mill sites to assist in project development within the area of expertise
• Communicating technical findings to all organizational levels
• Ability to drive results and self-manage priorities on multiple simultaneous projects

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-term and Long-term Disability
• 401(k)
• Company-funded retirement contributions
• Paid Time Off
• Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement)
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance
• Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets

What This Job Offers

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