Converting Operations Shift Manager – (Production Leadership, Union Environment & Continuous Improvement)

Impact Solutions•De Pere, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time, permanent Shift Manager opportunity with a privately held, vertically integrated packaging manufacturer that has been in continuous operation for over 90 years. The company employs more than 4,200 people across 36 facilities nationwide and is actively expanding — a $100 million facility upgrade was completed at this location several years ago, and another expansion was recently announced. This is not a company in decline. People come here and stay, and the benefits package is a large part of why. This particular opening is in the Slitting Department — a people-focused leadership role where your ability to build a cohesive, high-performing team matters as much as your operational knowledge. You will oversee 25–30 hourly employees in a unionized environment, managing shift production, quality, safety, and continuous improvement on a rotating 12-hour schedule. The schedule is structured and predictable, including a built-in block of 6 consecutive days off every three-week cycle, but it requires full commitment to alternating weekends and day/night rotation. Candidates who can commit long-term and bring genuine stability to a team will thrive here.

Requirements

Supervisory or leadership experience in a manufacturing environment — 7–10 years preferred, strong candidates with less considered
Experience managing in a union facility — union contract administration experience strongly preferred
Strong people leadership instincts — this role is more people-focused than technical; team building and communication matter here
Solid organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities on a fast-moving production floor
Stable, long-tenure work history — job hopping is a disqualifier for this client
Full commitment to a rotating 12-hour shift schedule including alternating weekends — schedule flexibility is not available
Basic computer proficiency — Microsoft Office skills required
U.S. work authorization required — no sponsorship

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred — Associate's degree or equivalent experience considered
Coating, web handling, or converting industry experience
Paper, label, or specialty converting background
Engineering or paper science degree
ERP system experience (QAD or similar)

Responsibilities

Leading daily shift operations for 25–30 hourly employees in a unionized slitting and converting environment
Administering the union contract, enforcing plant policies, and managing employee performance, attendance, and training
Driving quality assurance initiatives including in-process QC, corrective actions, and collaboration with the Technical team
Coordinating and executing all departmental safety program requirements — promoting a strong safety culture on every shift
Overseeing preventive maintenance program execution and partnering with Maintenance on equipment reliability
Managing departmental operating supplies and inventory rotation to control cost and minimize waste
Identifying and recommending equipment or process improvements to enhance efficiency and output
Recommending staffing levels and supporting departmental goals across safety, quality, productivity, and cost