First Line Leader – Shipping and Secondary Fibers (OCC/ Recycle)

International Paper • Prattville, AL

9d • $82,500 - $110,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Finished Products First Line Leader (FLL) – Shipping and Secondary
Fibers/OCC/Recycle provides first‑level leadership to hourly employees
responsible for trailer loading, rail loading, staging, warehouse flow, outbound
shipment execution, inbound fiber management, and unit operations for an Old
Corrugated Containerboard (OCC) Plant. This role oversees approximately 15–20
hourly union employees on a rotating shift schedule. The FLL is accountable for
safety, production execution, inventory control, labor management, employee
development, and communication across shifts.

This position focuses exclusively on Shipping operations and Secondary Fiber
Operations and does not include responsibilities for Paper.

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of experience in Shipping, Secondary Fibers, or related warehouse/logistics/manufacturing operations.
• Proven leadership ability to direct, coach, and hold hourly employees accountable.
• Strong ownership, urgency, and adaptability in fast‑changing conditions.
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing and problem‑solving methods.
• Effective communicator who builds trust and teamwork across crews and departments.
• Required: availability for extended/short‑notice hours, visible leadership, and lean manufacturing knowledge.
• Strong interpersonal skills to foster trust, respect, and collaboration with both hourly and salaried teams

Nice To Haves

• Preferred: technical skills with mill systems (inventory, reporting tools, data historian, DCS, SAP, PowerBI).
• Preferred degree in Chemical, Paper, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; equivalent experience accepted.
• Preferred: advanced knowledge in papermaking, PI/PARCView, mill procurement, and manufacturing work systems.

Responsibilities

• Promote and enforce all safety procedures and policies.
• Lead or support incident investigations and ensure corrective actions.
• Conduct routine safety audits, including housekeeping checks and dock/warehouse safety inspections.
• Ensure compliance with lockout/tagout procedures for Shipping & Secondary Fibers-related work.
• Lead the Shipping & Secondary Fibers crew, ensuring all roles (shippers, loaders, strappers, operators, contractor support) are properly staffed and executing their tasks.
• Review previous shift performance and ensure a thorough shift‑to‑shift handoff.
• Oversee vehicle (rail and trailer) loading performance against daily targets.
• Monitor warehouse flow, staging levels, trailer/rail assignment accuracy, production rates, stock consistency, and other key performance indicators.
• Communicate priorities to loaders, operators, strappers, and contractors to maintain efficient operations.
• Monitor loading/unloading progress and OCC production throughout the shift and make adjustments to labor or equipment as needed.
• Practice effective resolution solutions with a variety of internal and external customers, including over the road truck drivers and contractors.
• Resolve operational barriers by coordinating with Traffic/Transportation/Logistics, Corporate Support, Contractors and Logistics stakeholders.
• Manage Shipping inventory controls, including staging verification, trailer accuracy, scan compliance, and bay integrity.
• Review key shipment and inventory metrics and make adjustments as needed.
• Validate transportation assignments and inventory accuracy in coordination with shipping personnel.
• Conduct routine warehouse bay audits to identify misplaced or unscanned rolls.
• Review electronic reports daily and drive timely resolution.
• Address loading quality issues with employees and ensure loads meet customer and mill standards.
• Hold crew members accountable for following standard loading, unloading, production, scanning, and housekeeping procedures.
• Provide coaching, conduct One‑to‑Ones, and complete required performance documentation, attendance reports, and new hire evaluations.
• Complete daily timekeeping entries and ensure time approval deadlines are met.
• Maintain accurate and timely shift documentation, notes, and reports to management.
• Send required daily communication to corporate partners and contractors

Benefits

• International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including 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, and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets
• Leadership training, promotional opportunities

What This Job Offers

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