Paper Mill Manager

Smurfit Westrock•Roanoke Rapids, NC

About The Position

The Paper Mill Manager is responsible for managing the Paper and Shipping Departments, which include two paper machines. The role oversees departmental safety, environmental compliance, quality and customer satisfaction, costs, production, maintenance planning, financial budgets and results, capital project support, people development, and employee and labor relations. The manager leads continuous improvement and strategic initiatives to reduce costs, increase productivity, and improve quality while supporting the mill’s profitability and workforce development.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree and more than five years of paper mill experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, including at least two years at Paper Machine Superintendent level or above.
General understanding of mill-wide operations and their interdependencies.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all levels of the organization.
Ability to define objectives clearly and involve others in achieving them.
Commitment to continuous improvement, especially in safety, quality, environment, production, and cost.
Strong leadership, interpersonal, customer service, and communication skills, with a high sense of urgency and attention to detail.
Ability to work effectively in teams as both a team leader and team member.
Competence in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word.
Knowledge of a Distributed Control System (DCS).
Ability to learn proprietary software programs.
Understanding of box plant corrugator operation.
Experience with customer visits and/or interactions.
Must undergo drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer and before starting employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Plant Information Systems, including PI ProcessBook, PARCview, or Proficy.
Lean or Six Sigma certifications.

Responsibilities

Lead safety systems and processes, model safe practices, communicate safety expectations, and promote accountability and fair treatment.
Lead departmental environmental management systems to ensure compliance and environmental stewardship.
Maintain quality and customer satisfaction by focusing on reliable service and innovative solutions.
Develop and maintain methods for tracking and reducing chemical and operational costs.
Optimize paper machine schedules to maximize production, improve uptime and productivity, and reduce off-quality output.
Work with the Mill Controller and Leadership team to develop budgets and analyze financial results and profitability opportunities.
Provide input to capital projects from inception through completion.
Initiate and facilitate departmental improvement projects aligned with strategic initiatives to reduce cost, increase productivity, and improve quality.
Develop employees and help them reach their full potential.
Build positive employee and labor relations based on trust, respect, and employee empowerment.
Manage departmental activities including maintenance planning and support for capital projects.