Team Lead/ Shift Supervisor

MCKINLEY PAPER COMPANY MASTER•Prewitt, NM

26d•Onsite

About The Position

The Team Leader functions as the Shift Supervisor and leads the Production area, including paper machine and stock preparation operators, at a 100% recycled closed-loop mill. The role is responsible for safe operations, quality compliance, environmental stewardship, and production efficiency. During non-business hours, nights, weekends, and holidays, when day management is absent, the position assumes operational command of the entire mill site, including inbound raw materials, outbound finished products, and utility departments. The role leads shift-wide manufacturing operations, oversees safety and quality, develops employees, coordinates maintenance work, and supports troubleshooting and continuous improvement. The Team Leader must be able to step into any paper machine operator position and assist in Stock Prep when operational needs require. The work takes place in an industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to varied temperatures, wet or humid conditions, and loud machinery, and requires extended hours on a 12-hour rotating day/night shift.

Requirements

Strong working knowledge of paper mill operations, stock preparation, and interconnected mill departments.
Ability to work independently and make critical operational, logistical, and safety decisions during non-business hours without immediate on-site management support.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills for real-time troubleshooting and process monitoring.
Ability to lead teams, present training materials, and collaborate across departments.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and standard mill production software.
Minimum of 5 to 8 years of work experience in the paper industry, including at least 5 years specifically in paper machine or stock preparation areas.
Ability to work extended hours on a 12-hour rotating shift, days and nights.
Ability to walk and stand for prolonged periods, including on inclines, grated walkways, and stairs; climb ladders; kneel, stoop, bend, stretch, pull; work in confined spaces; and lift up to 50 lbs.
Ability to work in an industrial manufacturing environment with extreme heat, cold, and wet or humid conditions, and frequent loud machine noise requiring hearing protection.

Nice To Haves

1–2 years of previous supervisory or leadership experience, with a track record of managing operations independently.
Bachelor’s degree in Paper Sciences or a related technical field; equivalent industrial experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Lead shift-wide manufacturing operations and monitor processes to meet efficiency, volume, and quality targets.
Act as the ranking site leader during non-business hours, independently directing operations and managing decisions and emergency responses across mill facilities and utility departments.
Ensure compliance with safety policies, procedures, and environmental regulations.
Ensure products meet precise quality specifications and customer expectations.
Manage, execute, and follow up on team training plans to develop operator skills and cross-functionality.
Assist with scheduling, coordinating, and executing shutdown and outage work in partnership with the maintenance department.
Set safety expectations through personal example and collaborate with managers and supervisors to eliminate workplace hazards.
Conduct documented daily inspections of mill areas using the inspection round sheet to maintain safety and housekeeping standards.
Step in to perform any paper machine operator position and assist in Stock Prep when operational needs require.
Partner with operators to diagnose operational issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
Monitor production costs, review material usage, and minimize waste throughout the closed-loop and papermaking processes.
Collaborate with crews to set performance goals and drive mill and process improvements.
Work with Area Managers and HR to maintain attendance records, address personnel issues, and resolve conflicts.