Machine Superintendent

1872 Consulting; Greater Madawaska; On-site; CAD 138,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialty paper manufacturer is seeking a Machine Superintendent to oversee safe and efficient operations of paper machine processes in Madawaska. The role demands strong leadership in guiding production activities, ensuring quality, and optimizing costs while collaborating with various departments. Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in engineering and at least 5 years’ experience in pulp and paper manufacturing, along with a commitment to safety and team development. The position requires onsite work with a competitive salary and additional benefits.

Benefits

Bonus compensation

Relocation assistance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, or equivalent applicable experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in pulp and paper manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams in a paper mill or similar industrial environment.

Responsibilities

• Champion safe work practices by maintaining a visible presence in safety activities.
• Lead paper machine production activities through daily reviews of production orders.
• Drive efficient machine operation by identifying constraints and addressing runnability issues.

Skills

Safety leadership

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

5+ years in pulp and paper manufacturing

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

Machine Superintendent

Location: Madawaska, ME
Work style: 100% onsite, Weekend coverage required on a rotating basis
Compensation: ~$120K + bonus + relocation compensation
Relocation: Open + relocation compensation provided

Only U.S. Citizens and Green Card Holders will be considered for this role.

Company summary

We are a specialty paper manufacturer producing high-performance grades used in packaging, label, publishing, and technical applications. Our operations emphasize safe work practices, disciplined daily management, and consistent product quality that supports demanding customer requirements. We offer a stable manufacturing environment where leaders are expected to be highly visible, data-driven, and committed to developing strong teams.

Position summary

The Paper Machine Superintendent is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient execution of paper machine operations, ensuring production schedules and quality specifications are consistently met. This role leads both salaried and hourly employees through daily operating routines, on-the-floor coaching, and performance management aligned with established management systems. The Superintendent partners cross-functionally with purchasing, finance, and commercial stakeholders to optimize cost, reduce overruns, and support customer needs.

Essential functions

• Champion safe work practices by maintaining a visible presence in safety activities, coaching safe behaviors, and reinforcing compliance expectations across the department
• Lead paper machine production activities through daily reviews of production orders, schedules, and performance, combined with regular floor engagement to guide and support the operating teams
• Drive efficient machine operation by identifying constraints, addressing runnability issues, reducing downtime, and improving overall performance against throughput, quality, and waste targets
• Coordinate with Purchasing to secure required supplies and services at optimal cost and quality, ensuring uninterrupted operations and appropriate inventory levels
• Partner with Sales and Customer Service to support product availability, resolve quality issues, and ensure customer requirements are understood and met
• Execute and sustain daily Management Operating Systems, including structured meetings, KPI tracking, action management, and follow-through on corrective and improvement activities
• Support annual operating budget development by providing operational inputs, cost drivers, and improvement opportunities in partnership with Finance
• Reduce overruns and manage inventory disposition decisions, including evaluation and action plans for aged or obsolete materials
• Communicate company priorities, results, operating philosophy, and expectations to ensure alignment of behaviors and departmental outcomes with organizational values
• Ensure adequate training and development for salaried and hourly employees to support current performance and future Client needs, including knowledge transfer and succession planning
• Participate in daily mill production meetings and attend additional meetings as needed, including safety reviews, capital/project reviews, contractor performance reviews, project scheduling, business reviews, and budget discussions
• Provide paper machine leadership coverage during assigned weekends on a rotating schedule
• Maintain awareness of food safety expectations relevant to operations, including understanding Food Safety Policy and foundational GMP and HACCP principles
• Promptly escape and report any issues related to the food safety management system to designated personnel, supporting documented actions as required

Required education and experience

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, or equivalent applicable experience
• Minimum 5 years of experience in pulp and paper manufacturing
• Demonstrated experience leading teams in a paper mill or similar industrial environment with strong safety expectations
• Working proficiency with standard business tools (Excel, Word, Outlook) and the ability to create basic reports and communicate performance updates

Preferred education and experience

• 8 or more years of pulp and paper industry experience
• Experience driving measurable improvements in runnability, downtime reduction, waste/yield, and overall operating performance
• Experience sustaining management systems such as tier meetings, KPI cadence, action tracking, standard work, and continuous improvement routines

Key competencies

• Safety leadership and visible commitment to safe work practices
• Strong communication, listening, organization, and interpersonal skills
• Team-oriented leadership approach with effective coaching and collaboration
• Ability to influence outcomes and drive business improvements across functions
• High attention to detail and strong time management skills
• Adaptability to changing organizational and operational needs

Work environment and physical requirements

• Approximately 65% office-based work preparing reports and participating in meetings, and 35% in a manufacturing environment providing support to direct reports and reinforcing safe work practices
• Exposure may include high noise levels, hazardous chemicals, wet or humid conditions, electrical hazards, dust, and regular walking or stair climbing