Area Manufacturing Manager - Controls

Packaging-Corporation-of-America; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Packaging Corporation is seeking an Area Manufacturing Manager to lead technical excellence across mills. You will drive process improvements, supervise capital projects, and train teams on new technologies while collaborating with corporate resources to share best practices.

The role requires deep expertise in process controls, VFDs, and PLC systems, plus extensive papermill experience and up to 80% US travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in Controls, Manufacturing, or Field Technical Support.
• 5+ years of papermill experience required.
• Expertise in VFDs (AC, DC, Servo), preferably Rockwell.
• Strong knowledge of converting machine controls and PLC projects.
• Ability to travel up to 80% within the U.S.; must reside in the lower 48 states.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and planning skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong knowledge of NEC, NFPA-70E, and electrical safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to multiple manufacturing sites.
• Apply engineering techniques and best practices to improve processes.
• Lead and manage capital projects, including installation and construction.
• Deliver technical training on new technologies and systems.
• Support business and plant capital planning.
• Develop detailed plans, specifications, and actionable recommendations.
• Drive technology adoption and process optimization.
• Serve as subject matter expert in Process Controls and VFDs.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Travel 80%

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

Rockwell

VFDs (AC/DC/Servo)

PanelView

FactoryTalk View

NEC NFPA-70E

Job description

The Area Manufacturing Manager (AMM) is a key technical leader responsible for driving operational excellence and innovation across PCA mills. This role applies advanced manufacturing expertise to optimize performance, improve efficiency, and maintain consistent quality. Acting as a strategic partner, the AMM collaborates with mill teams and corporate resources to implement technologies, share best practices, and foster continuous improvement.

Relocation not required – candidates must have access to reliable air transportation.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to multiple manufacturing sites.
• Apply engineering techniques and best practices to improve processes.
• Lead and manage capital projects, including installation and construction.
• Deliver technical training on new technologies and systems.
• Support business and plant capital planning.
• Develop detailed plans, specifications, and actionable recommendations.
• Drive technology adoption and process optimization.
• Serve as subject matter expert in:
  • Process Controls: Allen-Bradley (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, MicroLogix, PLC5), Siemens PLC.
  • Variable Frequency Drives: AC, DC, Servo (ABB/Rockwell/Siemens).
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent military experience/training.
• 10+ years in Controls, Manufacturing, or Field Technical Support.
• 5+ years of papermill experience required.
• Expertise in VFDs (AC, DC, Servo), preferably Rockwell.
• Strong knowledge of converting machine controls and PLC projects.
• Ability to travel up to 80% within the U.S.; must reside in the lower 48 states.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and planning skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word).
• Strong knowledge of NEC, NFPA-70E, and electrical safety standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of process controls and PLC systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
• Experience with PLC hardware/software design and operator interfaces (FactoryTalk View, PanelView).
• Proven project management skills for installations and rebuilds.
• Hands-on troubleshooting of AC/DC motors, drives, and servo systems.