Finished Products Superintendent — Paper Mill Ops

International Paper Company; Bogalusa (LA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

401(k)

Job summary

International Paper Company in Bogalusa, LA, is seeking a Superintendent of Finished Products to lead two paper machines and the outbound shipping team. This hands-on manufacturing leader will drive safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement across salaried and hourly staff.

The role requires strong knowledge of papermaking operations, Lean/Six Sigma experience, effective cross-functional communication, and financial acumen to support budgeting and cost control.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or at least ten years of supervisory experience in a papermaking-related role.
• Significant experience with paper machine operations.
• Broad understanding of mill-wide operations and interdependencies.
• Working knowledge of the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively at all organizational levels.
• Ability to define clear objectives and involve others in achieving them.
• Skilled in organizing and facilitating improvement teams.
• Experience driving operational excellence through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement methodologies.
• Commitment to continuous improvement across safety, quality, environment, production, and cost.
• Understanding of financial aspects of paper machine operations and key cost drivers.

Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives in production efficiency, cost optimization, safety, reliability, team member engagement, and environmental performance to achieve or exceed targeted results.
• Champion a proactive safety culture by modeling safe work practices and driving superior safety performance.
• Review daily production and quality results; partner with Paper Machine and Shipping teams to identify issues, close performance gaps, and support effective problem-solving.
• Ensure consistent utilization of manufacturing systems, including Manufacturing Work Systems (MWS), Trouble/Cause/Correction (TCC), and centerlining.
• Conduct frequent field inspections and audits of equipment, processes, and procedures.
• Prioritize planned outage requirements and direct resources effectively during outage execution.
• Manage performance and development of salaried and hourly team members by setting clear expectations and conducting effective one-on-one coaching.
• Collaborate with Area Process Managers (APMs) and First-Line Leaders (FLLs) to establish quarterly goals focused on safety, environment, quality, production, and cost; provide timely performance feedback.
• Ensure operator training and certification processes are maintained and utilized for employee development, including support of FLL and APM certification programs.
• Support development of the operating financial plan, monthly variance analysis, and annual budget—including identification of maintenance and operational one-time expenses.
• Assist the Engineering Department with capital improvement projects and participate in the review of engineering designs and drawings.
• Maintain positive company-union relations in alignment with the current labor contract; participate in problem discussions and resolution.
• Assume Business Unit Manager responsibilities in his/her absence.

Skills

Supervisory leadership

Paper machine operations

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Safety culture

Communication

Problem solving

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 10+ years supervisory experience in papermaking

Job description

International Paper Company in Bogalusa, LA, is seeking a Superintendent of Finished Products to lead two paper machines and the outbound shipping team. This hands-on manufacturing leader will drive safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement across salaried and hourly staff.

The role requires strong knowledge of papermaking operations, Lean/Six Sigma experience, effective cross-functional communication, and financial acumen to support budgeting and cost control.