First Line Leader - Finished Products

International Paper Company; Prattville (AL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Life insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Short-term Disability

Long-term Disability

401(k)

Company-funded retirement/contribution

Paid Time Off

Education & Development (Tuition Reimb

Student Loan Repayment Assistance

Voluntary Benefits

Job summary

International Paper Company is seeking a First Line Leader to supervise two linerboard paper machines, leading 15–20 hourly union employees. You will oversee safety, productivity, quality, and cost, while driving employee engagement and training on rotating shifts.

Responsibilities include enforcing safety procedures, incident investigations, housekeeping standards, and daily performance management. A strong lean manufacturing background and leadership presence are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemical, Paper, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering preferred; non-degreed candidates with relevant experience also considered.
• Must be able to work extended hours often and on short notice; strong ownership and leadership skills required.
• Experience with lean manufacturing concepts and strong interpersonal skills to build trust with hourly and salaried personnel.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to and enforce safety procedures; report incidents and lead investigations.
• Complete housekeeping audits and set cleanliness standards for the shift.
• Manage break documentation and break-prevention rounds; ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly.
• Field day preparation and execution for each paper machine; oversee lockout/tagout processes.
• Set goals to achieve OME targets and hold crews accountable for quality and production.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Safety adherence

Lean manufacturing

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Pi/PARCView

Job description

Multiple factors, including Individual experience, skills and abilities will determine where an employee is ultimately placed in the pay range.

Category/Shift:

Physical Location:

This position provides the first level of supervision to employees working rotating shifts on two linerboard paper machines. The Finished Products First Line Leader is responsible for leading approximately 15-20 hourly union employees. Responsibilities include performance management, one to ones, attendance management, safety, productivity, product quality, cost, employee engagement and training.

The Job You Will Perform:

• Adhere to and enforce all safety procedures;
• Report all safety incidents and lead incident investigations;
• Complete housekeeping audits and set cleanliness standards for the shift;
• Hold the crew accountable for documenting all breaks and completing break prevention rounds;
• Field day preparation and execution for each paper machine;
• Manage lockout/tagout for daily and emergency work;
• Set appropriate goals and expectations to achieve OME targets;
• Hold crew members accountable for quality and off standard production;
• Conduct semi-annual one to ones with team members in the Finished Products Department.

The Skills You Will Bring:

• Paper manufacturing experience and/or equivalent work experience, required.
• A degree in Chemical, Paper, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering is highly preferred. Non-degreed candidates must have applicable/relevant work experience.
• Required Qualifications: working extended hours often and with short notice, a strong sense of ownership and urgency, clearly visible leadership skills, and working knowledge of lean manufacturing concepts.
• Preferred Qualifications: Extensive technical skills in papermaking, Process Book and Pi/PARCView, mill procurement practices and manufacturing work systems.
• Candidates must also be able to use strong interpersonal skills to build trust, respect and teamwork with hourly and salaried personnel.

About Us

The Benefits You Will Enjoy:

• Medical
• Dental
• Life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-term Disability
• Long-term Disability
• 401(k)
• Company-funded retirement contributions
• Paid Time Off
• Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement)
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance
• Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets

The Career You Will Build:

• Leadership training
• promotional opportunities

The Impact You Will Make:

We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 125 years. Join our team and you’ll see why our team members say they’re Proud to be IP.

The Culture You Will Experience:

International Paper promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.

The Company You Will Join:

International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) creates sustainable packaging solutions that enable our customers, teammates and shareowners to thrive in an ever-changing world. We are a leader in corrugated packaging, partnering with customers across industries to protect what matters most, strengthen supply chains and create lasting value. Learn more at internationalpaper.com.

International Paper is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. International Paper complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail] or [phone].