First Line Leader - Power/ Chemical

International Paper; Prattville (AL); On-site; USD 83,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

International Paper is seeking a First Line Leader for the Power/Chemical unit in Prattville, AL. The role oversees 10-15 hourly staff across rotating shifts, ensuring safe, efficient operation of two Recovery Boilers, two Power Boilers, steam turbines, and related systems.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in manufacturing with Power/Utility/Chemical focus, plus a preferred degree in Chemical, Paper, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of manufacturing experience with Power/Utility/Chemical operations.
• Engineering degree preferred; non‑degreed candidates must meet IP's First Line Leader requirements.
• Strong ownership, urgency, leadership, and teamwork are essential.
• Ability to engage hourly personnel and build trust across crews.

Responsibilities

• Supervise 10-15 hourly employees on rotating shifts.
• Oversee operation of recovery and power boilers, steam turbines, and ancillary systems.
• Handle safety, attendance, productivity, quality, and scheduling tasks.
• Collaborate with Area Process Managers for safe, cost‑effective operations.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Safety orientation

Ownership and urgency

Education

Engineering degree (Chemical, Paper, Mechanical, or Electrical) preferred

Non-degreed candidates may meet IP requirements

Job description

Job Description

Position Title: First Line Leader - Power/Chemical

Pay Rate: $82,500 - $110,000

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

Category/Shift: Salaried Full-Time

Rotating Shift

Physical Location: 100 Jensen Road, Prattville, AL

The Prattville Mill is a complex, fully integrated pulp and paper manufacturing facility with two machines.

The mill includes multiple process lines of wood handling, pulping, power and recovery, and effluent treatment. The position works within the Power and Chemical business unit.

The Job You Will Perform

• The First Line Leader provides the first level of supervision to 10-15 hourly employees working rotating shifts in the Power/Chemical business unit.
• The First Line Leader is primarily responsible for the day-to-day operation of the two Recovery Boilers, two Power Boilers (bark/gas/coal), two steam turbine generators, demineralizers, caustic plant, three sets of evaporators, tall oil plant, stripper island, raw water, potable water, fire water, effluent treatment and other miscellaneous equipment.
• Other responsibilities include performance management, one to ones, attendance management, safety, productivity, product quality, cost, employee engagement, training, and assisting with personnel scheduling.
• The successful candidate will work with Power/Chemical Area Process Managers to ensure a safe, efficient operation that is environmentally conscious and cost effective.

Position Requirements

• Adhere to and enforce all safety policies and procedures.
• Report all safety incidents and lead incident analyses.
• Complete 5S audits and set standards for the crews.
• Manage lockout/tagout for daily and emergency work.
• Set appropriate goals and expectations around production and quality, including inventory management and chemical ordering.
• Hold crew members accountable for off quality production.
• Direct hourly personnel, across four shifts, to achieve departmental goals and objectives.
• Conduct semi-annual one-to-ones with every crew member.
• Ensure communication and coordination across the different areas and business units.

The Skills You Will Bring

• Candidates must have at least 3 years of manufacturing experience, with a heavy concentration in Power/Utility/Chemical operations.
• A degree in Chemical, Paper, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering is preferred. Non-degreed candidates must meet International Paper's First Line Leader requirements.
• This position requires a strong sense of ownership and urgency, clearly visible leadership skills, and extensive operational knowledge and understanding.
• Candidates must also be able to use strong interpersonal skills to engage hourly personnel and build trust, respect, and teamwork with both hourly and salaried personnel.

About Us

International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short-term and Long-term Disability, 401(k), Company-funded retirement contributions, Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), Student Loan Repayment Assistance, and 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].