Manufacturing Operations Leader: Lean, Safety & Efficiency

Sappi; Westbrook (ME); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Sappi North America, Westbrook Mill in Maine, seeks an experienced Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead safe, efficient production of release papers and drive continuous improvement across the operation. You will champion a strong safety culture, align with union leadership, and optimize performance to meet customers' needs.

The role covers Coating, Converting, Finishing, Material Handling, and Shipping, partnering with site leadership to sustain cost control, asset performance, and quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required.
• Minimum 10 years of manufacturing experience.
• Leadership in a unionized manufacturing setting is required.
• Demonstrated success with Lean and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong budgeting and cost-management skills.
• Experience with labor relations, employee development, and strategic planning.
• Strong leadership, decision-making and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety culture and ensure compliance with safety programs and procedures.
• Drive employee engagement and collaborate with union leadership and employees.
• Develop and execute production plans to meet customer requirements while maximizing efficiency, quality, and reliability.
• Coordinate manufacturing activities with Customer Service, Maintenance, Engineering, and Procurement to achieve objectives.
• Lead and develop salaried and hourly employees, including performance management and training.
• Support labor relations activities, including grievance resolution and participation in labor negotiations.
• Manage operating budgets, monitor expenditures, analyze variances, and identify cost-improvement opportunities.
• Partner with site leadership to develop and execute long-term operational strategies and capital plans.
• Drive Lean and Lean Six Sigma initiatives to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Financial acumen

Labor relations

Strategic planning

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Sappi North America, Westbrook Mill in Maine, seeks an experienced Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead safe, efficient production of release papers and drive continuous improvement across the operation. You will champion a strong safety culture, align with union leadership, and optimize performance to meet customers' needs.

The role covers Coating, Converting, Finishing, Material Handling, and Shipping, partnering with site leadership to sustain cost control, asset performance, and quality.