Operations Manager

Sappi; Westbrook (ME); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Sappi in Westbrook, Maine seeks an experienced Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead safe, efficient production of release paper products. You will oversee Coating, Converting, Finishing, Material Handling, and Shipping, drive continuous improvement, and manage costs while sustaining strong safety and quality standards.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Engineering, 10+ years in manufacturing, and proven leadership in a unionized setting, with a track record in Lean initiatives and strategic

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required.
• Minimum of 10 years of manufacturing experience.
• Leadership role in a unionized setting.
• Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement track record.
• Strong financial management, budgeting and cost control.
• Experience with labor relations and workforce development.
• Excellent communication, leadership and strategic thinking skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety culture and ensure compliance with safety programs.
• Engage employees and union leadership through effective communication.
• Develop and execute production plans to meet customer requirements and optimize efficiency.
• Coordinate manufacturing activities with cross-functional teams.
• Coach and develop salaried and hourly employees; manage performance and training.
• Support labor relations including grievance resolution and negotiations.
• Manage budgets, monitor expenditures, analyze variances, and identify cost improvements.
• Partner with site leadership on long-term operational strategies and capital plans.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean and Lean Six Sigma principles.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Lean Six Sigma

Financial acumen

Labor relations

Employee development

Communication

Strategic planning

Decision-making

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and results-oriented Manufacturing Operations Manager to join our Mill Leadership Team in Westbrook, Maine. This role is responsible for leading the safe, efficient, and cost-effective manufacture of release paper products while driving operational excellence, employee engagement, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.

The Manufacturing Operations Manager provides leadership for the Coating, Converting, Finishing, Material Handling, and Shipping functions and is accountable for achieving production goals, optimizing asset performance, developing employees, managing costs, and fostering a strong safety culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and promote a culture of safety, ensuring compliance with all safety programs, policies, and procedures.
• Drive employee engagement through effective communication and collaboration with union leadership and employees at all levels.
• 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 business objectives.
• Lead, coach, and develop salaried and hourly employees, including performance management, training, and workforce development.
• Support labor relations activities, including grievance resolution and participation in labor negotiations.
• Manage operating budgets, monitor expenditures, analyze variances, and identify opportunities to improve financial performance.
• Partner with site leadership to develop and execute long-term operational strategies and capital improvement plans.
• Drive continuous improvement through Lean Manufacturing and Lean Six Sigma principles, enhancing safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Prior leadership experience in a unionized manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting and cost management.
• Proven experience in labor relations, employee development, communication, and strategic planning.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

• Lean Six Sigma certification or advanced Lean Six Sigma experience.
• Experience with paper manufacturing, coating operations, or related process industries.
• Familiarity with release paper products and manufacturing processes.

Salary is determined by a number of factors including the value of the job to the organization, market forces, internal equity and skills brought to the job.

Sappi provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Sappi complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.