Paper Machine Manager

Little Rapids Corporation; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Little Rapids Corporation in Wisconsin is seeking a Paper Machine Manager responsible for the overall operation and performance of paper machine(s). The ideal candidate will lead daily operations, focusing on safety and product quality while implementing continuous improvement initiatives.

A Bachelor’s degree is required along with a minimum five years of experience in the paper industry. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for this role. Compensation details will be discussed during the hiring process.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience in the paper or related industry.
• Proven ability to engage operators to meet established KPIs.
• Good written and verbal communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety of team members with focused hazard recognition.
• Lead daily operations of the paper machines to maximize production.
• Identify and implement cost reduction and resource conservation initiatives.
• Develop, train, and coach hourly employees.
• Oversee daily product quality support and customer complaint resolution.
• Troubleshoot issues using structured problem-solving methods.

Skills

Safety leadership

Operational excellence

Team development

Customer focus

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Paper science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Lean Six Sigma

Statistical Process Control

Job description

Position Summary

The Paper Machine Manager is responsible for the overall operation and performance of assigned paper machine(s) and related process equipment. This role drives safety, product quality, and process optimization while leading product development trials and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure safety of team members with focused hazard recognition and follow-up to any reported hazards or incidents.
• Lead daily operations of the paper machines to maximize production speed, reduce waste, and ensure high availability.
• Identify and implement cost reduction and resource conservation initiatives (e.g., water usage, fiber recovery, furnish optimization).
• Develop, train, and coach hourly employees; establish standard operating procedures and supporting tools.
• Oversee daily product quality support customer complaint resolution.
• Troubleshoot issues using structured problem-solving methods and engage the team in the process.
• Support off-shift operations as needed, including on-call rotation and backup for operations leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This is not an exhaustive list of duties or functions and may not necessarily comprise all of the "essential functions" for purposes of the ADA.

Education, Certifications, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Paper science or related field required.
• Minimum five years of paper or related industry experience, with papermaking and process management skills preferred.
• Proven ability to engage operators to meet established KPI’s.
• Good written and verbal communication skills as well as teamwork skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software and willing and able to learn new systems (Lean Six Sigma, structured problem solving, Statistical Process Control, JD Edwards, etc.).
• Knowledge of PI Historian and Proficy database a plus.

Key Competencies

• Safety leadership and compliance
• Operational excellence and production management
• Leadership, coaching, and team development
• Customer focus
• Continuous improvement (Lean/TPM, problem solving)
• Data-driven decision making
• Cost and resource management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Strong communication and influence skills
• Technical and systems aptitude
• Accountability and adaptability in a manufacturing environment

Physical Requirements

The ability to work in a normal manufacturing environment to include sitting, standing, or walking for long periods of time; climbing stairs; operating various standard office equipment; carrying paper documents/files; reaching; bending; crawling; speaking on the telephone; wearing required personal protection gear (i.e. hearing, eye and foot protection); tolerating loud noise (maximum of 95 dB); tolerating extreme heat, cold and dusty environment.

EOE including disability/veteran