Paper Machine Superintendent

Cascades; Ashland (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit sharing

Employee share purchase plan

Relocation assistance

Full benefits package

Annual allowance

Wellness program

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Cascades in Ashland, VA is seeking a Paper Machine Superintendent to lead daily operations of our paper machine, guiding 60+ hourly employees and frontline supervisors toward safety, quality, delivery, and efficiency.

You will coach teams, drive continuous improvement, and collaborate with the Production Manager to shape plant performance. Relocation support is available for qualified candidates, with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, industrial, chemical engineering, or related field.
• 5-8+ years of progressive experience in paper manufacturing or similar heavy industry.
• Strong technical understanding of paper machine operations.
• Proven success leading production teams and developing employees.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop frontline supervisors (60+) to drive excellence.
• Lead daily paper machine operations to achieve SQDEP targets.
• Drive daily management systems, shift handovers, and reviews.
• Use metrics to identify improvements and deliver sustainable results.
• Monitor performance, identify losses, and drive continuous improvement.
• Coach supervisors to build high-performing teams and safety culture.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Team development

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s in Engineering (Mech/Industrial/Chemical)

Job description

Welcome to Cascades! Bring your expertise to a people-first, dynamic environment where your ideas come to life and excellence shapes everything we do.

Welcome to Cascades! Bring your expertise to a people-first, dynamic environment where your ideas come to life and excellence shapes everything we do. Join DAVID LAVOIE's team as a Paper Machine Superintendent in Ashland and help build a more sustainable future. As our Paper Machine Superintendent, you'll lead a key area of operations in one of our largest manufacturing facilities, Cascades Bear Island, where your decisions and leadership will have a direct impact on safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement. Working closely with teams across the facility and organization, you'll have the opportunity to influence mill-wide performance, develop high-performing teams, and drive meaningful results. Reporting to the Production Manager, join David Lavoie’s team as a Paper Machine Superintendent in Ashland, VA and help build a more sustainable future.

What’s In It For You

• A competitive annual base salary from $110,000 to $140,000 with flexibility depending on your experience & expertise
• Profit sharing and an employee share purchase plan
• Relocation support available for qualified candidates ready to take the next step in their leadership career.
• A full range of benefits: group insurance, telemedicine, and an employer-supported retirement plan
• An annual allowance to spend on goods and services of your choice
• A yearly wellness program and employee assistance program
• A collaborative, respectful, and people-centered workplace

Your Role

As a Paper Machine Superintendent, you’ll take on real challenges that bring out your full potential.

Your Scope Includes

• Lead, coach, and develop frontline supervisors (4) and hourly employees (60+) to build capability, accountability and drive operational excellence across the production team.
• Leading daily paper machine operations to achieve SQDEP performance targets (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Efficiency, People).
• Drive execution of daily management systems, including structured shift handovers and production reviews.
• Using operational metrics and production data to identify improvement opportunities and deliver sustainable results
• Monitor performance, identify losses, and implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Expanding your leadership impact by coaching supervisors and developing high-performing production teams
• Championing a strong safety culture through visible leadership, audits, risk reduction initiatives, and incident investigations
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, quality, and employee engagement

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Industrial, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• 5-8+ years of progressive experience in paper manufacturing or similar heavy manufacturing industry
• Strong technical understanding of paper machine operations
• Proven success leading production teams and developing employees in a manufacturing setting
• Demonstrated ability to drive results through problem-solving, employee engagement, and continuous improvement
• Exposure to reliability programs, lean manufacturing practices, or manufacturing excellence systems
• Strong communication, coaching, and leadership skills with a passion for developing people

If you bring the same care to who you are as to what you do, we’d love to meet you!

Cascades values diversity and inclusion and considers all applications equitably.