Paper Mill Assistant Machine Superintendent

Smurfit Westrock; Roanoke Rapids (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock seeks a Paper Mill Assistant Machine Superintendent in Roanoke Rapids, NC. You will drive safety, quality, and efficiency on a Kraft and Linerboard machine, reporting to the Paper & Logistics Manager. Strong leadership and papermaking know-how are essential for succession planning within the mill.

You will lead production teams, coordinate with maintenance, and develop cost-reducing initiatives while maintaining compliance with customer specs and SOPs.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of safe operating practices and safety systems.
• Proven leadership and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Excellent oral and written communication abilities.
• Strong troubleshooting and technical problem solving.
• Excellent planning, organizational, time management and prioritization.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.
• RCFA skills to identify root causes and corrective actions.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to machine personnel for safe operations.
• Lead safety systems and processes to meet annual goals.
• Maintain an environment of integrity, respect, accountability and excellence.
• Empower teammates to improve department performance.
• Identify training needs and develop machine personnel.
• Ensure quality systems meet customer specifications.
• Plan and control production performance.
• Monitor adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Coordinate with maintenance and technical departments.
• Develop methods to track and reduce costs.
• Develop and execute plans to increase machine efficiency.

Skills

Safety leadership

Leadership

Communication

Troubleshooting

Planning & organization

Discretion & judgment

Root cause analysis (RCFA)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering preferred

Job description

Paper Mill Assistant Machine Superintendent

Locations

Employment Type

Full Time

Date Posted

27-Jul-2026

Relocation Support

Yes

Description & Requirements

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY:

The Paper Machine Assistant Superintendent engages production operations on one of two paper machines at the Roanoke Rapids, NC paper mill facility. This position is responsible for creating a strong safety culture and work environment, continuously improving the quality, productivity, efficiency and cost of operation on a Kraft and Linerboard Machine. The Machine Superintendent must be a proven leader, with a strong knowledge of the paper making process, paper machines, supporting equipment and paper making skills.

The position reports to the Paper & Logistics Manager, with opportunity to become a key part of succession planning for the Mill.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT SMURFIT WESTROCK:

• Providing leadership to machine personnel to ensure overall safe operations
• Lead safety systems and processes that support achieving annual goals
• Maintain an environment of integrity, respect, accountability and excellence
• Empower and engage teammates to improve department performance
• Identify developmental needs and facilitate training of machine personnel
• Ensure quality systems are in place and comply with customer specifications
• Plan and control production performance
• Monitor compliance with standard operating procedures
• Coordinate efforts with maintenance and technical departments
• Develop and maintain methods for tracking and reducing operational costs
• Develop and execute strategic plans to increase overall machine efficiency

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED:

• Strong knowledge of safe operating practices, including Behavioral Based Safety
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills essential
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent troubleshooting skills (technical and other)
• Excellent planning, organizational, time management and prioritization skills
• Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and independent judgement to identify opportunities and deliver results
• Strong RCFA skills to identify root cause, corrective actions, and execute same
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering preferred (Paper Science, Chemical, or Mechanical). Candidates with commensurate practical papermaking skills and leadership experience will be evaluated
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience and leadership responsibilities within the paperboard industry, preferably in union environment

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Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.