Paper Mill Manager

Smurfit-Westrock; Longview (WA); On-site; USD 159,000 - 265,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K match

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Paper Mill Manager to lead all paper mill operations, including shift production, safety, quality, maintenance and environmental compliance. The role oversees 5 paper machines and a large daily production, coordinating with kraft paper and containerboard production to meet strategic goals.

You will drive safety programs, guide capital investments, and lead cross-functional teams to improve cost, quality, and energy use while maintaining operations across multiple

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field; equivalent education/experience
• 15+ years of paper mill operating/supervision experience
• Strong safety culture and leadership demonstrated
• Ability to foster positive labor relations in a union environment
• Proven change leader with strong coaching abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication across all organizational levels
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting and decision-making skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and enterprise management programs

Responsibilities

• Oversee paper mill operations across multiple machines and shifts
• Lead safety programs and continuous operating improvements
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and production goals
• Guide capital investment decisions with site leadership
• Collaborate with sales, marketing and technical support on new grades feasibility
• Drive cost, quality, energy, and other KPI improvements
• Manage maintenance budgets and department expenditure
• Participate in Mill Management Leadership Team and Core Leadership Team
• Direct and supervise contract staff and project teams

Skills

Safety leadership

People management

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Budget management

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Pulp and Paper Science

Tools

ERP systems

Enterprise management programs

Job description

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.

The opportunity:

The Paper Mill Manager is responsible for the management of all paper mill operations including but not limited to shift production, safety, quality, maintenance, coordination and environmental compliance for all paper mill production areas (including OCC and Logistics). This also includes coordination of activities with kraft paper and containerboard production in our fully integrated paper mill ensuring alignment across the paper mill to support strategic goals. The Paper Mill Manager has responsibility for 5 paper machines with over 3,000 tons of daily paper production and the warehousing, finishing and shipping of all products. How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

• Develop and implement policies and procedures that support continuous safety and operating improvement.
• Lead and ensure the department is educated on all safety guidelines and measures.
• Coordinate activities with other team leaders and paper mill support to ensure the manufacture of desired paper in both quality and quantity necessary to fill all paper machines for all shifts. This includes maximizing machine up time and reliability.
• Partner with optimization, pulp and paper operations leaders to troubleshoot and solve complex operating issues and provide long-term, cost-effective solutions while maintaining quality and appropriate use of energy.
• Provide guidance, approval and support to area superintendents in determining where and what needs to be invested for capital project spend.
• Coordinate with sales, marketing and technical support on production of new paper grades to determine feasibility of success.
• Lead cross-functional teams to develop and implement processes for continuous improvement of cost, quality, energy use and other key initiatives to support the business strategy.
• Develop plans and work with cross-functional teams to meet demands of shutdown processes and ensure work is completed safely and efficiently while maintaining production and environmental goals.
• Oversee department maintenance planning activities. This includes developing and reviewing the department maintenance budget, operating costs and productivity levels and approving expenditure to ensure costs are managed within guidelines and objectives.
• Participates as a member of the Mill Management Leadership Team (MMLT) and as a key leader on the Core Leadership Team.

What you need:

• Bachelor's Degree in related field (Engineering or Pulp and Paper Science) or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 15+ years paper mill operating/supervision experience
• Commitment to safety and environment with the ability to lead by example and effectively communicate Smurfit Westrock's commitment to a culture of safety
• Ability to foster positive labor relations in a union organization
• Demonstrated ability to lead and facilitate change
• Strong commitment to teambuilding and a lead by example management style with the ability to motivate and coach for results
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting and decision-making skills
• Strong organizational skills: ability to use discretion, prioritize, maintain attention to detail and recognize time constraints
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and enterprise management programs

Leadership and Management Responsibilities

• Supervise subordinate employees. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; performance management; mentoring; disciplinary action; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Position has dotted line reporting responsibilities which include assignment of work and compliance with policies and applicable laws but does not include oversight of individual performance or issues.
• Direct and supervise the work of contract employees.
• Coordinate projects and provide leadership and assistance to cross-functional project teams. Teams may be made up of internal employees, consultants or temporary staff across several business units.
• Manage and maintain operations within allocated budget (staffing and departmental expenses).

Compensation Offered

• Salary Range: $159,000 - $265,000 Salary based on experience of candidate. Short-Term Incentive Plan bonus available.

Benefits Offered

Smurfit Westrock offers a variety of benefits and group health insurance options, the premium costs of which are currently shared by employees and Smurfit Westrock (e.g., health, dental, vision, disability, flexible spending account, HSA, life insurance, paid time off, employee assistance program, matching 401K).

What we offer:

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
• An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

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.

The salary range for this position is $159,000.00 - $265,000.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado. The benefits for this role include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education.