Paper Mill Manager

Smurfit Westrock; Roanoke Rapids (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a seasoned Paper Mill Manager to lead the Paper and Shipping Departments, focusing on safety, quality, and customer satisfaction. You will optimize production schedules, manage budgets, and drive continuous improvement across the mill.

The role requires leadership, strong communication, and a proven track record in controlled cost reduction and labor relations. This on-site position offers growth within a values-driven organization.

Qualifications

• B.S. Degree with 5+ years of paper mill experience, including 2+ years at Paper Machine Superintendent or higher.
• Strong communication and leadership across all levels.
• Commitment to safety, quality, environment, production, and cost.
• Proven ability to define objectives and involve others.
• Experience with continuous improvement and lean practices.
• Familiarity with Plant Information Systems and process control software.
• Ability to lead teams and manage labor relations.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Paper and Shipping Departments, including safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Oversee production planning, maintenance, and cost control.
• Develop budgets, monitor financial results, and support capital projects.
• Lead people development and foster positive employee relations.
• Collaborate with leadership to implement strategic improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Continuous improvement

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Tools

PI - Process Book

PARCview

Proficy

DCS

Job description

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

Responsible for managing the Paper and Shipping Departments that include two Paper Machines. Responsible for all activities in the departments including safety, environmental, quality & customer satisfaction, cost, production, maintenance planning, financial budgets & results, capital project support, people development, and employee & labor relations.

How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock

• Safety – Lead safety systems and processes that support achieving our continually improving annual goals. Assure a safe, engaged and highly motivated workforce by providing role modeling and leadership in safety and environmental efforts, communicating safety consistently, accountability while providing fair and equal treatment.
• Environmental – Lead department environmental management systems to ensure compliance and environmental stewardship
• Quality/Customer Satisfaction – focus on the “no fail basics” of quality and service coupled with innovation to provide winning solutions to our customers
• Cost – Develop and maintain methods for tracking and reducing chemical and operational costs.
• Production – Optimize paper machine schedules to maximize the mill’s production while continually increasing Paper Machine uptime % and productivity while reducing off quality.
• Financial Budget/Results – Work closely with Mill Controller and Leadership team to develop budgets and analyze financial results to look for opportunities for improving mill profitability
• Capital Execution – Provide input to capital projects from inception through completion.
• Strategic Planning - Initiate and facilitate improvement projects within the department focusing on strategic initiatives to reduce cost, increase productivity and/or improve quality
• People Development - Invest in our People to help them develop and operate at their full potential
• Employee/Labor Relations – Build positive relations based on the WestRock culture of trust, respect and empowering employees to always do the right thing.

What You Need To Succeed

• B.S. Degree with 5 plus years of Paper Mill experience or equivalent combination of education and experience with at least 2 years at the Paper Machine Superintendent or above level
• General understanding of mill-wide operations and interdependency.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Must be able to clearly define objectives and be effective in involving others in the
• achievement of those objectives.
• Must be dedicated to continuous improvement with special emphasis on safety, quality, environment, production, and cost.
• Must be a strong leader with demonstrated skills in interpersonal skills, customer service, communication and high sense of urgency and attention to detail
• Must work well in Teams, both as a Team Leader and Team Member
• Competent in Microsoft Office - Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word. Project
• Plant Information System – PI - Process Book, PARCview, Proficy experience is preferred
• Knowledge of DCS (Distributed Control System)
• Ability to learn proprietary software programs
• Understanding of Box Plant Corrugator operation
• Customer visits and/or interaction experience
• Lean, Six Sigma certifications

Keywords: paper mill manager, production manager, paper machine superintendent, business unit manager, paper operations leader, manufacturing excellence manager, operations manager, business manager, machine room manager, pm superintendent, Paper Machine Supt, Paper Machine Superintendent, finished products manager, paper machine manager, paper machine, kraft paper, linerboard, containerboard, paperboard, paper, boxboard, liner, containerboard, corrugated medium, sbb, sbs, kraft board, bleached board, coated paper, cartonboard

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.