Production Manager

Pratt Industries, Inc.; Valparaiso (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lucrative incentive plan

Paid holidays & vacation

401K with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Pratt Industries, Inc. seeks a Production Manager to lead safety, quality and productivity across the facility. You will drive root-cause analysis, optimize processes, and guide staff development while controlling costs and supporting capital projects.

The role demands extensive experience in paper mills, with a track record of implementing efficiency improvements and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Qualifications

• Four year Bachelor of Science in Pulp and Paper Science.
• Bachelor of Science in Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Five or more years of manufacturing experience in paper mills.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety, quality, waste, productivity, and staff development.
• Analyze data to identify root causes of efficiency deficits and drive improvements.
• Oversee plant operations to maintain high industry standards and profitability.
• Coordinate capital planning and budget development; control operating costs.
• Interface with non-exempt staff to transfer knowledge and skills.

Skills

Safety leadership

Production optimization

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Team development

Capital planning

Cross-department leadership

Problem solving

Process improvement

Education

B.S. in Pulp and Paper Science

B.S. in Chemical/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The Production Manager provides leadership and guidance with the ability to influence positive change throughout all departments within the facility. This position will lead safety, quality, waste, productivity, R&M, shipping/warehousing and staff development. The Production Manager must be able to manage different levels of experience and provide recommendations for improvement. Additionally, must be able to analyze data to determine root causes of efficiency deficits and drive improvements to achieve the best possible outcome for Pratt Paper (IN), LLC.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain top level safety and housekeeping in the plant.
• Process & production optimization
• Energy use reduction projects
• Monthly and annual shut preparations
• Efficiently reducing downtime/ Efficiently increasing machine uptime
• Increasing daily tonnage produced
• Mill operational cost control/ Specialty chemical cost controls
• Make recommendations and assist in capital planning and budget development adherence and analysis
• Interfacing with non-exempt team members to transfer knowledge, skills, & expertise
• Oversee the operation of entire production facility as well as maintain quality, efficiencies and production levels to high industry standards to facilitate making profits.
• Evaluate new trends (production methods and machinery, personnel development, safety programs, etc.) within the manufacturing industry.

Education and/or Experience:

Four (4) year Bachelor of Science in Pulp and Paper Science,

Bachelor of Science in Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, related field or real world experience equivalent to the above-mentioned educational background.

Five (5) or more years of manufacturing experience in paper mills required.

Candidates are PREFERRED who offer the following:

• Experience working on multiple paper machines
• Experience working with multiple stock preparation systems
• Experience working in a pulp mill
• Experience working in old paper mills (pre-1990’s equipment)
• Experience working in new paper mills (2000- present equipment)
• Experience with multiple paper machine start-ups
• Experience with project/machine design for start-ups and upgrades
• Experience with high mixed waste recycle

Language Skills:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures, manuals, regulations, and codes. Ability to write business reports and correspondence. Ability to communicate effectively with management, customers, employees, and external regulatory officials.

Mathematical Skills:

Ability to understand and use simple conversions and algebraic formulas, calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, volume and net present volume. Able to apply concepts of algebra and geometry along with basic math (adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing).

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical and chemical systems. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Technical Skills:

Technically proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Proficiency in gathering information to perform root cause analysis and problem solving

Advanced knowledge and experience in paper making, process engineering and plant operations.

• To also include: Raw Materials, Stock Preparation equipment and water systems, Approach Flow and water systems, Vacuum Systems, Fourdrinier table management, pressing equipment including size press

Physical Demands:

Employee is regularly required to walk, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, hot and cold temperatures, moving mechanical parts, and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. This position requires availability via phone or in person, where applicable, for all mill safety or production incidents.

Leadership Attributes:

The individual must possess the following:

• Superior time management skills including the ability to manage multiple issues concurrently.
• Excellent employee relations skills including being an active listener.
• Excellent crisis manager who demonstrates that he/she has a high emotional control.
• Demonstrated confidence including providing a consistent leadership style with an acceptable level of professional assertiveness.
• Professional appearance to support his/her role as a managerial representative of the company. Ability to influence others.
• Excellent decision-making and organizational skills.

Why Join Our Team?

We value our employees and offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support your well-being and career growth.

• Lucrative Incentive Plan: Earn up to 100% of one month's base salary every quarter through our mill incentive program!
• Paid Holidays & Vacation
• Company Provided Uniforms
• Annual Safety Allowances for Boots ($300) & Glasses ($250)
• Excellent Benefits Package:
  • Earn up to $1200 for you HSA annually
  • Reimbursement of $500 per year towards gym memberships or other qualifying expenses
• Medical (HSA Plan), Dental, and Vision Plans
• 401K Plan with Company Match
• 100% Tuition Reimbursement to fuel your continued education
• Healthy Lifestyle Programs
• Child Bearing/Parental Leave
• Supplemental Life, Spouse, and Child Life Insurance plans
• Short Term & Long Term Disability Plans
• Legal and Travel Assistance Plans
• EAP/Home Auto Insurance Plans
• Wireless/Auto/Discount Plans
• Career Growth: We are committed to your professional development with practical application training that may include travel to other Pratt Paper Mills and ongoing educational certificate programs.