Senior Paper Machine Superintendent – Finished Products

International Paper; Shreveport (LA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

International Paper in Bogalusa, LA, seeks a Superintendent – Finished Products to lead two paper machines and the outbound shipping operation. This role requires hands‑on manufacturing leadership, strong safety focus, and proven ability to drive improvements in throughput and cost.

You will coach salaried and hourly teams, align with area managers, and support capital projects while maintaining strong union relations and a path to future opportunities within IP.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or at least ten years of supervisory experience in a papermaking‑related role.
• Significant experience with paper machine operations.
• Broad understanding of mill‑wide operations and interdependencies.
• Working knowledge of the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively at all organizational levels.
• Ability to define clear objectives and involve others in achieving them.
• Skilled in organizing and facilitating improvement teams.
• Experience driving operational excellence through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement methodologies.
• Commitment to continuous improvement across safety, quality, environment, production, and cost.
• Understanding of financial aspects of paper machine operations and key cost drivers.

Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives in production efficiency, cost optimization, safety, reliability, team member engagement, and environmental performance to achieve or exceed targeted results.
• Champion a proactive safety culture by modeling safe work practices and driving superior safety performance.
• Review daily production and quality results; partner with Paper Machine and Shipping teams to identify issues and support problem‑solving.
• Ensure consistent utilization of manufacturing systems and centerlining.
• Conduct frequent field inspections and audits of equipment, processes, and procedures.
• Prioritize planned outage requirements and direct resources during outage execution.
• Manage performance and development of salaried and hourly team members through coaching.
• Collaborate with Area Process Managers and First‑Line Leaders to set quarterly goals and provide feedback.
• Ensure operator training and certification processes are maintained and utilized for employee development.
• Assist the Engineering Department with capital improvement projects and participate in design reviews.
• Maintain positive company–union relations and participate in issue resolution.
• Possibly assume Business Unit Manager responsibilities in absence.

Skills

Paper mill operations

Mill-wide operations

Quality Management System

Environmental Management System

Strong communication

Objective setting

Improvement teams

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Financial awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

International Paper in Bogalusa, LA, seeks a Superintendent – Finished Products to lead two paper machines and the outbound shipping operation. This role requires hands‑on manufacturing leadership, strong safety focus, and proven ability to drive improvements in throughput and cost.

You will coach salaried and hourly teams, align with area managers, and support capital projects while maintaining strong union relations and a path to future opportunities within IP.