Job Description
Technical & Operational Excellence Lead – Containerboard. As a customer‑facing strategic and highly technical role, you will drive performance, quality and innovation across Billerud North America’s containerboard product line. You will serve as the subject‑matter expert in corrugated packaging, working closely with box plants, internal stakeholders and customers to ensure optimal product performance and support business growth.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Paper Science, Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
- Minimum 15+ years of experience in the containerboard or corrugated packaging industry with a strong background in technical service, operations or quality.
- Proven record of leading technical initiatives and delivering measurable improvements in product performance and customer satisfaction.
- Strong understanding of box plant operations and end‑use requirements.
- Willingness to travel to customer sites and manufacturing locations as needed.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the SME for corrugated packaging, providing deep technical knowledge and strategic guidance to internal teams and customers.
- Lead operational excellence initiatives at customer box plants to improve product performance, quality and efficiency.
- Coordinate and oversee product trials, ensuring alignment with business development goals and customer expectations.
- Act as the primary technical liaison between box plants, sales and Billerud’s manufacturing, product development and marketing teams.
- Analyze performance data and customer feedback to identify trends, troubleshoot issues and recommend improvements.
- Support the commercial sales team with technical insights that enhance customer relationships and drive business growth.
- Support the commercial sales team with technical support on joint sales calls to existing and prospective customers.
- Monitor competitive activity and industry trends to inform product positioning and innovation strategies.
- Deliver training and technical education to customers and internal teams on corrugated manufacturing, converting and performance attributes.
- Develop and implement technical standards and best practices for containerboard use across customer operations.
- Collaborate with product development teams to influence future containerboard innovations based on field insights and customer needs.
- Champion best practices in box plant corrugating, converting and operations support processes.
- Promote continuous improvement through data‑driven analysis and cross‑functional collaboration.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing across mills and customer sites to elevate technical capabilities and product consistency.
- Support sustainability and regulatory compliance initiatives through technical leadership.
Required Skills
- Experience in Lean, Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Established relationships within the corrugated packaging industry.
- Experience as a technical trainer or operational coach.
- Excellent communication, leadership and problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to effectively interact with all levels of the customer, from floor operators to general managers.
Benefits
- Impactful Work – Contribute to meaningful sustainability initiatives.
- Career Growth – Access to development programs and internal advancement opportunities.
- Education Support – Tuition reimbursement and certificate programs through partner schools.
- Competitive Compensation – Performance‑based bonus eligibility (role dependent).
- Comprehensive Benefits:
- Multiple medical plans with virtual care options
- Generous 401(k) offerings
- HSA contribution match and additional preventive exam contribution
- Dental and vision coverage
- Company‑paid disability insurance
- Prescription benefits
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Billerud NA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.