Paper Machine Superintendent
WestRock
Description & Requirements
Job Summary:
The Paper Machine Superintendent has overall responsibility for the personnel, safety, environmental impact, quality, cost, and performance for the paper machine within the mill facility. This position leads and coordinates efforts and activities utilizing his/her knowledge and experience to achieve key performance metrics that support overall mill goals.
MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Business Excellence
- Lead and direct paper machine daily operations in a safe and orderly manner to achieve quality and productivity goals
- Plan and direct production activities and establish production priorities for products that meet the quality and cost requirements for sustainable manufacturing
- Coordinate production activities with production planning, maintenance, and quality control to obtain optimum production and utilization of personnel, machines, and equipment
- Manage safety and housekeeping efforts for the stock prep, paper machine, and winder areas
- Partner with Plant Safety Manager to maintain and enforce the safety program for the department, ensuring compliance with OSHA and WestRock regulations and guidelines (including but not limited to incident investigations, reporting, LOTO, audits, and employee engagement)
- Manage environmental efforts to ensure compliance with regulations and permit requirements, including but not limited to fiber loss, spills, and water usage
- Manage quality efforts to ensure product performance meets customer expectations and adherence to ISO program requirements
- Manage costs for materials and labor for the machine; lead efforts on cost savings initiatives through operational improvements
- Partner with mill maintenance groups to ensure efficient troubleshooting, planning, and execution of routine repairs for the stock prep, paper machine, and winder areas
- Oversee planning, scheduling, and execution of mill maintenance outages for stock prep, paper machine, and winder areas; coordinate and ensure lockouts are executed in support of these outages
- Provide input and oversight for annual outage planning and coordination, ensure the annual outage for area of responsibility is completed on time and within budget
- Review and analyze production reports (OME, OEE, downtime, waste, etc.) to determine opportunity areas and implement solutions for production problems and nonconformity with product specifications
- Prepare and submit reports as required by the Paper Manufacturing & Logistics Manager
- Collaborate with and assist the Paper Manufacturing & Logistics Manager in the development and implementation of operating methods and procedures designed to eliminate operating problems and improve product quality
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives; monitor all control procedures, recommending improvements to Paper Manufacturing & Logistics Manager as appropriate
- Develop improved methods for new capital investments, cost reduction and equipment refurbishment
- Revise production schedules and priorities as needed because of equipment failure, operating problems, or last-minute customer demands
- Lead and participate in special projects/teams as required
- Perform other duties as assigned
People and Culture
- Lead and manage to support the mill vision, cultural change process, and strategic approach to improve operational and human performance
- Collaborate and assist the Paper Manufacturing & Logistics Manager with development of annual budgets and standards for cost measurement
- Lead and manage employee accountability and labor relations with direct and indirect reports through coordination and consultation with Human Resources and Paper Manufacturing & Logistics Manager
- Partner with Human Resource Manager to ensure proper handling of employee relations issues in accordance with Divisional and Corporate policies and procedures
- Participate in the recruitment and selection of manufacturing personnel
- Determine training needs and administer appropriate training programs for salaried and hourly employees to function in the most reliable manner
- Collaborate and assist the Paper Manufacturing & Logistics Manager in the strategic and capital planning processes for the department
- Supervise the department production supervisors, ensuring execution of employee training and development
- Establish individual and group goals, evaluate work performance for direct reports, and review and approve performance evaluations for indirect reports
- Build an effective partnership with plant hourly employees to improve overall plant production
CRITICAL SKILLS / CAPABILITIES:
Leadership
Decision-Making
Growth & Results Oriented
Accountability
Communication
Interpersonal
Problem-Solving
Analytical
Coaching
Strategic Thinking
Organizational Skills
Conflict Resolution
WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED:
Technical Skills:
- Competent in Microsoft Office - Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word
- Plant Information System – PI - Process Book experience is preferred
- Knowledge of DCS (Distributed Control System)
- Ability to learn proprietary software programs
Experience:
- Required: 7 to10 years of pulp/paper mill experience
- Required: 5 + years of direct supervisory experience on paper machines required
- Demonstrated involvement in the implementation of safety initiatives
- Experience working with hourly represented employees
- Demonstrated ability drive positive change in safety, environmental, quality, cost, and production
- Proven project management skills
Education:
- Required: High School diploma or G.E.D.
- Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field
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