General InformationJob IDATR69093
Posting Job TitleBackend Operations Leader
LocationsFL Fernandina Beach Mill
Employment TypeFull Time
Date Posted06-Nov-2026
Relocation SupportYes
Description & RequirementsCAREER OPPORTUNITY:
This Operations Leader provides leadership and direction for the Utilities, Fiber, and Recaust areas of the Mill, which support two paper machines. This position is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe work environment, continuously improving quality, productivity, efficiency, and cost for Woodyard, Pulp, Power, Recovery, and Tall Oil operations. This leader reports to the Operations Manager.
RESPONSIBILIITIES:
- Safety - Lead safety systems and processes that support achieving our continually improving annual goals
- 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 be our customer's preferred supplier
- Cost - Develop and maintain methods for tracking and reducing operational costs
- Production - Achieve production goals by improving efficiency and effectiveness of department operations (utilizing all available tools, technology, and outside resources)
- Financial Budget/Results - Develop stretch operating budgets and deliver financial results
- Capital Execution - Provide input to capital projects from inception through completion
- People Development - Invest in our people to help them develop and operate at their maximum potential (training, feedback, goals, etc.)
KEY BEHAVIORS
- Create an environment of respect and trust for our co-workers and customers
- Empower and engage co-workers to improve our performance and lower our costs
- Satisfy our customers every time
- Do the right thing for Smurfit Westrock - always
COMPETENCIES:
- Command Skills
- Customer Focus
- Managerial Courage
- Managing/Measuring Work
- Motivating Others
- Problem Solving
- Process Management Skills
- Drive for Results
REQUIRED SKILLS:
- Prefer bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline or commensurate experience.
- Minimum of seven (7) years of area specific operational experience to include five (5) years of direct leadership experience.
- Capability to coordinate with site procurement in administration or third party contracted services and various subcontracts.
- Purchasing and Asset Management - Precision Maintenance, Maintenance Planning and Scheduling, Reliability Systems
- Thorough knowledge of budgeting and operations planning. Working knowledge of planning and scheduling processes, computerized maintenance management systems and related maintenance recordkeeping - Product Cost Accounting, CapEx Procedures & Guidelines, Working Knowledge of Financial Indicators, Budgeting & Forecasting Processes
- Safety, Health and Environmental - OSHA, State, and local laws/regulations; Safety Programs and Training
- Process Improvement and Management Tools - Lean, 6 Sigma, Statistics, Kepner-Tregoe, etc.
- Communication - Verbal & Written, Presentation/Speaking Skills
CRITICAL LEARNING EXPERIENCES
- Experience leading resolution of difficult operating situations
- Involvement in budget or operating plan development for department
- Disciplined problem solving
Keywords: Pulp Mill Manager, Business Unit Manager, pulp, power, recovery, utilities, recaust, woodyard, area manager, Fiber Manager, Fiber & Utilities Manager, Backend Operations Leader, pulp mill, operations manager
Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.
