Sr. Mgr, Mfg Ops

Smurfit Kappa

• $159K — $265K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Pulp and Paper Science or equivalent experience
  • 15+ years of paper mill operating and supervisory experience
  • Strong commitment to safety and environmental leadership
  • Ability to foster positive labor relations in a union setting
  • Demonstrated capacity to lead and facilitate change
  • Proficiency in team building and employee development
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills at all organizational levels
  • Strong analytical and decision-making abilities
  • Exceptional organizational skills with a focus on details and prioritization
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and enterprise management software.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement policies for safety and operational improvements
  • Lead educational initiatives on safety guidelines for the department
  • Coordinate with leaders to ensure quality production across shifts
  • Partner with operations leaders to troubleshoot and solve complex issues
  • Guide area superintendents in capital project investments
  • Coordinate production activities with sales and technical teams to evaluate new paper grades
  • Lead cross-functional initiatives for continuous improvement in key business areas
  • Plan for maintenance activities and manage the maintenance budget effectively
  • Serve on the Mill Management Leadership Team and act as a key leader in strategy meetings.

Benefits

  • Group health insurance options including health, dental, and vision
  • Paid time off and employee assistance program
  • Matching 401K plan
  • Comprehensive training and development opportunities
  • Corporate culture emphasizing integrity, respect, and accountability.
Full Job Description
General Information

Job ID
ATR67578

Posting Job Title
Paper Mill Manager

Locations
WA Longview Mill

Employment Type
Full Time

Date Posted
29-Sep-2026

Relocation Support
Yes

Description & Requirements

The opportunity:

The Paper Mill Manager is responsible for the management of all paper mill operations including but not limited to shift production, safety, quality, maintenance, coordination and environmental compliance for all paper mill production areas (including OCC and Logistics). This also includes coordination of activities with kraft paper and containerboard production in our fully integrated paper mill ensuring alignment across the paper mill to support strategic goals. The Paper Mill Manager has responsibility for 5 paper machines with over 3,000 tons of daily paper production and the warehousing, finishing and shipping of all products.

How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:

  • Develop and implement policies and procedures that support continuous safety and operating improvement.
  • Lead and ensure the department is educated on all safety guidelines and measures.
  • Coordinate activities with other team leaders and paper mill support to ensure the manufacture of desired paper in both quality and quantity necessary to fill all paper machines for all shifts. This includes maximizing machine up time and reliability.
  • Partner with optimization, pulp and paper operations leaders to troubleshoot and solve complex operating issues and provide long-term, cost-effective solutions while maintaining quality and appropriate use of energy.
  • Provide guidance, approval and support to area superintendents in determining where and what needs to be invested for capital project spend.
  • Coordinate with sales, marketing and technical support on production of new paper grades to determine feasibility of success.
  • Lead cross-functional teams to develop and implement processes for continuous improvement of cost, quality, energy use and other key initiatives to support the business strategy.
  • Develop plans and work with cross-functional teams to meet demands of shutdown processes and ensure work is completed safely and efficiently while maintaining production and environmental goals.
  • Oversee department maintenance planning activities. This includes developing and reviewing the department maintenance budget, operating costs and productivity levels and approving expenditure to ensure costs are managed within guidelines and objectives.
  • Participates as a member of the Mill Management Leadership Team (MMLT) and as a key leader on the Core Leadership Team.


What you need:

  • Bachelor's Degree in related field (Engineering or Pulp and Paper Science) or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 15+ years paper mill operating/supervision experience
  • Commitment to safety and environment with the ability to lead by example and effectively communicate Smurfit Westrock's commitment to a culture of safety
  • Ability to foster positive labor relations in a union organization
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and facilitate change
  • Strong commitment to teambuilding and a lead by example management style with the ability to motivate and coach for results
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting and decision-making skills
  • Strong organizational skills: ability to use discretion, prioritize, maintain attention to detail and recognize time constraints
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and enterprise management programs


Leadership and Management Responsibilities

  • Supervise subordinate employees. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; performance management; mentoring; disciplinary action; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
  • Position has dotted line reporting responsibilities which include assignment of work and compliance with policies and applicable laws but does not include oversight of individual performance or issues.
  • Direct and supervise the work of contract employees.
  • Coordinate projects and provide leadership and assistance to cross-functional project teams. Teams may be made up of internal employees, consultants or temporary staff across several business units.
  • Manage and maintain operations within allocated budget (staffing and departmental expenses).


Compensation Offered
  • Salary Range: $159,000 - $265,000 Salary based on experience of candidate. Short-Term Incentive Plan bonus available.


Benefits Offered

Smurfit Westrock offers a variety of benefits and group health insurance options, the premium costs of which are currently shared by employees and Smurfit Westrock (e.g., health, dental, vision, disability, flexible spending account, HSA, life insurance, paid time off, employee assistance program, matching 401K).

What we offer:

  • Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
  • Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
  • An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.
  • A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.


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