Position Title:Superintendent - Finished ProductsWe are posting in Shreveport to attract world class Mfg talent. Top candidates must have Paper Mill, Paper Machine or previous Finished Products area leadership experience to be considered. We can step up on compensation. Visa status must be Citizen, GC, or a TN from CA/MX may be considered.
The position is based in Bogalusa LA and offers a full pack & ship relo, bonus, tuition reimbursement, full support to LSS black belt and a strategic foot in the door to IP, a Fortune 150 company. If you help us in Bogalusa, IP will promote you to your next location or back to Atlanta/remote for SME travel.
Physical Location:
401 Avenue U Bogalusa, LA 70427
The Job You Will Perform: The Superintendent of Finished Products supports the Business Unit Manager in providing leadership and direction for all activities related to the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of two paper machines and the outbound shipping department. This role is ideal for a hands-on manufacturing leader with strong knowledge of paper mill or process manufacturing operations, proven experience leading both salaried and hourly teams, and the ability to turn operational challenges into practical, sustainable improvements.
- 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, close performance gaps, and support effective problem-solving.
- Ensure consistent utilization of manufacturing systems, including Manufacturing Work Systems (MWS), Trouble/Cause/Correction (TCC), and centerlining.
- Conduct frequent field inspections and audits of equipment, processes, and procedures.
- Prioritize planned outage requirements and direct resources effectively during outage execution.
- Manage performance and development of salaried and hourly team members by setting clear expectations and conducting effective one-on-one coaching.
- Collaborate with Area Process Managers (APMs) and First-Line Leaders (FLLs) to establish quarterly goals focused on safety, environment, quality, production, and cost; provide timely performance feedback.
- Ensure operator training and certification processes are maintained and utilized for employee development, including support of FLL and APM certification programs.
- Support development of the operating financial plan, monthly variance analysis, and annual budget-including identification of maintenance and operational one-time expenses.
- Assist the Engineering Department with capital improvement projects and participate in the review of engineering designs and drawings.
- Maintain positive company-union relations in alignment with the current labor contract; participate in problem discussions and resolution.
- Assume Business Unit Manager responsibilities in his/her absence.
The Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge You Will Bring: - 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.
