Change Management, Chemical Engineering, Coaching, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Operations, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, Organizational Development/Management, Performance Management, Productivity Management, Quality Management, Quality Metrics, Safety/Work Safety, Systems Administration/Management, Talent Management, Team Lead/Manager, Team Player
Area Operations Manager
The Area Operations Manager plays a critical role in the success of mill operations and is a key member of the mill leadership team. Reporting to the Business Unit Leader, this role provides leadership across paper mill operations, with a strong focus on safety, productivity, and continuous improvement while developing high-performing teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead productivity and continuous improvement initiatives that deliver measurable results
- Implement and utilize systems to effectively manage performance, quality, and safety
- Provide leadership coverage for operations as needed, including filling in for machine or area managers
- Set clear expectations and hold teams accountable to safety, production, and quality standards
- Lead, coach, and develop both hourly and salaried employees
- Promote strong safety leadership and foster a culture of accountability and engagement
- Collaborate effectively with peers and cross-functional partners across the mill
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Proven ability to lead teams in a 24-hour, multi-crew manufacturing environment
- Demonstrated success driving organizational effectiveness and developing talent
- Ability to manage change and lead improvement initiatives
- Strong computer and systems aptitude
- Proven teamwork and collaboration skills within a paper mill or similar industrial setting
- Strong commitment to safety leadership and continuous improvement
Education & Experience
- Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering, Paper Science, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent technical training and experience
- 5+ years of experience in coated, wood-free paper manufacturing operations
- Extensive operational experience including:
- On-machine coating
- On-machine calendering
- Winder operations
- Experience in large, high-speed coated paper operations preferred