Business Unit Leader — Paper Mill Operations
Overview
A consumer products manufacturer is seeking a hands-on Business Unit Leader to own end-to-end production operations for a paper mill business unit running across multiple shifts. This role leads :100+ employees with 7-10 direct reports and is accountable for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale while driving continuous improvement.
What You'll Do
- Lead daily operations for the business unit across multiple shifts; set priorities and allocate resources to meet plan
- Manage, coach, and develop a team of supervisors/engineers/technicians; build bench strength and a high-performance culture
- Own KPI performance (OEE, yield, waste, uptime, throughput, safety, quality); diagnose gaps and execute recovery plans
- Champion Lean/Six Sigma and project management to deliver sustained CI across the paper machine and supporting processes
- Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards; model and enforce a zero-injury culture
- Partner with maintenance, quality, supply chain, and technical teams to optimize runnability and product performance
- Plan and execute capital and productivity projects; manage budgets and timelines
- Standardize best practices, visual management, and tiered daily management routines
Requirements
Must-Have Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree (Engineering, Paper Science, or related field)
- Paper industry background from a paper mill with direct paper machine operating/leadership experience
- Backgrounds limited to corrugated, lumber, or general packaging are not eligible for this role
- Proven production leadership managing 100+ employees and 7-10 direct reports across multiple shifts
- Demonstrated success in continuous improvement with Lean and/or Six Sigma and formal project management experience
- Track record of driving change and improving key metrics (safety, quality, cost, delivery, OEE)
Preferred Qualities
- Strong floor presence; decisive, data-driven, and calm under pressure
- Excellent coaching, mentoring, and talent-development skills
- Effective cross-functional collaborator with clear, direct communication
Benefits
Location/Shift: Multi-shift manufacturing environment (on-site leadership required).
Compensation/Benefits: Competitive base, bonus, and benefits commensurate with experience.
