Operations Manager

We are seeking an experienced and results-oriented Manufacturing Operations Manager to join our Mill Leadership Team in Westbrook, Maine. This role is responsible for leading the safe, efficient, and cost-effective manufacture of release paper products while driving operational excellence, employee engagement, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.

The Manufacturing Operations Manager provides leadership for the Coating, Converting, Finishing, Material Handling, and Shipping functions and is accountable for achieving production goals, optimizing asset performance, developing employees, managing costs, and fostering a strong safety culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and promote a culture of safety, ensuring compliance with all safety programs, policies, and procedures.
• Drive employee engagement through effective communication and collaboration with union leadership and employees at all levels.
• Develop and execute production plans to meet customer requirements while maximizing efficiency, quality, and reliability.
• Coordinate manufacturing activities with Customer Service, Maintenance, Engineering, and Procurement to achieve business objectives.
• Lead, coach, and develop salaried and hourly employees, including performance management, training, and workforce development.
• Support labor relations activities, including grievance resolution and participation in labor negotiations.
• Manage operating budgets, monitor expenditures, analyze variances, and identify opportunities to improve financial performance.
• Partner with site leadership to develop and execute long-term operational strategies and capital improvement plans.
• Drive continuous improvement through Lean Manufacturing and Lean Six Sigma principles, enhancing safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelors degree in Engineering.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Prior leadership experience in a unionized manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting and cost management.
• Proven experience in labor relations, employee development, communication, and strategic planning.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

• Lean Six Sigma certification or advanced Lean Six Sigma experience.
• Experience with paper manufacturing, coating operations, or related process industries.
• Familiarity with release paper products and manufacturing processes.