The Production Manager will oversee all production operations for a tissue and molded-pulp paper mill in Rockingham, North Carolina. This is a mill-side leadership position responsible for the complete paper manufacturing process—not a converting operation.
Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, the Production Manager will serve as the facility’s second-highest operational leader and provide hands-on direction across day-to-day production. This individual will lead approximately five to six direct reports and play a critical role in improving safety, productivity, cost performance, equipment reliability, and overall operational results.
The ideal candidate will bring extensive paper mill production experience, strong electrical knowledge, and a demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead day-to-day production activities across the entire paper mill, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operations.
Oversee the complete mill-side manufacturing process for tissue and molded-pulp products.
Directly manage approximately five to six team members, potentially including leaders within production, process, safety, and quality.
Establish production priorities and ensure performance aligns with safety, quality, productivity, cost, and customer-service objectives.
Provide visible, hands-on leadership throughout the facility and maintain a strong presence on the production floor.
Monitor production costs and identify opportunities to reduce expenses, improve efficiency, and minimize waste.
Develop and implement cost-saving and operational-improvement initiatives.
Analyze production data, operating metrics, equipment performance, and departmental results.
Prepare and present production reports, performance updates, and recommendations to plant leadership.
Partner with maintenance and technical teams to troubleshoot operational issues and improve equipment performance.
Apply electrical knowledge to support troubleshooting, reliability, and continuous improvement across mill equipment and production systems.
Identify production constraints, determine root causes, and implement sustainable corrective actions.
Develop, mentor, and hold production leaders accountable for safety, performance, and employee development.
Promote collaboration among production, maintenance, engineering, safety, and quality functions.
Support continuous improvement initiatives that increase throughput, improve product quality, and strengthen overall mill performance.
Serve as a key member of the plant leadership team and support the Plant Manager in achieving the facility’s operational and financial objectives.
REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing, Operations, or a closely related field is required.
Paper manufacturing industry experience is required.
Must have hands-on, mill-side production experience within a paper, tissue, pulp, or molded-pulp manufacturing facility.
Candidates with only paper converting experience will not be considered.
Strong electrical experience and aptitude are required, including knowledge of industrial electrical systems and production equipment.
Minimum of five years of manufacturing leadership experience is required.
Previous responsibility for at least three direct reports is required; experience leading five or more direct reports is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience managing day-to-day production in a heavy industrial manufacturing environment.
Strong understanding of production costs, cost controls, performance metrics, and cost-reduction strategies.
Proven ability to analyze operational data and prepare and present production reports.