Technical Manager - Papermaking (USA)

What We Offer:

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance effective the 1st of the month following start date
• 401K 100% match at 5% 1st of the month following start date
• Health & Wellness reimbursements
• Employee Family Assistant Programs
• Product purchase program
• Opportunities to take part in job-related training and development
• Growth and progression opportunities within the larger J. D. Irving group of companies
• Relocation cost (if applicable)

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Eastern Canada (New-Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador), as well as in USA. We are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

Our recruitment advisors and hiring teams will utilize human screening combined with AI technology to help identify the skills and qualities that matter most to our business, while safeguarding your privacy and using AI responsibly.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field (Chemical or Pulp & Paper preferred), or equivalent experience
• 10-15 years of tissue/towel papermaking experience, including TAD technology, process optimization, and trial/experimental design
• Experience in R&D, Product Development, and/or Quality
• Strong knowledge of papermaking processes; pulp mill process knowledge is an asset
• Proficiency in experimental design, statistics, data analysis, visualization, and root cause problem solving
• Project management experience, including A3 and Gantt chart methodologies
• Strong leadership, coaching, mentoring, and communication skills across all organizational levels

Product Improvement

• Own the basesheet development initiatives that are part of the 3‑year papermaking product development roadmap for assigned categories

• Own trial design, success criteria, and recommendation

• Author trial charters and experimental plans with success criteria; execute validation runs and oversee sample/test plans

• Convert consumer and lab results into clear go/no‑go recommendations for product development reviews with Product Management/Quality/Marketing/Executive Leadership

• Define Specifications & Critical to Quality parameters

Innovation

• Execute & support Sales/Marketing product innovation initiatives

• Drive changes and develop processes to enhance products / margin

• Lead external trials and evaluations with suppliers and labs (chemistry, fabrics, papermaking, converting, analytical testing)

• Ensure NDA and data‑handling compliance with vendors

• Investigate and implement new technologies

• Influence changes, ideas, and developments

• Regularly benchmark vs. competitive/National brands to understand positioning and areas for improvement

Support

• Provide multi‑site technical support for quality and runnability

• Provide technical support to customers / quality systems

• Provide support for significant operational and quality issues directly at the sites

• Ability to analyze and interpret data to drive to root cause of technical issues

• Mentor junior engineers

• Engage and influence all levels of the company

• Lead technical seminars for our operational/process staff.

Product Improvement

• Own the basesheet development initiatives that are part of the 3‑year papermaking product development roadmap for assigned categories

• Own trial design, success criteria, and recommendation

• Author trial charters and experimental plans with success criteria; execute validation runs and oversee sample/test plans

• Convert consumer and lab results into clear go/no‑go recommendations for product development reviews with Product Management/Quality/Marketing/Executive Leadership

• Define Specifications & Critical to Quality parameters

Innovation

• Execute & support Sales/Marketing product innovation initiatives

• Drive changes and develop processes to enhance products / margin

• Lead external trials and evaluations with suppliers and labs (chemistry, fabrics, papermaking, converting, analytical testing)

• Ensure NDA and data‑handling compliance with vendors

• Investigate and implement new technologies

• Influence changes, ideas, and developments

• Regularly benchmark vs. competitive/National brands to understand positioning and areas for improvement

Support

• Provide multi‑site technical support for quality and runnability

• Provide technical support to customers / quality systems

• Provide support for significant operational and quality issues directly at the sites

• Ability to analyze and interpret data to drive to root cause of technical issues

• Mentor junior engineers

• Engage and influence all levels of the company

• Lead technical seminars for our operational/process staff.