Paper Mill Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Job Details

Job Location: Hutchinson, MN 55350

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $120,000.00 - $155,000.00 Salary/year

Travel Percentage: Negligible

Job Shift: Day

Get to know us:

Mill Rock Packaging (MRP) is a growing U.S.-based packaging company and a market leader in designing, engineering, and producing high-end, sustainable, and customized graphic paperboard, folding carton, and commercial printing products. We serve customers across industries including food and beverage, technology, health and beauty, pharmaceuticals, and more.

What sets us apart? Our culture is built on five core behaviors that guide everything we do:

• Lead with Safety – We put people first, always.


• Build Trust – We keep our promises and act with integrity.


• Innovate and Be Resilient – We embrace challenges and create solutions that raise the bar.


• Include and Collaborate – We believe diverse perspectives make us stronger.


• Raise the Bar – We strive for excellence in every detail.

If you're looking for a place where your ideas matter, your leadership makes a visible impact, and your work directly contributes to company success, we'd love to meet you.

How you'll make an impact:

As our Plant Manager, you'll be based at our Hutchinson, Minnesota facility and will be responsible for leading the day-to-day operations and financials of the plant. This is a highly visible, hands‑on leadership role where you'll drive safety, operational performance, quality, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement while developing a culture of accountability and continuous improvement for long term success.

Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

We're looking for a leader who enjoys being on the manufacturing floor, building relationships with employees, solving problems alongside the team, and creating an environment where people and the business can thrive.

This is not a desk-only leadership role. Successful candidates will be highly visible on the production floor, willing to work side‑by‑side with the team to remove obstacles, solve challenges, and drive results.

If you're the type of leader who leads by example, takes ownership, develops people, and isn't afraid to jump in when needed, this could be the opportunity for you.

What you’ll do:

• Lead the daily operations of the Hutchinson facility, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production.


• Build strong relationships with employees at all levels and foster a culture of accountability, engagement, teamwork, and continuous improvement.


• Maintain a strong presence on the production floor, directly engaging with employees, observing operations, identifying improvement opportunities, and coaching leaders and team members in real time.


• Champion a safety‑first culture and ensure compliance with all safety, quality, environmental, and operational requirements.


• Partner with Sales, Customer Service, Supply Chain, Maintenance, Quality, and other functional teams to meet customer expectations and business objectives.


• Drive continuous improvement, monitor key operational metrics, and implement solutions that improve productivity, quality, efficiency, and service.


• Champion lean production systems and standard work across the plant.


• Manage labor, operating expenses, and plant resources to achieve business goals and financial targets.


• Support capital projects, equipment improvements, and operational initiatives that strengthen long‑term business performance.


• Lead through Mill Rock Packaging's Core Behaviors and serve as a visible, trusted leader for the facility.

What it takes to succeed:
Basic Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in an industrial manufacturing environment. Experience within the paper, packaging, printing, converting, or related manufacturing industries is preferred.


• Minimum of 5+ years of production, operations, or manufacturing leadership experience.


• Demonstrated experience leading frontline teams and developing people in a manufacturing setting.


• Proven ability to drive safety, quality, productivity, and employee engagement results.


• Strong problem‑solving, decision‑making, and organizational skills.


• Experience utilizing data and performance metrics to identify opportunities and drive operational improvements.


• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Root Cause Analysis, 5S, Six Sigma, or similar disciplines.


• Ability to effectively communicate and influence at all levels of the organization.


• Demonstrated leadership style characterized by visibility, accountability, approachability, and hands‑on engagement within a manufacturing operation.

We value diverse experiences and perspectives—they help us innovate every day. While these qualifications are preferred, they're not required.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience within the folding carton or related manufacturing industry, i.e., paper, packaging, printing, converting, etc.


• Prior experience leading a plant, department, business unit, or major operational function.


• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, Manufacturing, or a related field.

Why You’ll Love Working Here
Our Culture

We're stronger together. Safety comes first, and we believe our people, customers, and investors are the foundation of our success. Collaboration and respect drive everything we do.

Competitive Compensation

Your base pay will reflect factors like market location, experience, and skills. Many roles also include performance bonuses as part of the total compensation package.

Benefits That Matter

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance


• Paid Time Off (PTO) and company holidays


• 401(k) with employer match


• Short-term and long-term disability insurance


• Life insurance


• And more!

The above is intended to describe the general content of and the requirements for satisfactory performance in this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the position's duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

Mill Rock Packaging is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

Recruiting Agencies: Mill Rock Packaging does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be responsible for any fees associated with them.