Pulp Paper Operations Manager Paper Mill Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Manager, Paper Operations is a dynamic, hands-on leader responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the paper manufacturing process. This role ensures that safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency standards are consistently met. The Manager leads production teams across shifts, coordinates production schedule, enforces compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements, and drives continuous improvement initiatives. Success in this role requires strong leadership, operational expertise, and a proactive presence on the production floor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage daily paper production activities across multiple shifts.
• Monitor machine operations, production output, and team performance to achieve production goals.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and quality standards throughout all processes.
• Maintain a consistent presence on the production floor, providing hands-on supervision and support.
• Operate production lines when necessary to maintain throughput or cover staffing gaps.
• Supervise and support shift leads, machine operators, shipping/receiving personnel, and maintenance teams.
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and disciplinary action as needed.
• Develop and manage employee schedules, approve timecards, and coordinate overtime.
• Partner with Human Resources to ensure appropriate staffing levels.
• Enforce OSHA regulations and company safety policies.
• Lead or participate in safety audits, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.
• Foster a culture of safety through training, communication, and active engagement.
• Identify and implement initiatives to reduce waste, downtime, and product defects.
• Collaborate closely with corporate planning teams to align production schedules with business needs, proactively adjusting plans to meet changing demand and operational priorities.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies to drive operational excellence.
• Utilize SAP or equivalent ERP systems to manage production orders, inventory, downtime tracking, and maintenance requests.
• Ensure accurate data entry and maintain reliable production and shipping records.
• Report daily KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to senior leadership.
• Facilitate shift handoff meetings and contribute to production planning discussions.
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional departments including maintenance, quality, logistics, and HR.

Skills and Qualifications:

• High School diploma required; Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business, or related field preferred.
• 3–5+ years of experience in production management, ideally within paper manufacturing or a similar heavy industrial environment.
• Proven ability to manage production flow and oversee multiple shifts.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and interpersonal skills.
• In-depth knowledge of paper production machinery and processes.
• Proficiency in SAP, Microsoft Office, and production scheduling tools.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies is a plus.
• Effective communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated initiative and a reliable, hands-on approach to leadership.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Yes – direct supervision of production staff across shifts.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Industrial environment with exposure to noise, moving machinery, and variable temperatures.
• Required PPE includes safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toed boots.
• Frequent walking, standing, lifting (up to 50 lbs.), and bending.
• Flexible scheduling required, including early mornings, late shifts, and occasional weekends.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Annual Bonus eligibility.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, 401(k), and paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Ranpak is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.  We celebrate the unique differences of our employees because that is what drives curiosity, innovation, and the success of our business.  Ranpak does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.  Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities. 

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including recruiting, hiring, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training.  Ranpak makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.  For more information, we invite you to read our Code of Ethics.

Ranpak participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law. Learn more about the E-Verify program here.