Trainee Paper Mill Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

The Paper Mill Superintendent is responsible for leading the daily operation of a paper machine and supporting systems in a tissue manufacturing environment.

This role oversees production teams to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations while meeting quality standards and cost targets. The Superintendent works closely with maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams to improve performance and drive long-term value.

We are looking for a strong, results-driven leader who demonstrates managerial courage, is motivated by continuous improvement, and is either ready for advancement or actively working toward the next level in their career.

REPORTING

The Paper Mill Superintendent reports to the Assistant General Manager.

Accountabilities

• Lead daily paper machine operations, ensuring production targets, quality standards, and cost goals are achieved
• Supervise and develop front-line leaders and production teams, ensuring employees are trained and capable in their roles
• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with all environmental and OSHA regulations
• Drive continuous improvement across operations, including safety, reliability, quality, production, and cost performance
• Partner with maintenance teams to prioritize and execute preventative and corrective maintenance activities
• Develop and execute short- and long-term plans to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and optimize performance
• Monitor key performance indicators and identify opportunities to improve throughput, reduce waste, and control costs
• Lead problem-solving efforts, including root cause analysis for operational issues
• Support capital projects and provide input on equipment upgrades and process improvements
• Ensure product quality standards are consistently met and support resolution of customer or internal issues
• Build a positive, accountable team environment and address employee concerns effectively
• Support recruitment, selection, and development of team members
• Execute department goals aligned with mill and company objectives

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR Experience & Background

• Leadership experience in a manufacturing environment such as paper, pulp, tissue, converting, packaging, or printing
• 10+ years of pulp and paper manufacturing experience strongly preferred
• Experience leading production teams and managing day-to-day operations in a continuous manufacturing setting
• Exposure to high-speed equipment, process optimization, and continuous improvement practices

Education (Preferred but Not Required)

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical) or a related field strongly preferred
• Equivalent leadership experience in manufacturing will also be considered

Key Skills & Attributes

• Managerial courage – confident making decisions, holding teams accountable, and addressing challenges directly and professionally
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal) across all levels of the organization
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving ability in a production environment
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple initiatives
• Proven ability to drive results and improve operational performance
• Adaptability and willingness to lead change in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to collaborate across operations, maintenance, and leadership teams
• Professional, approachable, and team-oriented leadership style

Career Growth Opportunity

This role is ideal for candidates who are:

• Seeking upward mobility within manufacturing or mill operations
• Interested in developing into senior leadership roles
• Committed to continuous learning and building a long-term career in the industry

We welcome candidates from paper, pulp, tissue, converting, packaging, printing, and related manufacturing industries who are ready to grow into the next step in their career.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.

Kruger Products is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. We thank all applicants for their interest in Kruger Products but only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.