Workforce Development Manager Jobs in La Conner, WA

Job Title: Process Control Manager

Reports to: Mill Manger

The Position

We currently have an opening for a Process Control Manager based out of our location in Port Townsend, Washington. This position is responsible for leading the Process Control function and providing technical and strategic direction for the design, development, installation, management, and maintenance of systems used to monitor and control mill machinery and processes. The Process Control Manager oversees the reliability, security, and performance of the mill’s process control systems and process control network while supporting safe, efficient, and reliable mill operations. This position provides leadership to the Process Control team and is accountable for the effective planning and execution of department priorities, projects, and resources.

About Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC)

The Port Townsend Paper (“PTPC”) mill is proud to have been in continuous operation for more than 90 years. We use a blend of virgin and recycled fibers (Kraft and OCC pulp) to produce Kraft pulp, paper, containerboard, medium and market pulp. We have built a strong and loyal customer base by developing and nurturing strategic partnership-style relationships.

At PTPC we believe that a healthy and safe work environment is fundamental to the success of all employees. We put that belief into practice every day by managing risk and building safety reliability into our processes and procedures. Engaging and empowering our workforce to maintain world-class safety performance is the pathway to achieving operational excellence. We also strive to preserve the environment, be good neighbors, and remain a valued member of the local community. Many of our employees have enjoyed working at PTPC for the greater part of their careers; we have employees with 20, 25, 30, even 35 years of service.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and provide direction for the Process Control department, establishing priorities, standards, and strategies that support safe, reliable, efficient, and profitable mill operations.
• Develop and maintain the overall process control strategy and standards for the mill, including control system architecture, programming standards, system reliability, and long-term technology planning.
• Lead, coach, and develop Process Control personnel, including assigning work, establishing priorities, providing technical guidance, and supporting employee development.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, IT/OT, and other departments to identify process control opportunities and develop solutions that improve safety, reliability, quality, efficiency, and profitability.
• Ensure the reliability, security, and performance of the mill’s Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), data acquisition systems, process information systems, and process control network.
• Establish and maintain standards for the design, programming, installation, modification, documentation, and maintenance of process control systems.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight for major capital projects, process improvements, system upgrades, and re-instrumentation projects involving process control systems.
• Serve as project manager or technical lead for assigned projects and ensure projects are completed within established scope, cost, schedule, and performance expectations.
• Develop and manage the Process Control department budget, including capital and operating expenditures, and make recommendations regarding equipment, software, services, and technology investments.
• Evaluate emerging process control technologies and make recommendations regarding upgrades, replacements, and improvements to support the mill’s long-term operational needs.
• Provide technical expertise and direction in the development, programming, troubleshooting, and optimization of DCS and PLC control strategies and sequences.
• Oversee troubleshooting and resolution of complex control system issues and provide support to Operations and Maintenance during critical process or equipment issues.
• Ensure appropriate documentation, system backups, change management, and standards are maintained for process control systems.
• Partner with production and process technology teams to analyze mill processes and implement control strategies that improve process stability, product quality, energy efficiency, and overall operating performance.
• Ensure compliance with applicable company standards, safety requirements, cybersecurity practices, and regulatory requirements related to process control and operational technology systems.
• Develop and maintain relationships with vendors, contractors, and technology providers to support department needs and project execution.
• Promote continuous improvement through the use of data analysis, process optimization, and proven reliability and problem-solving practices.

Experience

• Five years of progressive work in process control, automation, engineering, or a related technical field within a paper mill, heavy industrial, or manufacturing environment. Background in pulp and paper manufacturing is highly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Electrical, Control, Automation, or related Engineering field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work history.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects and provide direction, coaching, or supervision to technical personnel.
• Strong knowledge of process control principles, industrial automation, and control system architecture.
• Proficiency with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), data acquisition systems, process information systems, and industrial control networks.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot, maintain, modify, and upgrade industrial control systems in a production environment while supporting Operations and Maintenance.
• Proven ability to manage projects, budgets, vendors, contractors, and competing priorities while meeting established cost, schedule, and performance expectations.
• Familiarity with ABB 800xA, Bailey Infi90, Valmet DNA, DeltaV, Rockwell RSLogix, MicroLogix, or similar control platforms.
• Knowledge of Paper Machine Quality Control Systems (QCS), process optimization, data analysis, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, or other process improvement methodologies is preferred.
• Knowledge of industrial cybersecurity and OT network architecture is preferred.
• Strong communication, leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple departments.

Employment Terms

• Full-time, Exempt position
• Salary range: $157,000 to $243,500
• Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• 4 weeks paid vacation or more depending on experience.
• 9 paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. 
• Retirement plan.
• Employee Assistance coverage with full services, including dietary and nutritional services, retirement planning, and support services.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position
• Must successfully pass pre-employment and ongoing drug testing, as this is a safety-sensitive position.
• Proof of authorization to work in the United States is required at hire.

Port Townsend Paper Company is an equal opportunity employer. We are a drug free workplace.