Business Unit Leader - Paper Mill Operations

Business Unit Leader — Paper Mill Operations

Overview

A consumer products manufacturer is seeking a hands-on Business Unit Leader to own end-to-end production operations for a paper mill business unit running across multiple shifts. This role leads ~100+ employees with 7–10 direct reports and is accountable for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale while driving continuous improvement.

What You’ll Do

• Lead daily operations for the business unit across multiple shifts; set priorities and allocate resources to meet plan.
• Manage, coach, and develop a team of supervisors/engineers/technicians; build bench strength and a high-performance culture.
• Own KPI performance (OEE, yield, waste, uptime, throughput, safety, quality); diagnose gaps and execute recovery plans.
• Champion Lean/Six Sigma and project management to deliver sustained CI across the paper machine and supporting processes.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards; model and enforce a zero-injury culture.
• Partner with maintenance, quality, supply chain, and technical teams to optimize runnability and product performance.
• Plan and execute capital and productivity projects; manage budgets and timelines.
• Standardize best practices, visual management, and tiered daily management routines.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (Engineering, Paper Science, or related field).
• Paper industry background from a paper mill with direct paper machine operating/leadership experience.
• Backgrounds limited to corrugated, lumber, or general packaging are not eligible for this role.
• Proven production leadership managing 100+ employees and 7–10 direct reports across multiple shifts.
• Demonstrated success in continuous improvement with Lean and/or Six Sigma and formal project management experience.
• Track record of driving change and improving key metrics (safety, quality, cost, delivery, OEE).

Preferred Qualities

• Strong floor presence; decisive, data-driven, and calm under pressure.
• Excellent coaching, mentoring, and talent-development skills.
• Effective cross-functional collaborator with clear, direct communication.

Location/Shift: Multi-shift manufacturing environment (on-site leadership required).

Compensation/Benefits: Competitive base, bonus, and benefits commensurate with experience.