Continuous Improvement Manager

Job Title:     Continuous Improvement Manager    
Department:      Catawba Lead Team
Reports To:       Catawba Mill Manager
 

SUMMARY:  

This role drives continuous improvement at a worldclass fully integrated linerboard mill by focusing on efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. The manager will lead initiatives to optimize processes, reduce costs, and improve overall operational performance.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
•    Analyze manufacturing processes to identify areas for improvement, utilizing data analysis and problem-solving techniques. 
•    Initiate, manage, and execute projects focused on cost reduction, optimizing processes, reducing waste, and improving efficiency.  
•    Promote and implement lean principles, such as 5S, Kaizen, and value stream mapping, to streamline workflows. 
•    Ensure adherence to quality standards, implement statistical process control (SPC), and drive root cause analysis for quality issues.  
•    Coach and mentor teams on improvement methodologies and promote a culture of continuous learning and engagement.  
•    Work closely with various departments, including production, maintenance, engineering, and controls, to achieve operational excellence.  
•    Track key performance indicators (KPI’s), analyze data, and report on the effectiveness of improvement initiatives.  
 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 
•    Direct supervision of the quality, process engineering functions, which include both exempt and non-exempt unionized employees. 
•    Responsible for the development of your organization to ensure long- and short-term goals and objectives are met.  
•    Ensure all employees, direct and indirect, are following all applicable policies and procedures.
•    Expected to prepare salaried staff for future advancement opportunities.  
 

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Four-year electrical, mechanical or chemical engineering degree.
• Strong operational background with demonstrated technical skills.
• 10 years related papermaking experience with good understanding of the operation of an integrated mill.
• Excellent leadership ability, including strong problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively across multiple functions.
• Demonstrated ability to balance priorities to meet short and long-term objectives.
• Excellent organizational skills, with strong focus on attention to detail.
• Ability to train/mentor direct reports to the next management level.
• Outstanding communication skills, include ability to recognize contributions, make effective presentations, and can quickly build trust and respect. 
• Possess an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to handle or feel.
• The employee frequently is required to talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• The noise level in the work environment can be loud at times.
• Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts.
• May be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
• Occasionally exposed to high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles; vibrations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• No license requirement.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This company is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.