Technical Service Leader

Position Title: 

Technical Service Leader, GCF

Pay Rate:

$102,300 - $130,000

Multiple factors, including Individual experience, skills and abilities will determine where an employee is ultimately placed in the pay range.

Category/Shift:

Salaried Full-Time

Physical Location:

32901 Weyerhaeuser Way S Ste 101

Federal Way, WA 98001

The Job You Will Perform:

The Technical Service Leader for Global Cellulose Fibers provides technical expertise on both end product and fluff pulp performance, has knowledge of our customers’ product requirements, and provides insight into product performance to CTS, Innovation and Marketing teams. This position requires a proven ability to achieve results, the skills to manage multiple projects, and the ability to manage a technician team. The TS Leader will work closely with GCF customer technical service managers and mill quality managers on customer complaints or issues. They will be expected to have or obtain expertise in the quality, attributes and processes associated with the manufacture and use of GCF’s pulp products.

The TS Leader position is responsible for delivering the Global Cellulose Fibers business' strategic priorities:

• Quality: The TS leader reports fluff pulp performance trends and data needed for customer specifications. This position interacts with mill quality managers and CTS managers to provide data and information to trouble shoot customer and mill issues and provide critical customer feedback for trials.
• Grow the Business: The TS Leader partners with the CTS to assist with fluff pulp and new product qualifications for customers.
• Customer Products: The TS leader advises on test methods and performance of our customer’s products, in particular absorbent hygiene products.  The leader will lead the product benchmarking process, working closely with CTS, Marketing and Sales to provide analysis and comparisons for global, regional and category trends to assist with customer innovation projects, marketing and sales strategy development and trends on industry product designs.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders
• Standardize Supply Chain and Distribution Business Processes and Reporting
• Learn business terminology, key metrics, and drivers
• Develop working knowledge of current files
• Learn reporting and analytical systems (SAP, Excel, Power BI, etc)
• Gain familiarity with historical results in order to provide forward looking analysis

Key Accountabilities:

• Develop strong working relationship with mill quality and CTS managers to provide best in class service as a team.
• Provide the expertise on the mechanics and construction of absorbent hygiene Products.
• Understand and articulate technical trends within absorbent-related markets.
• Basic working knowledge of hygiene customer's equipment.
• Be able to provide training to customers and other key internal audiences.
• Communicate customer product performance trends to internal audience.
• Lead/support specific customer initiatives to improve the customer experience and work with mills and CTS to troubleshoot issues when necessary.
• Identify internal opportunities to realize efficiencies in our business and decision processes.
• Maintain testing equipment calibrations, including outside contractors, & troubleshoot issues as needed.
• Keep abreast of changing pulp & AHP testing standards (e.g., EDANA, ISO, Tappi, GB/T)
• Demonstrate Safety Leadership by being actively involved in safety initiatives (Learning Events, JSA review, etc.)
• Develop all team members to maximize their current/future contributions & opportunities
• Develop/track lab budget, including outside spend.
• Evaluate/prioritize conflicting priorities as needed.

The Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge You Will Bring:

• 3 -10 years of relevant technical experience.
• Technical Degree heavy emphasis toward the sciences.
• Manufacturing experience is desired.
• Knowledge of hygiene and or pulp customer processes and products
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and manage multiple projects.
• Strong statistical background.
• Proficient in Excel, Minitab, PowerPoint and Database management.
• Key Competencies: Technical Acumen, Customer focus, Learning agility, Business acumen, Communication skills, Organizational/Interpersonal savvy, Process management, Drive for results/Action oriented, Priority Setting, Standing Alone, Developing Reports, Technical Analysis & Report Writing

The Impact You Will Make:

We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 120 years. Join our team and you’ll see why our team members say they’re Proud to be IP.

The Culture You Will Experience:

International Paper promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.

The Company You Will Join:

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, we employ more than 65,000 team members and serve customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Net sales for 2024 were $18.6 billion. In 2025, International Paper acquired DS Smith creating an industry leader focused on the attractive and growing North American and EMEA regions. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com

About Global Cellulose Fibers (GCF):

Our GCF business helps customers transform renewable cellulose fibers into essential everyday products. Our high-quality, superior grade pulps form the basis for diverse applications, ranging from personal care items to specialty materials. We create components for diapers, tissues and feminine care products, as well as sustainable materials for the textile and construction industry. In 2024, IP announced a strategic review of options for the GCF business in keeping with its strategy of focusing on sustainable packaging solutions, which will allow GCF to fully unlock its capabilities to deliver enhanced service and product performance to its customers.

International Paper is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

International Paper complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact reasonable.accommodations@ipaper.com or (877) 973-3919.

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