Manufacturing Excellence Leader- PULP

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International Paper (NYSE:IP) is a leading global supplier of renewable fiber-based products.  We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable worldwide commerce, and pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal care products that promote health and wellness.  Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn. We employ approximately 38,000 colleagues globally.  We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe.  Net sales for 2021 were $19.4 billion.  In Russia, we have a 50/50 joint venture, Ilim Group, the country’s largest integrated manufacturer of pulp and paper.  Additional information can be found by visiting InternationalPaper.com. 

The Riverdale Mill is currently seeking a Manufacturing Excellence (ME) Area Leader.

Position Scope:

The ME Area Leader is a senior technical resource within the ME team.  Riverdale Mill, located in Selma AL, is a complex, fully integrated pulp and paper manufacturing facility with two machines, one producing Brite Top liner and one producing uncoated free sheet.  In addition to the machines, the mill includes multiple process lines, including wood handling, pulping, power and recovery, sheeting operations and effluent treatment.  The ME process uses lean and six sigma concepts to help the mill better identify, prioritize, and implement key process, reliability, and cost improvement projects.  This specific position works within a larger ME team, which may require cross functional responsibilities, but will primarily focus on one operating area.  The position be responsible for leading and mentoring new engineers and reports to the Manager, Operations.

Position Responsibilities:

The ME Leader will work closely with a variety of different areas throughout the mill including operations, maintenance, technical, and management.

• Provide visible and active leadership in delivering excellent safety results
• Identify and deliver sustainable cost savings through multiple deliberate and continuous improvement initiatives in alignment with the mills goal of year over year (YOY) cost reduction
• Train salaried and hourly employees to develop ME skills in the department and/or mill
• Work within the group to develop college hires (REACH) into ME Engineers
• Achieve ME certifications (White, Yellow, Green, Black, Master Black)
• Maintain strong relationships with other ME leaders as well as operating and maintenance department leaders
• Influence Business Unit operations teams to incorporate ME systems and processes to support sustainability of improvements as they are accomplished
• Support operations through field day/annual outage support and weekend duty assignments when needed
• Identify and implement Manufacturing Excellence best practices from across the mill, business, and company
• Support 5S program for the area and drive improvement projects, audit systems, and excellent results
• Provide support for cost reduction capital project development and implementation
• Implement systems to improve/sustain results
• Fulfill weekend duty team leadership role for assigned department
• Provide support for budgeting cycle targeted at delivering year over year savings

Desired Skills:

Successful candidate should have the ability to:

• Instill safety as a core value within the team and effectively communicate a shared vision for safety
• Quickly develop thorough knowledge of mill equipment and systems
• Utilize excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate to groups and individuals at all levels
• Approach positional responsibilities in an inclusive manner by engaging all team members in area, department, and mill
• Utilize the International Paper Change Process to drive change
• Work effectively alone or within a team
• Possess Manufacturing Excellence (ME) certification of yellow or green belt.
• Utilize strong organizational skills to handle multiple tasks effectively

Required Experience:

Minimum of five (5) years experience in operations, maintenance, and/or engineering in a paper manufacturing environment is required.  Bachelor’s degree in chemical, mechanical or electrical engineering is required; equivalent practical experience may be considered.  IP ME certification of green or black belt is required; additional lean/six sigma certifications a plus.

Pay level 14 (PL) may vary depending on experience.

Desired Competencies:

Action Oriented, Timely Decision Making, Decision Quality, Organizing, Planning, Informing, Influencing, Perseverance, Priority Setting, Problem Solving, Drive For Results, Time Management, Managing Through Systems, Written Communications, Customer Focus, Integrity & Trust, Interpersonal Savvy, Listening, Peer Relationships, Dealing with Ambiguity, Functional/Technical Skills, Learning on the Fly, Self-Development, Technical Learning

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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.
Selma  AL  36701-8311