Technical Manager

Technical Manager

Career Opportunity:

The Technical Manager manages the Continuous Improvement functions for the mill as well as providing leadership to achieve mill, department, and WestRock goals. Coordinate activities to promote environmental, quality, and process engineering excellence. Interact with customers as well as responding to issues involving quality needs. Responsible for the following departments: Process Optimization, Quality, Waste Treatment and Environmental. Position reports to the Mill General Manager.

How you will impact WestRock:

This individual will be involved in a variety of management, leadership, and technical activities including but not limited to:

• Manage Continuous Improvement function, leading Process Engineers and Project Pipeline, including results and sustainability. This will require collaborating with mill leadership and lead the Performance Excellence efforts at the mill, using Lean-Six Sigma Tools and Methodology.

• Identify, lead and resource Performance Excellence projects (Project Pipeline) that will improve net mill profitability through efficiency improvements, cost reduction and commercial improvements. Ensure actual savings and cost reductions through utilizing productivity tracking systems in conjunction with the financial teams.

• Coach and mentor trained Green Belts through the successful execution of projects leading to certification.

• Managing team of technical experts that are committed to timely corrective action with problem products, marshaling the facility’s technical resources.

• Function as in-house expert concerning the production of the facility’s product lines including the company’s compliance approach.

• Oversight and management of productivity, yield and quality enhancement techniques and adjustments to process equipment and formulations.

• Along with the team, troubleshoot quality problems, document and address issues with timely corrective actions, including recommending process and formulation improvements to new and existing products.

• As the compliance management representative for the organization, take the lead in the improvement and management of Environmental Compliance, Quality Systems and Programs, ISO Certification as well as Chain of Custody Certifications (i.e. FSC).

• Oversight and management of the technical resource team that are charged to assist in the identification and implementation of manufacturing "best practices".

• Oversight and management of the mill energy program including technical support for the boiler operation and maintenance.

• Ensure proper systems are in place to ensure quality control on incoming raw materials (e.g., chemicals) while supporting new product introduction / scale-up and raw material acquisition.

• Provide customer service assistance for sales and technical services, as authorized and agreed to by the sales organization.

• Provide support and leadership related to Safety, Environmental, Quality, Cost and Productivity. Support and ensure the department actively participates in the Safety Management System.

• Provide leadership and guidance as a member of the Mill’s leadership team.

What you need to succeed:

Knowledge of:

• Paper Manufacturing Process

• Maintenance best practices

• Lean - Six Sigma Methodology

• FMEA, RCFA and other formal problem-solving approaches.

• ISO

• Environmental Reporting and Monitoring Requirements

Abilities:

• Drive and excellent work ethic.

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills

• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills.

• Must be able to work with all levels within the organization.

• Must be capable of handling multiple tasks.

• Build consensus among diverse groups with minimal conflict.

• Accomplish tasks through others.

• Lead teams of employees.

• Understand business and financial systems and application of systems and data.

• Form effective business relationships/partnerships at various levels within the company to accomplish desired results.

These abilities and knowledge are usually obtained through self-study, company seminars and meetings, computer based training, and on the job application.

Experience/Education:

• BS/BA Degree in Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering, Paper Science or other related area.

• Eight (8) years of prior experience in the pulp & paper industry is required.

• Demonstrated ability to teach, coach and mentor Lean-Six Sigma projects.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels within the organization.

• Should be a reference for other technical support employees due to specialized knowledge.

• Ability to lead and supervise others and solve problems independently.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to plan and meet deadlines.

• Familiarity with quality management systems and "Best Practices" procedures.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Extensive Statistical Process Control experience with proven results implementing and managing continuous improvement systems.

• Experience with ASQ ISO 9000, or ISO 9000-2000

• Proven track record of quality program management and quality improvement

Preferred Qualifications:

• The candidate should have demonstrated capabilities and at least 8+ years of experience in paper or paperboard or container board manufacturing processes.

Working Conditions:

• Duties are performed in an office environment and on jobsites throughout the mill.

• Infrequent travel to attend meetings or training may be required.

WestRock (NYSE:WRK) partners with our customers to provide differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRock's team members support customers around the world from locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Learn more at www.westrock.com.

WestRock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create and maintain a diverse workforce where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. WestRock does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.