Converting Shift Lead

Converting Shift Lead

The Converting Lead is responsible for driving safe, efficient, and high-quality converting operations across rotary die cutters, flexo folder gluers, and supporting processes.

This role acts as the technical and operational leader on the production floor, ensuring standardized setups, troubleshooting support, tooling readiness, and operator development across the converting department.

The Converting Lead bridges the gap between operators and supervisors, enabling supervisors to focus on overall shift management while the lead drives process discipline, machine performance, and operator capability.

This position improves plant performance by:

• Increasing converting uptime and machine efficiency
• Reducing setup time and tooling-related downtime
• Improving operator technical capability
• Ensuring consistent quality and process discipline
• Supporting daily production targets and operational KPIs

ND Paper is a leading manufacturer of high-quality pulp, paper, and packaging products in the United States, generating over half a billion dollars in annual sales. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited the largest containerboard producer in the world ND Paper is part of a global network committed to excellence and innovation.

Key Responsibilities & Expected Results:

Safety Leadership:

• Demonstrate safety as a core value and actively promote safe work practices across converting operations.
• Ensure compliance with PPE requirements and safe operating procedures.
• Identify and correct unsafe conditions on machines and in surrounding work areas.

Process Leadership:

• Lead and enforce standardized setup procedures for rotary die cutters and flexo folder gluers.
• Audit machine setups to ensure adherence to process standards.
• Drive improvements in setup efficiency and machine changeover times.

Tooling and Ink Readiness:

• Ensure tooling, print plates, dies, and inks are prepared and ready prior to production.
• Coordinate with tooling technicians to ensure accurate tooling modifications and readiness.
• Support troubleshooting and repair of dies and print plates when required.

Downtime Reduction:

• Track and analyze downtime related to tooling, ink, setups, and operator issues.
• Identify root causes and implement corrective actions with operators and supervisors.
• Support troubleshooting efforts to restore production quickly and safely.

Operator Development:

• Train and mentor operators and assistant operators in setup, troubleshooting, and process control.
• Build technical capability across the converting team.
• Promote operator ownership of machine performance and quality.

Production Support:

• Assist with resolving production issues such as short sheets, missing tooling, WIP disruptions, or equipment jams.
• Support banders, takeoff lines, and sheet flow issues to maintain production continuity.
• Help prioritize work and reallocate labor during machine downtime.

Technical Troubleshooting:

• Diagnose machine issues and determine whether operators can resolve or maintenance support is required.
• Ensure operators understand the root cause and corrective actions to prevent repeat issues.

Quality Ownership:

• Ensure consistent adherence to quality standards and inspection procedures.
• Support root cause analysis for print defects, die-cut quality issues, and tooling damage.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Converting machine efficiency (MSF/hour, Kicks/hour, Runtime%, Uptime %)
• Setup time reduction
• Reduction in tooling-related downtime
• Waste reduction in converting
• Safety performance (zero incidents)
• Operator training completion and skill progression
• Quality compliance and defect reduction

Qualifications and Skills:

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 35+ years experience in corrugated converting operations
• Experience operating rotary die cutters or flexo folder gluers preferred
• Prior leadership, lead operator, or trainer experience preferred

Technical Skills:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 35+ years experience in corrugated converting operations
• Experience operating rotary die cutters or flexo folder gluers preferred
• Prior leadership, lead operator, or trainer experience preferred

Core Competencies:

• Accountability for machine performance
• Root cause problem solving
• Process discipline and standard work
• Data-driven decision making
• Coaching and technical mentoring
• Strong communication and teamwork

Success Profile:

• Consistently improves converting uptime and efficiency
• Develops highly capable operators across machines
• Reduces setup times and tooling issues
• Maintains strong safety and quality standards
• Demonstrates strong troubleshooting capability
• Acts as a trusted technical resource on the production floor

Working Conditions:

• Standing and walking for extended periods
• Exposure to industrial machinery and noise
• Lifting materials and tooling when required
• Working rotating shifts or overtime when needed

Attributes for Success:

• Hard work tackle each task with determination, passion and creativity; the willingness to put in whatever effort is required to successfully complete the job at hand.
• Pursuit of Excellence strive to consistently exceed expectations in our day-to-day work and outperform our competitors in the marketplace, regarding work and company achievements as a collaborative goal with the desire to go above and beyond.
• Integrity - treat the company and teammates with upmost respect, operating on strong moral codes to drive company values and culture.
• Sense of Urgency drive forward each day with speed, agility, and flexibility to capture unrealized opportunities and avoid potential risks for the business.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit act like an owner, challenging the status quo, asking the right questions, and actively seeking ways to innovate and improve.
• Adaptability be fluid with ND Paper's continuous evolution while driving change in a fast-paced environment, equipped with the ability to acclimate quickly.
• Servant Leadership set an example by implementing meaningful leadership with heart, empathy, foresight and stewardship.

ND Paper Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as voluntary benefits such as accident insurance, hospital indemnity, and critical illness for you and your family.
• Financial protection benefits, including life insurance, disability insurance, and business travel accident insurance.
• Tax advantaged accounts such as Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Paid holidays, personal days, and vacation days to support work-life balance.
• A 401K retirement plan with a company match and annual fixed contribution
• Wellness programs with incentives and an on-site clinic available at our Rumford and Biron location.

Enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and paid time off. Discover more about our benefits and how we support our team by visiting 2025 Benefits. Come be a part of our team and grow with us!