Production Corrugator Shift Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Production Corrugator Lead 

Department: Production

Reports to: Corrugator Supervisor

Location: Sturtevant, WI

Position Summary:

The Corrugator Lead directs the day-to-day operation of the corrugator line — wet end and dry end — on an assigned shift, ensuring the crew runs safely, meets production and quality targets, and responds effectively to downtime. This role acts as the shift-level point of accountability for the corrugator crew, coordinating between CR Operator, Single Facer, Double Backer, Stacker, Clamp Truck Driver, and Baler Operator positions, while escalating equipment, staffing, or quality issues to the Corrugator Superintendent as needed. The Corrugator Lead works hands-on alongside the crew and is expected to step into any corrugator position to keep the line running.

The Shift Lead works in close partnership with the Shift Supervisor to support the safe, efficient, and productive operation of the assigned shift. This role provides leadership, guidance, and operational support to team members while serving as a key resource in day-to-day decision-making. Although the Shift Supervisor retains final authority for operational decisions, employee matters, and shift-related issues, the Shift Lead is expected to provide valuable input and recommendations that are considered in the decision-making process.

In the absence of the Shift Supervisor, including during vacations or other periods when the Supervisor is not actively present on the production floor, the Shift Lead assumes responsibility for directing shift operations. This includes ensuring production goals, quality standards, safety expectations, and operational objectives established by the Supervisor and Superintendent are achieved while maintaining efficient workflow and addressing issues as they arise.

Compensation: 

The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At ND Paper, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate. 

About Us

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. With two integrated pulp and paper mills in Rumford, Maine and Biron, Wisconsin, a packaging plant in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, and two sheeting facilities in Langhorne, Pennsylvania and Fairmont, West Virginia, the ND Paper family produces nearly one million tons of products annually. Our 1,100 dedicated employees are the heart of our operations, and we are committed to fostering positive work environments where individuals can advance and thrive. At ND Paper, we are investing in our future, and that starts with our staff. 

Key Responsibilities & Expected Results

Demonstrate safety as a core value and establish a safe work environment by actively leading the safe execution of work. 

Production & Line Leadership

• Lead the corrugator crew through the daily production schedule, sequencing orders to minimize changeover and waste.
• Coordinate wet end (CR Operator, Single Facer, Double Backer) and dry end (Stacker, Clamp Truck Driver, Baler) crew members to keep the line running at target speed.
• Run the pre-shift and shift-change huddle, communicating the job schedule, known issues, and safety priorities.
• Monitor board quality (warp, bond, moisture, caliper) throughout the run and direct corrective action at the first sign of drift.
• Make real-time decisions on order sequencing, crew assignment, and break coverage to protect uptime.

Downtime & Troubleshooting

• Serve as first point of response for line stoppages; diagnose the cause and either resolve it or escalate to Maintenance.
• Log downtime events and micro-stops accurately, using correct reason codes for reporting.
• Partner with Maintenance during changeovers, repairs, and PM windows to minimize lost run time.

Quality & Compliance

• Verify board specifications against the order ticket at job start and at intervals through the run.
• Hold the crew accountable to standard work, changeover procedures, and end-of-shift checkout requirements.
• Ensure scrap is correctly identified, coded, and recorded.

People & Safety Leadership

• Model and enforce safety procedures, PPE requirements, and lockout/tagout on the corrugator line.
• Provide on-the-job training and coaching to crew members, including onboarding new hires through their training plan.
• Give the Corrugator Superintendent input on crew performance, attendance, and development.
• Maintain a professional, team-first tone on the floor and address conduct or performance concerns promptly.

Reporting & Communication

• Complete production reports, downtime logs, and shift handoff notes accurately and on time.
• Communicate schedule changes, quality holds, and safety concerns to the incoming shift and to leadership.

Qualifications and Skills 

Required

• 2+ years of corrugator experience, including demonstrated proficiency in at least one wet end or dry end position (CR Operator, Single Facer, Double Backer, Stacker, Clamp Truck, or Baler).
• Working knowledge of corrugator wet end and dry end processes, board specifications, and common quality defects.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or informally direct a crew in a production environment.
• Basic math skills sufficient for reading order tickets, calculating waste percentages, and verifying specifications.
• Ability to read and interpret job tickets, schedules, and quality specifications.

Preferred

• Prior experience in a lead, trainer, or informal supervisory capacity.
• Forklift/clamp truck certification or ability to obtain certification.
• Familiarity with downtime tracking and production reporting systems.
• Bilingual in Spanish or Mandarin 

Working Conditions

Plant site

PHYSICAL REQIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regularly stand, walk, bend, and reach throughout a full shift on a manufacturing floor.
• Frequently lift/move up to 50 lbs.; occasionally more with team lift or equipment.
• Exposure to noise, heat, dust, and moving machinery typical of a corrugated manufacturing environment; required PPE must be worn at all times.
• Able to work all shifts, including overtime and weekends as production demands require.

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 Packaging Benefits 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 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 2026 Benefits . Come be a part of our team and grow with us!

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Please submit your resume, and salary requirements to 

No unsolicited resumes - ND Packaging does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume you submit to us will immediately become the property of ND Packaging. If you would like to become a recruiter for ND Packaging, please contact us and we will agree in writing to terms and the specific job roles for which you are authorized to recruit.