Paper Mill Department Manager

Job Description

Job Description

PAPER MILL DEPARTMENT MANAGER

USG is an industry-leading manufacturer of building products and innovative solutions. For over 125 years, Chicago-based USG has developed award-winning wall, ceiling, flooring, sheathing, and roofing products that enable customers to build outstanding spaces where people live, work, and play. With over 9,000 employees across North America and operations around the world, we are steadfastly committed to our core values: safety, innovation, quality, integrity, service, diversity, and efficiency.

We’re big enough that our professionals have the resources to make a difference, yet small enough that you’re not just a number. You’ll work on key initiatives and build strong relationships across the company that will position USG for growth into the future.

USG offers work-life balance, specialist and general/managerial career paths, promotion from within, exceptional benefits, and incredible long-term career opportunities for the right professional. Each year, we have hundreds of employees who celebrate milestone anniversaries with us.

Overall Accountability:
Provides strategic leadership and overall management to the Otsego Paper Mill Department. Ensures safe, efficient, and effective operations aligned with USG’s safety, quality, and production objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily operations of the paper mill, ensuring alignment with company objectives for safety, quality, production, and cost.

• Drive a comprehensive safety and housekeeping culture, maintaining strict safety standards and continuous improvement across all processes.

• Lead and motivate department personnel, fostering a high-performance culture through robust training, coaching, and development programs.

• Partner with cross-functional teams—including manufacturing, engineering, technical services, research, sales, and customers—to ensure the delivery of products that meet defined specifications and customer expectations.

• Oversee capital, maintenance, and infrastructure projects to maintain and upgrade equipment and facilities, ensuring consistent reliability and performance.

• Implement process improvements and technological advancements to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness.

• Develop and maintain a strong succession plan for all leadership positions within the mill.

• Actively support and drive initiatives across USG programs such as RPM, LSS, Capital Projects, Safety Model, cost reduction, and quality improvement.

Department Overview:

• Operates on a 4-shift schedule, producing all grades of manila and newslined products that supply 55–65% of USG's paper requirements.

• Team structure: 2 Production General Foremen, 4 Shift Foremen, 4 Lead Supervisors, and 64 hourly personnel.

Key Accountabilities:

• Champion safety programs and ensure a culture of safety and housekeeping excellence.

• Oversee the quality program, driving continuous improvement in process consistency and product uniformity.

• Meet or exceed all production and cost targets while maximizing team effectiveness, morale, and productivity.

• Comply with all EEO requirements and promote an inclusive, respectful workforce.

• Ensure the paper mill’s operational readiness through proactive maintenance and capital investment.

• Maintain high standards for training, talent development, and succession planning.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Paper Science, or related field required.

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to engage and motivate a diverse workforce.

• Exceptional communication, decision-making, and employee relations abilities.

• Deep knowledge of safety programs, with a commitment to drive innovative improvements in safety and housekeeping.

• Demonstrated problem-solving acumen and the ability to make timely, sound decisions.

• Strategic, forward-thinking mindset with a track record of successful project management within budget and schedule constraints.

• Committed to developing and recognizing talent, with the ability to build rapport at all organizational levels.

• Thorough understanding of company policies and industry best practices.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a dynamic environment.

Rate of pay may be adjusted based on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

USG employees enjoy a number of benefit options for themselves and their families. These include two medical insurance options, as well as vision and dental coverage. The cost of these optional programs varies based on coverage level - employees generally pay 25% of the monthly premium cost, USG pays the rest. These coverage options are offered on the first day of employment with no waiting period.

Additionally, USG employees enjoy both a 401(k) Investment Plan with company match and a pension plan. Beyond these main features, employees may also choose from a number of additional programs like life insurance, accident insurance, legal insurance, even pet insurance, just to name a few. USG also offers Quarterly (hourly) / Annual (salary) bonus potential for all employees based on performance metrics tied to safety, quality, and productivity.  USG also provides employees with paid time off and paid holidays.

Since 1902, Chicago-based USG has been a leader in producing innovative, award-winning products and systems to build everything from major commercial developments and residential housing to home improvements. USG's employees are committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and quality in everything we do. Our steadfast commitment to the company's core business values – innovation, quality, integrity, service, diversity, efficiency and safety – have helped us become the company we are today.

  EOE including disability/veteran