Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a pivotal leader responsible for shaping, executing, and transforming BW Papersystems' global operations footprint. This leader oversees manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, planning, procurement, and continuous improvement, ensuring the organization delivers world-class performance, resilience, and customer satisfaction.

This role is central to advancing our long-term strategy. The COO is a catalyst for operational excellence, embedding structured improvement methodologies (Lean, Kaizen, Business Systems) and driving measurable, sustainable gains across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and inventory. As a key member of the executive leadership team, this leader influences enterprise priorities, investment decisions, and cultural evolution.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Enterprise Alignment:

• Develop and execute a unified operations and supply chain strategy that accelerates growth, strengthens service excellence, and optimizes cost and risk.
• Align operational and supply chain objectives with enterprise strategy, financial targets, and long-range planning.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner on the executive leadership team, shaping platform strategy, capital allocation, and policy deployment.

Operational Excellence & Transformation:

• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and institutionalize The BW Way as a foundational operating system.
• Drive breakthrough improvements across SQDCI metrics through disciplined problem-solving, value stream optimization, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Lead enterprise transformation initiatives that modernize operations, elevate performance, and enhance organizational agility.
• Foster a data-driven culture that empowers teams to make informed decisions and solve complex operational challenges.

Supply Chain Strategy & Execution:

• Oversee end-to-end global supply chain operations, including demand planning, sourcing, procurement, materials management, logistics, distribution, and supplier performance.
• Strengthen supply chain resilience through optimized network design, strategic supplier partnerships, and robust inventory and fulfillment strategies.
• Ensure supply chain capabilities support customer commitments, growth objectives, and operational continuity.

Talent Development & Organizational Capability:

• Build, inspire, and scale a high-performing global operations and supply chain leadership team.
• Mentor and develop leaders in continuous improvement, structured problem-solving, and enterprise business systems.
• Advance succession planning, workforce development, and cross-functional capability building.
• Partner closely with engineering, commercial, finance, and people functions to ensure seamless integration of operational plans and customer outcomes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering, Business, or related field; MBA strongly preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive executive leadership in operations and supply chain within industrial, manufacturing, or complex multi-site environments.
• Demonstrated success leading enterprise-level transformation, P&L-linked performance improvement, and structured continuous improvement programs.
• Experience navigating global supply networks, advanced business systems, and high-mix/low-volume or engineered-to-order environments.
• Visionary leadership with exceptional communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management capabilities.

Technical & Leadership Competencies

• Expertise in Lean, Kaizen, structured problem-solving, and enterprise operating systems.
• Strong analytical acumen and fluency in performance metrics and operational dashboards.
• Proven ability to lead complex change, shape culture, and inspire innovation across diverse teams.
• Executive presence with the ability to influence at all levels and drive alignment across functions.

Location & Travel Requirements

Strong preference for candidates local to — or willing to relocate to — Phillips, WI or Baltimore, MD.

• Candidates who live within commuting distance of our Phillips, WI or Baltimore, MD facilities can expect less travel, about 30–40%. Time not traveling is spent on-site at your local facility.
• For remote candidates, this role requires travel to, or on-site presence at, BW Papersystems locations about 70% of the time.

Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.