Paper Machines Shift Supervisor

Job Title: Paper Machines Shift Supervisor
Reports to: Paper Machine Manager

The Position
We currently have an opening for a Paper Machines Shift Supervisor based out of our Port Townsend, Washington location. This role involves providing senior-level leadership, direction, and supervision for Front-End operations while ensuring the safety, quality, and productivity of all paper machine activities. The Senior Paper Machines Shift Supervisor will be expected to lead by example, mentor team members, and collaborate cross-functionally to drive performance improvements and operational excellence.

About Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC)
The Port Townsend Paper ("PTPC") mill is proud to have been in continuous operation for over 90 years. We use a blend of virgin and recycled fibers (Kraft and OCC pulp) to produce Kraft pulp, paper, containerboard, medium, and market pulp. We are committed to preserving the environment and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our employees, which has helped foster long careers at PTPC. Many of our employees have enjoyed working with us for 20, 25, 30, and even 35 years.

We value a healthy, safe, and efficient work environment as the foundation of our operational success. We engage and empower our workforce, striving for world-class safety performance, operational excellence, and positive relationships with the local community.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the team on shift to ensure safety, quality, and production targets are met. Demonstrate leadership by setting high expectations and enforcing best practices.
• Provide strategic direction and supervision of the team while effectively managing daily paper machine operations. Ensure all equipment and processes meet quality standards and production goals.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to identify and resolve operational issues quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and maintaining throughput.
• Conduct in-depth investigations of safety incidents, fire hazards, and quality deviations. Generate comprehensive reports and implement corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence.
• Proactively manage crew training, development, and performance evaluations, fostering a high-performing team that consistently meets operational and safety standards.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of mill processes, equipment, and technology, utilizing this expertise to continuously improve efficiency and productivity across shifts.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts, challenging the status quo and implementing operational best practices that reduce waste, enhance efficiency, and improve safety.
• Manage and ensure the correct application of labor agreements and administrative duties, including disciplinary actions and the resolution of employee relations issues.
• Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team in coordinating operational efforts across shifts, ensuring alignment with broader company goals and objectives.
• Take charge of emergency response management, including fire, oil spills, evacuation protocols, and other mill-wide safety procedures. Ensure all teams are trained and ready to respond swiftly to any critical situations.
• Play an active role in cross-departmental collaboration, working with technical services, maintenance, and other operations to drive performance improvements and troubleshoot issues.
• Manage special projects assigned by the Paper Machine Manager, ensuring timely and successful completion.
• Performance Management: Set clear performance expectations, provide coaching and feedback, conduct regular evaluations, identify development needs, and drive continuous improvement while ensuring accountability and recognizing achievements.

Qualifications

• Education: A degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Pulp and Paper Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience in the pulp and paper industry.
• Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years in the pulp and paper industry, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role overseeing complex operations. Experience at the foreman or shift supervisor level is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to lead teams, make decisions under pressure, and resolve complex operational challenges.
• Strong background in safety management, continuous improvement initiatives, and fostering a culture of accountability.
• Expertise in paper machine operations and a comprehensive understanding of raw materials, production processes, and quality management.
• Advanced troubleshooting skills and the ability to manage technical, operational, and people-related issues across shifts.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with a track record of effectively managing employee relations and fostering team development.
• Knowledgeable in interpreting and applying labor agreements and mill policies.

Business Contacts

• External: Equipment suppliers, contractors, customers, and regulatory bodies
• Internal: Mill Superintendents, Maintenance teams, Back-End Supervisors, Health and Safety Officers, Technical Services teams, and union representatives

Employment Terms

• Full-time, Exempt position
• Salary range: $110,000 to $135,000 DOE.
• 3 weeks paid vacation or more depending on position.
• 9 paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. 
• Retirement plan.
• Employee Assistance coverage with full services, including dietary and nutritional services, retirement planning, and support services.
• In compliance with the Immigration and Naturalization Act, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Port Townsend Paper Company is an equal opportunity employer. We are a drug free workplace.