Manager of Sheet Plant Operations

The Manager, Sheet Plant Operations is responsible for leading all aspects of manufacturing operations across multiple sheet plant operations, ensuring safety, quality, productivity, cost control, and employee development objectives are achieved. This role provides leadership to production, maintenance, warehousing, and shipping functions while driving continuous improvement initiatives that support Carolina Container's operational and customer service goals.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Direct daily sheet plant operations across multiple sites to achieve production schedules, quality standards, and customer delivery requirements.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, productivity, waste, downtime, and labor efficiency.
• Ensure effective coordination between production, maintenance, warehousing, scheduling, and logistics functions.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve operational performance and maximize equipment utilization.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a culture of safety and accountability throughout the facility.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and environmental requirements.
• Conduct regular safety audits, incident investigations, and corrective action reviews.

Quality Management

• Maintain and improve quality systems to meet customer specifications and company standards.
• Analyze quality performance metrics and lead root cause analysis for customer complaints and internal defects.
• Partner with Quality personnel to implement corrective and preventive actions.

Financial & Operational Performance

• Manage labor, overtime, maintenance, and operating expenses within budget expectations.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and minimize waste.
• Support annual budgeting and capital expenditure planning processes.

Leadership & Employee Development

• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and operational staff.
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability measures.
• Support workforce planning, recruitment, training, and succession planning initiatives.
• Foster employee engagement and a positive work environment driven by teamwork and continuous improvement.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process improvement initiatives.
• Utilize data and operational metrics to identify improvement opportunities and drive sustainable results.
• Facilitate cross-functional problem solving and change management efforts.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Minimum of 3 years in a plant, operations, or production management role.
• Experience in corrugated packaging, converting, paper, or related manufacturing environments preferred.
• Multi-unit experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, scheduling, production planning, and quality systems.
• Demonstrated leadership and employee development capabilities.
• Proven track record of improving safety, quality, productivity, and operational performance.
• Strong financial and business acumen.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, Microsoft Office, and manufacturing performance metrics.