Technical Services Manager (Escanaba, MI)

Purpose:

What if you could go to work and contribute to a sustainable future? Billerud, formerly Verso, is a leading sustainable packaging materials and paper company. We are passionate paper makers committed to providing the best solutions to our customers. It is our goal to deliver a quality product, on time. We offer competitive compensation, full benefits, opportunities for growth and advancement, and an understanding that our people make us successful.

If you are passionate about what you do and driven to do it well, there is a place for you at Billerud!

Summary Description:

We are looking for a skilled and experienced Paper/Packaging Technical and Quality Manager to oversee the technical and quality management aspects of our products. This role involves ensuring that all products meet stringent technical specifications and quality standards throughout the production process. The Product Technical and Quality Manager will work closely with production, product development, and engineering teams to optimize product performance, ensure compliance with industry regulations, and drive continuous quality improvements.

The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge of paper/packaging production technologies, a strong background in quality assurance, and the ability to manage and improve technical processes for consistent product excellence.

Key Accountabilities:

Technical Management:

• Lead technical aspects of paper production, ensuring process is efficient, cost-effective & produces high-quality products
• Oversee process variable reduction & continuous improvement
• Troubleshoot & resolve technical issues in production process, working with engineering & production teams
• Implement & monitor technical improvements to enhance quality, efficiency & environmental sustainability of paper production
• Collaborate with R&D team to innovate & develop new paper products or improve existing ones based on market & customer demands

Quality Control & Assurance:

• Develop, implement & maintain quality management system for paper production, ensuring compliance with relevant industry standards (ISO 9001, FSC)
• Monitor & assess product quality through regular inspections, tests & audits during production
• Conduct detailed root cause analysis of quality issues & lead corrective actions to prevent recurrence
• Ensure products meet customer specifications & regulatory requirements, including durability, consistency, & environmental & safety standards
• Oversee collection & analysis of quality performance data to inform process improvements

Process Optimization & Improvement:

• Continuously assess & optimize paper manufacturing process to improve quality, reduce waste & increase operational efficiency
• Work with cross-functional teams to implement continuous improvement methodologies in production
• Lead initiatives to reduce defects, improve yield & enhance overall quality of products
• Develop & implement action plans to address inefficiencies or technical challenges

Team Leadership & Collaboration:

• Lead & mentor technicians, quality inspectors & process engineers to ensure effective execution of quality control processes
• Provide technical guidance & training to employees on quality assurance standards & production processes
• Foster a culture of collaboration & continuous improvement across production, technical & quality teams
• Coordinate with departments such as supply chain, logistics & customer service to ensure quality standards are maintained throughout product lifecycle

Customer & Supplier Collaboration:

• Work closely with customers to ensure their quality expectations are met & resolve quality-related issues
• Manage supplier quality assessments & maintain strong relationships with paper material suppliers to ensure raw materials meet required specifications
• Handle complaints and returns, conducting thorough investigations into product defects or quality concerns & implementing corrective actions

Reporting & Documentation:

• Prepare & present reports on paper quality, technical performance & process improvement initiatives to senior management
• Maintain up-to-date records on quality inspections, product testing, non-conformance reports & corrective actions
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, safety standards & industry certifications, documenting relevant activities & findings

Required Experience and Education:

Minimum Required Experience and Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Paper Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Quality Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in paper/packaging manufacturing or a related technical and quality assurance role.
• Proven experience with paper production processes, quality control systems, and continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of industry standards, certifications, and regulations related to paper production (e.g., ISO 9001, FSC certification, environmental regulations).

Preferred Experience & Education

• Certification in quality management (e.g., Six Sigma, ISO 9001 Auditor, or other relevant certifications).
• Experience with environmental sustainability practices in paper production.
• Familiarity with process automation and digital tools used in paper manufacturing and quality control.

Billerud NA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.

Why us?

• Be part of a dynamic team within Billerud
• An opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable future
• Development and career opportunities
• Performance-based bonus and a number of different benefits according to company policy,

Our recruitment process may include interviews, recruitment test, reference checks and alcohol & drug testing.