Utilities Manager

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Utilities Manager for the Arkansas Kraft Division will have overall responsibility for the Utilities/Recovery Department. This includes creating and continuously improving the safety culture, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost of operation so that steam, electricity, water, and green liquor are supplied in the desired quantities & qualities to the Mill.

Responsibilities

A steadfast commitment to safety and environmental stewardship,
• Responsible for safe, compliant, and efficient operation of: 1 - Kraft recovery boiler, 1 - biomass boiler, 2 - natural gas fired boilers, evaporator train, process water plant, boiler feedwater plant, and bark yard.
• Communicate and reinforcing the mill's running objectives, sustaining the highest operational quality and productivity levels
• Partner with maintenance to support the management of asset quality; ensuring the manufacturing reliability of equipment focusing on reducing and minimizing process downtime while implementing preventative maintenance in the area.
• Develop and use participative management skills, such as safety preventative measures, incident investigation and RCFA.
• Provide strong leadership by leading the initiative of safe work practices by championing new ideas, learning from events, communicating with the team and development of an empowered, highly motivated operational crew.
• Lead and develop operational crews in activities around quality and operational improvements; by clearly communicating expectations, enhancing operational knowledge, coaching successes, and opportunities, and coordinating with maintenance support to improve substandard facilities, and maintain a reliable and sustainable operation.
• Business unit responsibility for the Utilities Department
  • Develop annual operating budget and KPIs for department. P&L responsibility for department.
  • Maintain capital plan for department.
  • Lead efforts in talent acquisition and personnel development to include operator certification. Secure resources and foster atmosphere that drives sound decision making to the lowest level possible.
  • Serve as primary contact for outside utilities (gas, water, electricity).
  • Determine and forecast utility requirements: fuel (natural gas, bark), electricity, city water.
• Primary site contact for Arkansas Boiler Inspection Division

Qualifications

• A degree in Chemical Engineering is preferred, however, a degree in another engineering field, science, or experience in lieu of a degree may be considered.
• At least 10 years of progressively more practical and technical experience.
• Proven track record of successfully managing kraft recovery day-to-day operations.
• Extensive Kraft recovery boiler and black liquor evaporator experience is required.
• Experience leading with in a union environment is preferred.
• Detailed level of understanding and implementing FM Global, BLRBAC, and AF&PA recovery boiler operating and maintenance guidelines.
• Experience with managing gas-fired and hog fueled boilers.
• Experience managing industrial water treatment to include process water preparation and boiler water preparation.
• Experience managing and/or operating steam turbine generators and related power generation equipment is desired but not required.
• The ability to identify short- and long-range needs, prioritize these needs and develop a plan to meet these needs.
• While expertise in all aspects of power and utilities operations is vital, it is equally important that the successful candidate have a proven record of developing and implementing training within operational crews.
• Have a keen business acumen, combined with strong fiscal awareness and understanding -as it relates to cost control/reduction, particularly in response to immediate and critical operational decisions.
• In addition to a full complement of leadership skills - including the ability to lead teams in a union environment - it is also important for the Utilities Manager to bring knowledge of personnel development and maintenance coordination. Incorporating continuous improvement processes and best practices will be keys to the success of the Utilities Manager.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills and the ability to effectively deliver and reinforce consistent messages at all levels.
• Provide leadership to maintain and improve safe working conditions and maintaining good housekeeping practices.
• Possess a working knowledge of project management software such as Microsoft Project or Primavera.
• Possess a working knowledge of EAM software.

In addition to a competitive salary, the selected candidate will enjoy a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, prescription drug, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability and company matching 401(k).

The Arkansas Kraft Division is a fully integrated pulp and containerboard mill utilizing a sustainable combination of virgin fiber and recycled fiber to produce high quality kraft linerboard and corrugating medium.