Paper Mill Department Manager

USG is an industry-leading manufacturer of building products and innovative solutions. For over 125 years, Chicago-based USG has developed award-winning wall, ceiling, flooring, sheathing, and roofing products that enable customers to build outstanding spaces where people live, work, and play. With over 9,000 employees across North America and operations around the world, we are steadfastly committed to our core values: safety, innovation, quality, integrity, service, diversity, and efficiency.

We’re big enough that our professionals have the resources to make a difference, yet small enough that you’re not just a number. You’ll work on key initiatives and build strong relationships across the company that will position USG for growth into the future.

USG offers work-life balance, specialist and general/managerial career paths, promotion from within, exceptional benefits, and incredible long-term career opportunities for the right professional. Each year, we have hundreds of employees who celebrate milestone anniversaries with us.

Provides strategic leadership and overall management to the Otsego Paper Mill Department. Ensures safe, efficient, and effective operations aligned with USG's safety, quality, and production objectives.

• Oversee daily operations of the paper mill, ensuring alignment with company objectives for safety, quality, production, and cost.
• Drive a comprehensive safety and housekeeping culture, maintaining strict safety standards and continuous improvement across all processes.
• Lead and motivate department personnel, fostering a high-performance culture through robust training, coaching, and development programs.
• Partner with cross-functional teams—including manufacturing, engineering, technical services, research, sales, and customers—to ensure the delivery of products that meet defined specifications and customer expectations.
• Oversee capital, maintenance, and infrastructure projects to maintain and upgrade equipment and facilities, ensuring consistent reliability and performance.
• Implement process improvements and technological advancements to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness.
• Develop and maintain a strong succession plan for all leadership positions within the mill.
• Actively support and drive initiatives across USG programs such as RPM, LSS, Capital Projects, Safety Model, cost reduction, and quality improvement.

• Operates on a 4-shift schedule, producing all grades of manila and newslined products that supply 55-65% of USG's paper requirements.
• Team structure: 2 Production General Foremen, 4 Shift Foremen, 4 Lead Supervisors, and 64 hourly personnel.

• Champion safety programs and ensure a culture of safety and housekeeping excellence.
• Oversee the quality program, driving continuous improvement in process consistency and product uniformity.
• Meet or exceed all production and cost targets while maximizing team effectiveness, morale, and productivity.
• Comply with all EEO requirements and promote an inclusive, respectful workforce.
• Ensure the paper mill’s operational readiness through proactive maintenance and capital investment.
• Maintain high standards for training, talent development, and succession planning.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Paper Science, or related field required.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to engage and motivate a diverse workforce.
• Exceptional communication, decision-making, and employee relations abilities.
• Deep knowledge of safety programs, with a commitment to drive innovative improvements in safety and housekeeping.
• Demonstrated problem-solving acumen and the ability to make timely, sound decisions.
• Strategic, forward-thinking mindset…