Operations Manager

Location: Wapakoneta, OH

Company: Pratt Paper (OH), LLC

Reports To: General Manager

Pratt Paper (OH), LLC is seeking an experienced, visionary Operations Manager to lead production operations at our state-of-the-art mill in Wapakoneta, Ohio. Operating an impressive 1,100 TPD paper machine producing high-grade linerboard and corrugated medium—alongside an advanced process wastewater pretreatment facility—our Wapak Mill is a cornerstone of Pratt’s manufacturing footprint.

As Operations Manager, you will serve as a primary operational catalyst across all departments. Reporting directly to the General Manager, you will drive continuous improvement across safety, quality, waste reduction, productivity, repair & maintenance, shipping/warehousing, and staff development. If you excel at transforming operational data into root-cause solutions and leading teams through technical and operational transformations, this is your opportunity to shape the future of our plant.

Oversee full-facility production to uphold top-tier safety, quality, and output standards while maximizing profitability, tonnage, and equipment uptime.

Drive plant-wide efficiency initiatives, focusing on energy reduction, mill operational cost control, and specialty chemical optimization.

Maintain world-class safety and housekeeping standards across the plant while fostering continuous skill transfer and knowledge sharing with non-exempt team members.

Lead preparations for monthly and annual shutdowns, collaborating closely on capital planning, budget adherence, and financial analysis.

Evaluate and implement emerging manufacturing trends, modern production techniques, safety innovations, and workforce development strategies.

Bachelor of Science in Pulp & Paper Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent real-world manufacturing leadership experience.

At least 20 years of manufacturing experience across paper mill environments preferred.

Advanced command of papermaking, process engineering, and plant operations, including Raw Materials, Stock Prep & Water Systems, Approach Flow, Vacuum Systems, Fourdrinier table management, pressing equipment, and size press systems.

Demonstrated ability to perform root-cause analysis, mechanical/electrical/chemical troubleshooting, waste-reduction leadership, and executive reporting.

Proven track record as a composed, highly effective crisis leader who maintains emotional control and clear direction under adverse conditions.

Professional verbal and written English communication skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and the ability to present complex technical data clearly.

Preferred Experience: Hands-on exposure to multiple paper machines, stock preparation systems, or pulp mills. Experience spanning both legacy mills (pre-1990s) and modern facilities (2000–present). Background in high-mixed waste recycling, international operations, paper machine start-ups, or capital project/machine design for major upgrades.

Active paper mill environment with regular exposure to moving mechanical parts, wet/humid conditions, loud noise levels, and occasional heights or airborne particles.

Frequently required to walk, stand, climb ladders, bend, kneel, and lift/move up to 50 pounds. Standard industrial vision acuity (depth perception, color vision, peripheral vision) is required.

Willingness to wear all required PPE (safety glasses, earplugs, steel-toe shoes, gloves) and full compliance with OSHA, EEO, wage/hour, and environmental standards.

Post-offer drug screening, background check, physical exam, I-9/E-Verify, and reference checks required.