Manufacturing Technical Operations Supervisor Fischer Paper Products is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Technical Operations Supervisor to lead technical support, workforce development, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives within our manufacturing operations. This role is ideal for an experienced manufacturing leader with strong technical knowledge of converting operations who enjoys solving problems, developing employees, and improving performance. The successful candidate will serve as a technical resource for operators and production teams while driving operational excellence, employee engagement, quality, safety, and productivity. The ideal candidate has experience in paper converting, printing, packaging, or roll-to-roll manufacturing environments and possesses a strong understanding of machine setup, process troubleshooting, operator development, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development:
Lead and supervise Technical Operations team members, including scheduling, coaching, performance management, and employee development.
Foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, engagement, and continuous improvement.
Partner with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and Leadership teams to achieve operational goals.
Mentor employees on project management principles and successful execution.
Drive workforce development, engagement, retention, and succession planning initiatives.
Promote employee recognition, communication, and a positive team environment.
Converting Technical Leadership & Manufacturing Support:
Serve as the primary technical resource and escalation point for converting operations.
Lead and support machine operators in equipment setup, startup, adjustments, troubleshooting, and changeovers.
Provide technical expertise in paper converting, printing processes, web handling systems, and manufacturing operations.
Support equipment and processes involving paper rolls, cylinders, inks, adhesives, coatings, printing systems, and converting machinery.
Troubleshoot complex production issues affecting quality, efficiency, machine performance, waste, and downtime.
Develop and implement best practices for machine setup, process control, operating procedures, and troubleshooting techniques.
Monitor machine performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, waste reduction, and overall equipment effectiveness.
Collaborate with Maintenance and Engineering teams to improve equipment reliability and operational performance.
Support new product launches, process improvements, customer requirements, and equipment implementation projects.
Training & Workforce Readiness:
Lead hands-on training for machine operators on equipment setup, troubleshooting, changeovers, and operational best practices.
Develop and implement onboarding programs and skills-based training plans for new hires.
Provide ongoing coaching to strengthen technical knowledge, equipment ownership, and problem-solving capabilities.
Drive cross-training initiatives to create a flexible and highly skilled workforce.
Identify skill gaps and create targeted employee development plans.
Support succession planning and career growth opportunities for production employees.
Promote a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing across all shifts.
Technical Support & Troubleshooting:
Serve as the primary escalation point for complex equipment, process, and production issues.
Diagnose and resolve technical challenges impacting safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.
Collaborate with Production and Maintenance teams to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.
Investigate recurring process issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.
Utilize root-cause analysis tools to resolve manufacturing challenges and improve long-term performance.
Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement:
Lead Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives from concept through implementation.
Utilize Lean Manufacturing principles and problem-solving methodologies to improve operational performance.
Analyze production metrics and identify opportunities to increase efficiency, improve quality, and reduce waste.
Implement corrective and preventive actions to support operational excellence.
Support new product introductions, process changes, equipment upgrades, and pilot runs.
Drive initiatives focused on productivity improvements, waste reduction, and cost savings.
Quality, Safety & Food Safety Compliance:- Ensure products consistently meet customer specifications and company quality standards.
- Partner with Quality teams to investigate non-conformances and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
- Enforce adherence to: Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
- Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) standards
- Company safety policies and procedures
- Promote a strong safety culture through active employee involvement and accountability.
Qualifications:
Required 5+ years of manufacturing, technical operations, production support, or converting experience.2+ years of supervisory or leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Experience leading teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Excellent communication, coaching, and employee development abilities.
Working knowledge of GMP and HACCP requirements.
Proficiency with production performance metrics and continuous improvement initiatives.
Preferred:
Experience in paper converting, flexographic printing, packaging, tissue, paper products, labels, or related manufacturing industries.
Strong technical knowledge of paper rolls, cylinders, inks, adhesives, coatings, slitting, rewinding, laminating, printing systems, and converting equipment.
Experience training machine operators and leading workforce development initiatives.
Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Kaizen, or Six Sigma experience.
Project management experience within a manufacturing environment.
Experience improving machine uptime, setup reduction, waste reduction, and operational efficiency.
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred but not required.
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field preferred.
Compensation & Benefits:- Competitive Salary
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Life and Disability Insurance 401(k) with Company MatchPaid Time Off and Paid Holidays
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Professional Development and Career Growth Opportunities
- Why Join Fischer Paper Products?
- At Fischer Paper Products, our employees are our greatest asset. We invest in our people, encourage innovation, and create opportunities for growth and advancement.
- As a Manufacturing Technical Operations Supervisor, you will:
- Make a direct impact on manufacturing performance and employee development.
- Lead meaningful technical and operational improvement projects.
- Help build the next generation of skilled operators and manufacturing leaders.
- Work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment where your expertise is valued.
- Play a key role in driving safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement.
- Grow your career with an organization committed to operational excellence and employee success.
- Ready to Make an Impact?
- Apply today and help shape the future of manufacturing operations through leadership, technical expertise, innovation, and continuous improvement at Fischer Paper Products.
