Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Operations and Innovation Manager

Reports To: General Manager

The Operations and Innovation Manager is a key leadership role responsible for providing strategic and tactical oversight of critical operational teams, including Data Science, Automation Engineering, Group Data Science Management, and Project Management. This individual will drive operational excellence, efficiency, and innovation across these functions, ensuring alignment with the company's overall objectives and strategic direction. The Operations and Innovation Manager will foster a collaborative environment, mentor team leaders, and ensure the successful execution of projects and initiatives that enhance productivity, quality, and technological advancement within the organization. This role requires a strong leader with a blend of technical understanding, project oversight capabilities, and exceptional people management skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Other duties may be assigned)

• Strategic Operational Leadership:
  • Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and procedures to optimize performance across supervised departments (Data Science, Automation, Project Management).
  • Collaborate with the General Manager and other senior leaders to define operational goals and ensure they align with broader company objectives.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging data analytics, automation, and project management best practices to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Team Management and Development:
  • Provide direct leadership, mentorship, and development to the Group Data Science Manager, Lead Automation Engineer(s), and Senior Project Manager(s).
  • Foster a high-performance culture, promoting collaboration, innovation, and accountability within and across teams.
  • Oversee resource allocation, workload distribution, and performance management for the supervised departments, ensuring optimal team functioning and project execution.
  • Champion professional development and skill enhancement for team members.
• Oversight of Technical and Project Functions:
  • Ensure the effective management and execution of data science initiatives, from data collection and analysis to model development and deployment, in collaboration with the Group Data Science Manager.
  • Oversee the design, implementation, and optimization of automation solutions within manufacturing and other processes, guided by the Automation Engineering team.
  • Direct project management activities, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards, in conjunction with the Project Management team.
  • Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between the Data Science, Automation, and Project Management teams to maximize synergies and project success.
• Process Optimization and Innovation:
  • Identify opportunities for process improvements, technological advancements, and innovation within the supervised areas.
  • Champion the adoption of new technologies, including AI/ML, advanced automation, and data analytics tools, to drive operational benefits.
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Reporting:
  • Work closely with other departments (e.g., Engineering, Production, IT) to ensure seamless integration of projects and operational changes.
  • Provide regular, clear, and concise reports to the General Manager on operational performance, project status, challenges, and opportunities.
  • Represent the operational teams in senior leadership meetings and strategic discussions.
• Budget and Resource Management:
  • Develop and manage operational budgets for the supervised departments.
  • Ensure efficient use of resources, including personnel, technology, and capital expenditures.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Chemical), Business Administration, Operations Management, Computer Science, or a related field. A Master's degree (MBA or technical) is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in operations management, technical leadership, or project/program management, preferably in a manufacturing, industrial, or technology-driven environment.
• Proven experience leading and managing diverse technical teams, including those focused on data science, automation, and/or complex project execution.
• Demonstrated success in driving operational improvements, process optimization, and implementing new technologies.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies and best practices.
• Familiarity with data analytics, machine learning concepts, and automation technologies is highly desirable.
• Experience in the pulp and paper or related manufacturing industries is a plus.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex technical documents, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Exceptional ability to write clear, concise, and impactful reports, business correspondence, and strategic plans.
• Superior ability to communicate effectively and persuasively with all levels of the organization, including executive leadership, technical teams, and external stakeholders.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including the ability to work with financial data, statistical analysis, and operational metrics.
• Proficiency in applying concepts of algebra, statistics, and financial mathematics.

REASONING ABILITY:

• Exceptional problem-solving and critical thinking skills, with the ability to analyze complex situations, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions.
• Ability to make sound decisions in ambiguous or fast-paced environments.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to think long-term and anticipate future operational needs and challenges.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project).
• Familiarity with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Asana).
• General understanding of data analysis tools (e.g., Python, R, SQL, Seeq, dataParc), AI/ML platforms, and industrial automation systems (e.g., PLCs, SCADA, DCS).
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and software relevant to the role.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear.
• Employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the functions of this job.

• The primary work environment will be an office setting.
• Occasional exposure to manufacturing plant environments, which may include noise, moving mechanical parts, and varying temperatures.
• Travel as required to support various company locations, projects, and initiatives (estimate % if known, e.g., up to 20%).

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer/Veterans/Disabled.