Director, Mill Operations

Who we are. At Mercer International Inc., our vision of transforming biomass into bioproducts for a more sustainable world is being realised every day. We are a diversified global producer of forest products, bioproducts, and green electricity with operations in Canada, Germany and the United States. We have a consolidated annual production capacity of approximately 2.2 million tonnes of kraft pulp and 550 million board feet of softwood lumber.

What we believe. We believe that a culture of diversity and inclusion is critical in making the best decisions for our people and achieving sustainable business success. Together, we encourage, support, and celebrate the diverse voices of our employees. We strive to provide an inclusive culture by fostering an environment of mutual respect, fairness, and by providing opportunities to contribute and grow.

Position Description

Reporting to the Managing Director, the Director, the Director of Mill Operations is responsible for the overall strategic and operational performance of the mill facility, including production, process optimization, maintenance, safety, and environmental compliance. This role ensures that the mill operates efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively to meet production targets and maintain product quality standards. The Director leads all aspects of the mill’s operational team and drives continuous improvement initiatives across all departments.

Responsibilities

• Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring all employees prioritize and adhere to safety protocols.
• Drive for excellent execution of operations in all production areas of the mill.
• Ensure the efficient utilization of personnel resources in the production area.
• Ensure that production personnel are highly competent and engaged in the operation of the mill – trained, focused, accountable, involved and supported.
• Ensure a high level of compliance with all mill standards, expectations, policies, processes, and procedures in the production area.
• Ensure fair and consistent application of the CBA. Participate in joint-OH&S Committee, Standing Committee and Executive Council Meetings.
• Provide leadership and direction to all mill departments, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives.
• Manage the mill’s budget, including capital and operating expenditures, to optimize financial performance.
• Oversee all mill operations, with a strong focus on enhancing reliability and maximizing uptime.
• Lead initiatives to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations and company policies.
• Liaise with internal teams (e.g., finance, human resources, technical services) and external stakeholders (e.g., vendors, regulators, community members).
• Develop and mentor a high-performing team of direct reports and mill personnel.
• Oversee major projects, including maintenance shutdowns and capital improvements
• Accountable for the mill’s overall production output, cost performance, and safety record.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, pulp and paper science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in the pulp and paper industry, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or management role.
• Proven track record of success in improving operational reliability and efficiency.
• Experience managing teams of 50 or more employees across multiple departments.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience with budget management and cost control.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively.
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities and a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• A demonstrated commitment to health and safety in a heavy industrial setting.
• Experience in continuous improvement, process optimization, and efficiency.
• Familiarity with working in a unionized environment.

Salary & Benefits

• The salary for this position is $159,000- $239,000.00. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
• Pension and Benefits – We provide a competitive pension plan, with base contributions made by Mercer which can be supplemented with personal contributions matched by the company up to a certain %.
• Short term and long term incentive plans.
• Our group benefits package, which has no waiting period, includes extended health and dental benefits.
• Flexible work schedule available.

The competition will remain open until we find the right candidate to join our team.