OCC Superintendent

The OCC Superintendent leads the day-to-day operations of the Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) processing department in a high-volume paper mill. This role ensures reliable, efficient supply of high-quality recycled fiber to the paper machines by managing OCC receiving, bale handling, pulping, contaminant removal, screening, cleaning, and stock preparation processes. The position drives operational excellence, including safety performance, environmental compliance, production targets, cost management, and continuous improvement in a unionized, 24/7 manufacturing setting typical of recycled paper production.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of OCC operations, including receiving, unloading, sorting, and inspecting incoming OCC bales to ensure quality specifications (e.g., minimal contaminants like wax, plastic, or prohibited materials) and compliance with mill standards.
• Manage the OCC pulping line, including repulpers, high-consistency pulpers, coarse/fine screening, cleaning systems (forward/reverse cleaners), flotation/de-inking if applicable, thickening, and dispersion processes to produce clean, consistent recycled furnish.
• Lead shift supervisors, operators, and maintenance teams to achieve daily/weekly production goals for OCC throughput, furnish quality, and uptime while minimizing fiber loss, downtime, and off-spec production.
• Monitor and optimize key performance indicators (KPIs) such as OCC consumption rates, yield, energy usage, chemical consumption, furnish brightness/strength, and contaminant removal efficiency.
• Collaborate with procurement, quality control, and paper machine teams to forecast OCC needs, adjust processing based on grade changes, and resolve issues impacting furnish quality or machine runnability.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols, lockout/tagout, permitting, and mill safety rules; lead incident investigations, safety audits, and training to maintain zero-harm performance.
• Drive environmental compliance, including wastewater treatment impacts from OCC processing, effluent limits, air emissions, and sustainability practices (e.g., maximizing recycled fiber use).
• Develop and manage the department budget, identify cost-saving opportunities (e.g., reducing chemical usage or improving yield), and participate in capital project planning for OCC line upgrades or expansions.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives, such as lean manufacturing, root cause analysis, and process optimization to enhance efficiency and reduce variability in recycled fiber production.
• Prepare reports on operational metrics, production variances, and improvement plans; present to mill leadership and support union relations through fair labor practices and communication.
• Cover for other superintendents or managers as needed and participate in mill-wide initiatives.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Paper Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Pulp and Paper Technology, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience in pulp/paper manufacturing will be considered.
• Experience:
  • 5–10+ years in pulp and paper operations, with at least 3–5 years in supervisory or leadership roles.
  • Direct experience in recycled fiber/OCC processing lines, including pulping, screening, cleaning, and stock prep in a containerboard or recycled paper mill.
  • Proven track record in unionized environments and managing shift-based, continuous operations.
• Skills and Competencies:
  • Strong technical knowledge of OCC/recycled fiber processes, equipment (e.g., pulpers, screens, cleaners, bale breakers), and troubleshooting.
  • Excellent leadership, team-building, and communication skills; ability to motivate crews and resolve conflicts.
  • Analytical mindset with proficiency in data analysis, root cause problem-solving, and KPI tracking.
  • Familiarity with ERP/MES systems, process control software, and Microsoft Office (especially Excel for reporting).
  • Commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and quality in a regulated industry.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment with on-call responsibilities.
• Preferred:
  • APICS, Six Sigma, or similar certification.
  • Experience with Valmet, Andritz, or other OCC line technologies.
  • Knowledge of regulatory requirements (e.g., EPA effluent guidelines for recycled mills).

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with frequent presence on the mill floor in OCC receiving, pulping, and wet-end areas.
• Must be able to walk, climb stairs/ladders, wear PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed boots), and occasionally lift up to 40 lbs.
• Exposure to industrial noise, heat, humidity, dust, and chemicals typical of a paper mill.
• May require shift work, weekends, holidays, or on-call availability for operational issues.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience 
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off, holidays, and gain share bonuses.
• Professional development opportunities in the pulp and paper industry.

This role is essential for mills relying on recycled OCC as a fiber source, contributing directly to sustainable, cost-effective production of containerboard and packaging grades. Qualified candidates should apply with a resume highlighting recycled fiber or OCC-specific experience.

IND26