Operations Manager

About Us:

Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, contributing to a better world by developing and producing products that are sustainable by design. Sustainability is at the heart of our strategy and intrinsic to the way we do business, which enables us to offer a broad range of innovative solutions for consumer and industrial end-use applications. We are a truly global team, with our 24,000 people working across 100+ production sites in more than 30 countries, united by our common purpose. Join us at Mondi, where we strive to make a positive impact through responsible business practices and continuous innovation in packaging and paper solutions.

Summary:

The Operations Manager is accountable for the end‑to‑end performance of manufacturing operations at a paper bag manufacturing site of approximately 200 employees, with primary focus on printing and converting processes.

The role ensures that production is executed safely, efficiently, consistently, and profitably, while maintaining high standards of quality, service, and people leadership. The position requires a deep understanding of paper packaging manufacturing, strong plant-floor leadership, and the ability to manage operations with full business ownership mindset.

Job Functions:

Operational Ownership & Product Execution:

1. Own full responsibility for daily, weekly, and monthly production performance across printing and converting operations
2. Translate customer demand and business priorities into clear, executable production plans
3. Maintain a strong hands‑on presence on the shop floor, actively leading problem-solving and decision-making
4. Ensure stable operations through effective staffing, shift management, and adherence to operating standards

Safety, Health & Environmental Leadership:

1. Lead safety as a non-negotiable operational priority
2. Ensure compliance with all occupational safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, as per Mondi guidelines, OHSAS and local regulations
3. Actively lead safety reviews, risk assessments, and incident investigations, ensuring corrective actions are sustained

Performance Management & Continuous Improvement:

1. Own and continuously improve key manufacturing KPIs, including:
   1. Safety performance
   2. OEE, throughput, downtime, waste, scrap, and rework
   3. Labor productivity and conversion cost
2. Lead structured performance routines (daily management, tier meetings, weekly reviews)
3. Drive a culture of data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement, applying lean and root cause methodologies
4. Ensure operational processes are standardized, documented, and consistently applied across shifts

Cross-Functional Manufacturing Leadership:

1. Work closely with the Maintenance Manager to:
   1. Align maintenance strategies with production needs
   2. Improve equipment reliability and reduce unplanned downtime
2. Collaborate with the Services Manager to:
   1. Ensure material availability and realistic production scheduling
   2. Optimize inventory levels and service performance
3. Partner with the Quality Manager to:
   1. Ensure quality standards are embedded into daily operations
   2. Lead effective response to quality deviations and customer issues
4. Act as the primary operational integrator, aligning priorities and resolving trade-offs across functions

People Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness:

1. Lead and develop production management and supervisory teams in a non-unionized environment
2. Build a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous development
3. Ensure clear communication of objectives, expectations, and performance feedback
4. Actively manage performance, address gaps, and develop talent within operations

Financial & Cost Management:

1. Own manufacturing cost performance, including labor efficiency, waste, and operating expenses
2. Develop strong understanding of full site cost structure and conversion economics
3. Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and operational cost reviews
4. Identify, prioritize, and deliver cost reduction and productivity initiatives aligned with business priorities

Strategic & Site-Level Contribution:

1. Translate company and commercial strategy into operational actions and priorities
2. Balance short-term execution with long-term process stability and capability building
3. Take timely, well-structured decisions to protect safety, service, quality, and cost performance
4. Contribute actively to site leadership discussions and cross-functional initiatives

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coach, guide, and develop direct reports, create meaningful feedback discussions that support and enhance employee success
• Develop and implement team succession plans, training and development
• Provide direct supervision of team and drive accountability
• Drive performance of staff through finding motivating factors, creating inspiration for your team, and providing resources to help them be successful
• Drive regular communication with your team to create organizational awareness and transparency
• Ability to self-direct activities, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and work in a changing environment with strong problem-solving skills
• Be an example for your team

Your Profile:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or equivalent experience
• Minimum 10 years of manufacturing experience, with significant tenure in packaging environments (paper bags, sacks, corrugated, paper mills, folding cartons, flexibles -or similar)
• Demonstrated success managing complex operations with strong safety, quality, cost, and service focus
• Knowledge of continuous improvement tools (5S, DMS, 6 Sigma, among others)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, SAP, and MES necessary
•  Deep technical and operational expertise in any packaging manufacturing
• Strong shop-floor leadership and decision-making ability
• Business and financial acumen applied to operations
• Ability to lead through influence across functions
• Structured, data-driven problem-solving
• Clear communicator with a pragmatic, results-oriented mindset
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Our Offer:

• Comprehensive base salary
• Full Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
• 401k Retirement Savings Plan, fully vested and company match
• An interesting job within the packaging & paper industry
• Opportunities for professional growth

Get in touch:

We strive to create a culture that inspires our people to reach their full potential. Going the extra mile – for colleagues and customers – our people drive our passion for performance and are the key ingredient of Mondi’s success. Be part of our future. 

Do you want to know more about Mondi? We are a global leader in packaging and paper, contributing to a better world through innovative solutions that are sustainable by design. Our global team of 24,000 people works across 100 production sites in more than 30 countries.

Our strength lies in our diversity. We are dedicated to creating a team that reflects the diversity of the world we operate in. We encourage applications from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, visible minorities, LGBTQI+ individuals, and people with disabilities. Even if you don't meet all the listed qualifications, we still want to hear from you. We believe in your potential and are committed to supporting you as you grow and learn at Mondi. If you need any accommodations during the recruitment process, please reach out to the contact person listed above.

Only CVs uploaded onto our online career platform will be taken into consideration. With your application, you will be redirected to our recruiting platform. After creating an account, you will receive an activation link. If you do not find the email in your inbox, please check your spam folder or add the address no-reply@mondigroup.com to your “safe list” or address book.