Production Manager - Stationery Manufacturing

To lead and manage all production activities within the paper conversion and stationery manufacturing facility. The role is primarily focused on overseeing the efficient transformation of raw paper into finished products such as reels, sheets, notepads, exercise books, envelopes, and other paper-based stationery. The incumbent is responsible for production planning, workflow optimization, quality control, safety compliance, and performance management to ensure operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Develop daily, weekly, and monthly production plans for paper conversion lines (e.g., slitting, sheeting, rewinding, cutting, folding) in alignment with sales forecasts and inventory needs.
• Coordinate scheduling of downstream processes for stationery manufacturing, ensuring availability of converted materials.
• Monitor production capacity and adjust plans to meet deadlines and fluctuating demand.

Paper Conversion Operations Management

• Oversee end-to-end paper conversion processes including:
• Reel to Sheet Cutting: Ensure accuracy of sizes, alignment, and trimming.
• Slitting & Rewinding: Supervise reel conversion into required widths and lengths.
• Folding & Binding: Oversee folding for products such as booklets and exercise books.
• Die Cutting & Finishing: Manage operations for specialty products like envelopes and folders.
• Ensure proper machine setup and changeovers to minimize downtime and maintain product quality.
• Continuously assess the performance of conversion equipment and lead efforts to reduce waste and improve yields.

Quality Assurance & Standards Compliance

• Enforce adherence to product specifications for all converted and manufactured items.
• Collaborate with the quality assurance team to implement quality control checkpoints during and after conversion processes.
• Investigate quality concerns and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to resolve recurring issues.
• Support customer-specific customization requirements such as special finishes, sizes, or branding.

Equipment and Maintenance Coordination

• Liaise with the maintenance team to ensure optimal functionality of conversion machinery (e.g., slitter rewinders, sheeters, flexo printers, and guillotines).
• Schedule regular preventive maintenance and calibrations to minimize breakdowns and production losses.
• Recommend equipment upgrades or process automation to improve efficiency and consistency.

 Inventory & Materials Management

• Monitor the usage of raw materials (e.g., jumbo reels, specialty paper, ink) and ensure proper reconciliation with output.
• Coordinate with procurement and stores to ensure timely availability of input materials and reduce stock-outs or overstocking.
• Track wastage and implement strategies to reduce scrap rates, especially during reel handling, slitting, and trimming.

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

• Promote a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.
• Conduct risk assessments related to paper handling, machine operations, and workplace ergonomics.
• Champion continuous safety training and awareness for production staff.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, motivate, and supervise a team comprising line supervisors, machine operators, and general workers.
• Implement shift rosters, training schedules, and performance management systems to enhance productivity.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration with the maintenance, quality, and supply chain teams.

Reporting & Performance Analysis

Track and report key operational metrics such as:

• Machine utilization
• Material yield and waste
• Output per line/operator
• Order fulfillment rates
• Prepare and present production performance reports, downtime analyses, and continuous improvement proposals.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Production Management, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 to 8 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 3 years in paper conversion or print/packaging operations.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of slitting, sheeting, folding, and finishing operations.
• Proven leadership in managing technical production teams in a fast-paced industrial setting.